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Showing papers in "Biology and Environment-proceedings of The Royal Irish Academy in 2009"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the suitability of existing diatom-based metrics for assessing ecological status, as required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), rather than developing new methods is assessed.
Abstract: Most member states of the EU have chosen to use existing diatom-based metrics for assessment of ecological status, as required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), rather than develop new methods. In this paper we assess the suitability of such methods in light of the requirements of the normative definitions of ecological status. In particular, we focus on the rationale for the placement of ecological-status boundaries. As the WFD defines ecological status in terms of the 'structure and functioning' of aquatic ecosystems, we interpret changes in the diatom assemblage in light of changes in entire phytobenthos. Whilst we believe that analysis of diatom assemblages is a sensible approach to developing a first generation of WFD-compatible tools, bearing in mind tight deadlines and limited budgets, the potential of non-diatoms should not be ignored when developing future methods.

53 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the status assessment of waterbodies in Ireland has been carried out using seven biological element descriptors, and new biological classification systems have been developed for seven biological elements descriptors to ensure comparability of results across EU member states.
Abstract: To assist in the status assessment of waterbodies in Ireland, new biological classification systems have been developed for seven biological element descriptors. These classification systems have been intercalibrated to ensure comparability of results across EU member states. Boundaries between high and good status and between good and moderate status have been established for each biological element parameter, all of which are consistent with the definitions in the Water Framework Directive. New standards developed for physico-chemical parameters, 16 relevant pollutants and 46 priority substances, which will replace existing standards, are set out.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been the catalyst for a considerable amount of data collection, analysis and research, covering a wide range of physical and biological characteristics as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been the catalyst for a considerable amount of data collection, analysis and research, covering a wide range of physical and biological characteristics and involving a wide range of scientific, social and management-related disciplines. This paper starts with a short description of the discipline of hydrology and then identifies the main hydro logical aspects of work for the WFD, noting their ecological significance. It also provides some idea of the range of organisations and disciplines involved in the work and of the links between them. Of particular significance is the degree of cooperation between river basin districts in setting up working groups for special studies, helping to avoid overlaps in research.

6 citations