AZTI- Tecnalia researchers involved in the development of a new method for evaluating the quality of phytoplankton in estuaries of the Basque Country , according to the European Water Framework Directive . This innovative approach is reflected in the latest issue of Journal of Marine Research.

Since 2002 , within the context of European Water Framework Directive (DMA ) has been applying the method of Ifremer , with modifications, to evaluate the quality of phytoplankton in estuaries of the Basque Country . This method , which derives from a tool for assessing water quality for shellfish , has certain limitations for the DMA, because the method is aimed at protecting public health, while the DMA is focused on quality of ecosystems.

Therefore, during the intercalibration exercise of the DMA that occurred in 2009 , experts from Asturias , Cantabria and the Basque Country , led from AZTI -TecnaliaAgreed on a new method for assessment of phytoplankton in the transitional waters of northern Spain .

The study , published in the Journal of Marine ResearchCompares the previous method (Ifremer -modified ) with the new method, using a series of recent data collected in 12 major estuaries of the Basque Country . It also measures the consistency between the rankings resulting from eutrophication and the risk posed by such estuaries, taking into account the anthropogenic pressure and hydrographic conditions , physical and chemical .

The result shows that the new method is more effective for classifying water bodies in relation to their risk of eutrophication. This new method includes indicators based on biomass ( chlorophyll a ) and frequency of blooms . However, the study concludes, still need further investigation of indicators based on the composition of the phytoplankton community, to fully meet the requirements of the WFD.

Translation: scienceknowledge.org

Comparte este contenido: