RE189 Experimental methods in the assessment and monitoring of rivers: benefits, limitations and integration with field surveys

Regional Environmental Publications 189, 42 pages. URN:ISBN:9521108029. The publication is available also in printed form ISBN 952-11-0802-9.

• electronic version, AY189 Experimental methods in the assessment and monitoring of rivers: benefits, limitations and integration with field surveys.pdf (341 Kb)

Abstract

Investigators conducting biomonitoring in running waters are faced with the difficult task of choosing the most suitable approach for a specific problem. Individual approaches rank differently with respect to three basic goals: (i) precision, (ii) realism and (iii) generality. As there is no all-purpose approach maximizing all three goals simultaneously, the priorities set by the investigator, issues of scale, statistical power and target variables will influence the final choice. This report outlines the strengths and weaknesses associated with the most prominent approaches used in biomonitoring of rivers. Many situations (e.g. toxic spills) will require the use of field assessment designs. Various BACI- designs (Before After Control Impact) are described in detail in this report. To be applicable, however, these designs require pre- and post-impact monitoring of the target and the control systems. In practice, pre-impact data are often missing, which in most cases makes the use of powerful BACI designs impossible. Methods to substitute missing pre-impact data through random time series are discussed. Finally, this report presents three examples of biomonitoring case studies and examines the solutions used in these studies to solve biomonitoring problems.

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