Biological methods for inland surface waters

The EU’s Water Frame Directive (WFD) 2000/60/CE requires all surface water bodies have to be classified according to their ecological status. The assessment of ecological status is based on the analysis of the communities of different biological components: Diatoms, Macrophytes, Benthic Invertebrates and Fishes.
The implementation of this Directive in Italy, through the publication of Legislative Decree 152/2006 and subsequent decrees, ensure an ecological approach oriented to sustainable development and integrated management of water resources.
This guide includes protocols for sampling and analysis of different biological and physico-chemical elements of inland surface water.

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