4602 Bioindicators

Prerequisites

Knowledge of Office software package.

Aquatic ecology

Course Objectives

To become familiar with plant and animal groups used as bioindicators in aquatic ecosystems.

· To understand and appreciate the relevance and characteristics of bioindicators. The principal types of bioindicators.

· To know and identify groups of bioindicators used in water quality studies.

· Be able to select the most appropriate bioindicator, with particular reference to application in the WFD

Learning Methods

By e-learning: virtual classes and exercises (theoretical and practical). However, demonstration of sampling methods/treatments should be presented with other courses previously mentioned.

Course Description

Theory

· Introduction to bioindicators: Definition, principles of bioindication. Advantage/Disadvantage. Historical perspectives.

· Types of bioindicators: bioindicator, biomarker, biosensor, ecological indicator. Bioindication /biomonitoring.

· Characteristics of bioindicators. How should we choose them?

· Different organisms (groups/species) used as bioindicators for inland waters ecosystems: (biology, ecology, physiology)
Planktonic bioindicators: bacteria, microalgae, fungi, macroorganims
Benthic bioindicators: bacteria, mosses, microalgae, plant, macroinvertebrate, fish and other animals.

· Collection, sorting and preservation of bioindicators. Guidance for routine sampling and analyses of bioindicators.

· Approaches, biological assessment systems and methods (bioassays, biotests, scores, indexes, statistical background of given method etc.).

· The WFD and its requirements. World wide perspective in use of bioindicators.

Practical

· Identification of aquatic organisms.

· Use of equipments for sampling and measurements including preservation and storage.

· Practical exercises in collaboration with other courses.

· Discussion of case study.

Links:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/water/index.html

http://www.eu-star.at

http://river.bio.auth.gr/labrivers

http://www.epa.gov/ost/biocriteria/basics/

http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/stream_class/

http://www.esd.ornl.gov/programs/bioindicators/

http://river.bio.auth.gr./river/

http://www.bayern.de/lfw/technik/gkd/lmn/fliessgewaesser_seen/pilot/welcome.htm

http://www.aqem.de/

Assessment Methods

a. Written examinations

The written examinations will be answered on-line by all students at the same time. The exams will be prepared with multiple-choice test and long answer questions. Score will be calculated assuming the credit load of each module.

b. Practical examination

The practical examination will be prepared using photographs (about communities to determine and protocols) and exercises about comments/suggestions/correction concerning different case studies.

Pensum