A new definition of Minimum Sustainable Flow based on water quality modelling and fuzzy processing

摘要: Water resources in temperate and Mediterranean regions are increasingly scarce water authorities need efficient criteria for the management of this precious commodity, guaranteeing an amount which ensures preservation aquatic life. This minimal discharge is referred to as Minimum Sustainable Flow (MSF) has been subject many differing definitions contexts. Gradually purely hydraulic definition, very popular past, given way more comprehensive indicators taking into account river ecosystem, fish particular, leading methods such IFIM (Instream Incremental Methodology). The drawback approach that it requires extensive field measurements localized space. paper presents extension IFIM, extending its validity from microhabitat macrohabitat introducing several quality parameters. From methodological viewpoint, new MSF definition based on a Sugeno fuzzy inferential system, enhancing system flexibility producing environmental scenarios. As example method applied middle-lower course Arno river, flowing central Italy, showing better able detect critical situations than conventional approach.