European aquatic ecological assessment methods: A critical review of their sensitivity to key pressures.

摘要: The European Union has embarked on a policy which aims to achieve good ecological status in all surface waters (i.e. rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters). In theory, assessment methods should address the effects of relevant human pressures. this study, we analyze degree countries use assess tackle various pressures affecting waters. Nutrient pollution is by far best-covered pressure for four water categories. Out total 423 methods, 370 eutrophication pressure-specific relationships have been demonstrated 212 these. "General degradation" addressed 238 mostly validated combined indices. Other major received significantly less effort: hydromorphological degradation assessed 160 just 40 Hydromorphological are (at least one BQE) only 25% 70-80% lakes Specific diagnostic tools single-pressure relationships) hydromorphology developed few countries: 20% such than half rivers. Toxic contamination 90 methods; however, eight Only two acidification three lakes. summary, currently and/or general degradation, but there not much evidence that they reliably pick up other significant as or toxic contamination. Therefore, recommend re-examine: (1) those affect different categories country; (2) pressures; (3) whether pressure-response each