Statistical Eco-Indexes for Estimation of Changes in Ecological State of Natural Waters Due to Anthropogenic Impact and Climate Change

Abstract

Natural waters are characterised by numerous hydrochemical and hydrobiological parameters that strongly vary in space and time. To highlight the basic features of ecological state of a water body, and to trace its temporal evolution, we integrate information on different parameters measured in different units into statistical integral eco-indexes. The method offers the possibility to reliably assess water quality in water bodies or parts thereof. In this paper, the method involved is presented in terms of sanitary-microbiological and hydrochemical indexes by the example of the River Biferno (Molise, Italy). Eco-indexes are proved to be efficient and reliable instruments for tracing the state of the water ecosystem as dependent on anthropogenic and natural impacts, including those caused by climatic factors. They can be used, in particular, for analysing data from long-term observations - to detect historical trends and to give statistical forecasts. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.