Applying the biological indicators into the effects assessment of river regulation on the aquatic plants communities

Abstract

This study aims to examine the possibility of using biological indicators, to assess the impact of regulatory works on aquatic plant communities. In addition, it will also conduct an assessment of changes to indicators over time, following works. The analysis focused on the impact of regulatory works on the qualitative composition of aquatic plant communities, as well as parameters of the river bed and its coastal (littoral) zone. The study finds that several biological indicators can function as a measure of impact in relation to regulatory works. These indicators are the number of species, the degree of bottom coverage, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, the Pielou equality indicator and the species shortage indicator. This study concludes that river regulation can affect aquatic flora, and that the above listed biological indicators may be useful in assessing levels of impact.