Validation of the German river typology with benthic invertebrates

The WFD demands for a stream type-specific and reference based assessment of rivers with Biological Quality Elements (e.g. benthic invertebrates).

Aims of the project were:

• Descriptions of reference conditions with the benthic invertebrate fauna

• Validation of the a-priori typology according to Schmedtje et al. (2001) with the benthic invertebrate fauna

Reference conditions are described as taxa lists, reference values for metrics and reference rivers.

In general, the a-priori typology was supported by the biological data.

Further information is provided by the final report of the project „Validation of the German river typology [...]“.

Schmedtje, U., M. Sommerhäuser, U. Braukmann, E. Briem, P. Haase & D. Hering (2001): Top down - bottom up -Konzept einer biozönotisch begründeten Fließgewässertypologie. DGL-Tagungsbericht 2000: 147-151.