Learning outcomes

Interpreting ecological and physicochemical databases. Calculate and interpret indices to determine the ecological status of a water body based on these data Present research results in French and discuss them with peers. To have a critical eye on the indices used and deduce their advantages/disadvantages.

Goals

Use biological and physico-chemical survey data to estimate the ecological status of a surface water Apply the different physico-chemical and macro-invertebrate indices to quantify the ecological status of surface water and understand the disparity of the indices used. Interpret, report and discuss the evolution of the ecological status of a surface water.

Content

The classical effects of pollution (pollution, organic, eutrophication, thermal pollution) on the aquatic environment, as well as the processing of databases to quantify the ecological status of surface waters.

Table of contents

Introduction: Definitions, literature review, course motivation

Application 1: Macroinvertebrates

Application 2: Fish

Exercices

The practical sessions of the course are divided into three main stages of work:


  • Description of the indices used to estimate the quality of Belgian rivers;
  • Analysis of the evolution of these indices within the framework of the Walphy project (hydromorphological restoration of a Walloon river);
  • Comparison of the indices used and identification of their strengths and weaknesses.

The practicals are therefore organized as follows:

First practical session:


  • Introduction and presentation of the organization of the practicals;
  • Discussion: what makes a “good” quality index?
  • Reading of the protocols relating to the different indices;
  • Answers to the questions “Methodology and hypotheses.”

Second practical session:


  • Evolution of the indices within the framework of the Walphy project;
  • Answers to the questions “Interpretations.”

Third practical session:


  • Comparison of indices based on the same type of data;
  • Discussion and conclusion: what makes a “good” quality index?
  • Group presentations of the indices: methodology, interpretations, and comparisons.


Teaching methods

Ex-cathedra Seminars given by invited experts Combination of pre-recorded seminars and question and answer sessions. Bilateral contacts between groups and experts. Group work.

Assessment method

The assessment of the course is based on :

1. Presentations during the module (25%)

2. An oral examination, open course, covering (40%): Questions discussed in the theory classes and communicated to students in advance; The presentations made during the module.

3. Active participation of students in the course (25%);

4. Their degree of professionalism (10%).

Sources, references and any support material

Several scientific papers


PowerPoint slides


All these materials can be found on WebCampus

Language of instruction

French