Ecological threshold responses in European lakes and their applicability for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) implementation: synthesis of lakes results from the REBECCA project

• DOI: 10.1007/s10452-008-9188-5
• Publication Date: 2008-04-22T00:15:12Z
• Authors: Anne Lyche Solheim; Seppo Rekolainen; S. Jannicke Moe; Laurence Carvalho; Geoff Phillips; Robert Ptacnik; W. Ellis Penning; Laszlo G. Toth; Constance O’Toole; Ann-Kristin L. Sc...; Trygve Hesthagen
• Keywords: Water Framework Directive; Ecological indicator

The objective of this synthesis is to present the key messages and draw main conclusions from work on lakes in REBECCA project, pointing out their links theoretical ecology applicability for WFD implementation. Type-specific results were obtained analyses large pan-European datasets phytoplankton, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates fish, indicators relationships showing impact eutrophication or acidification these biological elements constructed. thresholds identified many response curves are well suited setting ecological status class boundaries can be applied intercalibration classification systems. Good phytoplankton (chrysophytes, cyanobacteria) macrophytes (isoetids charaphytes) responses identified, level pressure needed reach was quantified. Several existing metrics developed had low comparability need further harmonisation useful For macroinvertebrates, a number rivers turned less describe lake acidification, whereas other species based more promising. All showed different types according alkalinity humic substances, also partly depth. Better monitoring methods achieve better precision dose–response curves. Future research should include impacts hydromorphological pressures climate change, as predictions timelags involved reduction pressures.