Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring

In order to manage aquatic ecosystems effectively, physical, chemical and biological information needs to be collected, analysed, interpreted and reported on. The selection and application of appropriate methods in relation to their anticipated use is crucial for the assessment of the water quality in groundwaters and freshwater surface water bodies.The design and evaluation of water quality monitoring networks in relation to the set objectives is analysed for surface water and groundwater. At the same time, the interconnection between the surface and groundwaters as well as the spatial and temporal variation of their water quality is taken into consideration in order to understand and manage the influence of different factors such as inputs of (treated) wastewaters and agricultural drainage. Finally, special attention is given to the report of the water quality assessment and monitoring results with the use of appropriate statistical tools for the interpretation and presentation of large data sets that will form the base for the development of pollution prevention and management strategies.

Through exercises participants will become familiar with data analysis, while through the use of case studies they will gain insight on how to appropriately design a monitoring network. They are then asked to apply their knowledge by designing a monitoring network plan for their country.