Towards Integrated Chemical and Biological Monitoring

Abstract

The monitoring programme of the Public Works Department of the Netherlands has recently been updated and now comprises measurements in water, suspended particulate matter, biota and sediments. Recently, a programme including biological parameters has been developed and implemented. Some examples of results of long-time monitoring series are given. The ‘amoeba' concept has been developed for presentation of biological monitoring results. In addition, biological effects techniques can be used. Chemical monitoring in different compartments and biological monitoring should be complementary to make a proper assessment of the environmental quality possible. This integrated monitoring is reflected in the ecoplot concept. In the international monitoring programmes this approach of integrated chemical and biological monitoring is also incorporated. To achieve integrated monitoring on a large scale optimization of efforts is necessary, with special attention to quality assurance. Quality management covers the whole process from definition of the objectives for monitoring, optimization of the validity of the data to the reporting of the results.