International cooperation

The project builds on a long-term cooperation between the Czech Geological Survey and The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) in acidification and eutrophication of surface waters. The aim of the collaboration is to extend the research on the relationship between abiotic environmental factors (chemical composition of surface water - water quality) and the diversity of bioindicating groups in defining the ecological status of running waters, as defined in the European Directive on water (Water Framework Directive).

Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)

Non-profit scientific institution residing in Oslo (Norway), focused on applied research in aquatic ecosystems, including technical adjustments, legislation support and social aspects of the impact of pollution or climate change on society. It is strong, entrenched institution with high international reputation, particularly in the area of acidification, eutrophication and research of the impact of global change on aquatic ecosystems.

NIVA will be carried out the phytobenthos monitoring as indicators of the ecological status of rivers. The composition of phytobenthos is an effective bioindikative means to detect the ecological status and degree of acidity of the environment using non-diatomaceus species of benthic algae. They are particularly suitable for establishing the nutrient levels of water (i. e. periphyton index of trophic status PIT) and the rate of acidification (acidification index periphyton AIP). The objective is to evaluate the dependence of the composition of benthic communities of phytoplankton diversity on water chemistry and these dependencies will be used to estimate future changes in the diversity of primary producers and determine which direction the ecological status of the examined catchment will develop.