Activities: Lakes and Watercourses

Environmental monitoring and quality-assured data
The environmental monitoring programmes have been adapted to meet the requirements laid down in the EC Water Framework Directive. This has mostly entailed expanding the biological elements, one result of which has been a new programme for periphytonic algae in watercourses. SLU's role as national data host for lakes and watercourses is supplemented continuously with chemical and biological data from the regional programmes. SLU is also engaged in environmental monitoring of spawning migratory salmon communities in the Umeälven river and the river Sävarån.

Models and tools
SLU develops and maintains models and tools for assessments under the EC Water Framework Directive. These include new environmental quality criteria for classification of surface water status. Indicators of biodiversity and physical impact in watercourses are being developed and tested. The SLU model for source distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus flows in watercourses - the "Fyris" model - is being further developed in cooperation with the Eutrohication Programme.

Analysis and export support
SLU provides expert support to central agencies primarily engaged in work under the EC Water Framework Directive and other EC directives on water. We have recently broadened our expertise in the field of species determination and analysis of periphytonic algae.