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Characterization of the ecological status of the Iberian Mediterranean rivers through the IBMWP index (former BMWP')

Abstract:

Using baseline data obtained during the first phase (1999-2001) of the project GUADALMED, we examined the applicability of the IBMWP (Iberian Bio-monitoring Working Party; former BMWP') to assess the quality of 65 rivers and streams within 12 Iberian Mediterranean basins. Moreover, criteria for the establishment of classes to assess the ecological status of the Iberian Mediterranean rivers are proposed. Criteria followed the European Water Framework Directive, and used the index values found in the reference stations of each river type in the study. By comparing the five original classes of the IBMWP index and the candidate new classes, similar values were obtained in all cases when the number of reference stations was high (>50), while discrepancies were observed within river types when the number of stations was low (<50). Therefore, we propose that the same IBMWP classes continue to be used, until a greater number of reference stations are available, which would be necessary to evaluate whether discrepancies observed are due to specific differences of river types, or are due to an insufficient representation of reference stations of some river types. © Asociación Española de Limnología, Madrid. Spain.