MARE researchers in the scientific journal Recursos Hídricos

MARE researchers Verónica Ferreira and Manuel Graça contributed to the latest issue of the journal Recursos Hídricos with their article “The decomposition of plant matter as a tool for assessing the functional integrity of rivers and streams - moving towards integrated monitoring of the ecological condition of the ecosystem”.

The decomposition of plant matter is a biological process affected by environmental conditions, which in turn can be altered by human activities. In the article, the researchers draw on scientific evidence to present the potential of plant matter decomposition to be used as an indicator of the functional integrity of rivers and streams, with the aim of promoting the incorporation of ecosystem processes into biomonitoring programs.

Integrating an indicator of the functional integrity of rivers and streams into biomonitoring programs will allow for an integrated assessment of the ecological condition of rivers and streams, in line with the definition of ecological status proposed by the Water Framework Directive.

To read the article click HERE