The regulatory journey towards biological indicators in assessing water quality

Aleksandra Cavoski, Robert Lee

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Regulation of water quality has relied variously on physical, chemical and biological indicators of water quality resulting in different processes of water quality assessment. Over time there has been a shift from chemical measures of water quality to biological criteria based upon the life supported by the water eco-system. This chapter charts the growing acceptance and adoption of biological indicators of water quality which will gradually bring with it greater benefits as the parameters of water quality assessment widen. This is made possible by greater reliance on biomarkers as indicators of key events which may signal adversity by deploying new approach methodologies such as omics-based approaches. As this journey is not without challenges, this chapter explores the socio-technical barriers to this transition which might still hinder yet greater regulatory take-up of biological indicators
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationA Research Agenda for Water Law
EditorsVanessa Casado Pérez, Rhett Larson, Richard Morrison, Sandra Day O'Connor
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
Chapter5
Pages89–112
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9781802204476
ISBN (Print)9781802204469
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Aug 2023

Publication series

NameElgar Research Agendas
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd.

Keywords

  • Water quality
  • Pollution
  • Biomarkers
  • Water quality indicators
  • Water Framework Directive
  • New approach methodologies

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