UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project
Strengthening the Implementation Capacities for Nutrient
Reduction and Transboundary Cooperation
in the Danube River Basin
Preparation of a proposal for
connection/operational link of the data
collected during the Joint Danube Survey
into ICPDR Information System, with
particular attention to biological database
Project Component 2.2: Development of operational tools for
monitoring, laboratory and information management with
particular attention to nutrients and toxic substances
October 31, 2003
Prepared by: Rodeco Consulting GmbH
Authors:
Jaroslav Slobodník, Astrid Schmidt-Kloiber, Juliana Adamková,
Jarmila Makovinská, Birgit Vogel, Béla Csányi
Preface
The Joint Danube Survey (JDS) was carried out in August and September 2001 and provided complex
information on the chemical and microbiological water quality as well as on the biodiversity in the
main course of the Danube River and its major tributaries. The JDS was the most comprehensive
survey ever performed in the Danube River Basin yielding information on a wide range of chemical
pollutants in water, sediments, suspended solids and mussels matrices, aquatic flora and fauna and
biological indicators. The survey generated data and information necessary for the ecological and
chemical surface water status characterization in line with the requirements of the EU Water
Framework Directive (WFD). A geo-morphological division of the Danube River Basin (DRB) was
proposed and evaluated using the obtained data. The scientif ic outputs of the JDS were used for
development of the Danube List of Priority Substances and also for the upgrade of the TNMN. Next to
the printed and electronic version of the JDS Technical Report, the results were also summarized in a
web-based database designed for the use by water management experts. Biological and GC-MS
screening databases were established in the Danube River Basin for the first time.
The main goal of the presented part of the project was to develop a proposal for
connection/operational link of the JDS data into the ICPDR Information System (DANUBIS) in order
to fully utilize potential of the obtained data. A particular attention was given to the biological part of
the database, with the final goal to set up a basis for regular collection of biological data for the
TNMN Database in the near future. Successful implementation of the WFD requires availability of
both hydrobiological and chemical data organized in a systematic way allowing experts to draw
conclusions in a basin-wide scale. Having this in mind, many new ideas and inputs came either from
the project team or MLIM experts during the implementation phase of this project component. Many
of them were immediately used to upgrade the existing ICPDR Information System and, therefore, to
see the latest version of the JDS and TNMN databases one is advised to look directly at the
www.icpdr.org [Databases/New Draft Versions].
Given by the importance of the new biological and chemical parameters, which were not yet
monitored within the TNMN, it is expected that the JDS and TNMN databases will be further
developed in line with recommendations of the MLIM EG and this report. The results of this project
component will also be provided to the DRP project outputs 1.1.6 and 1.1.7.
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Table of contents
Preface
Abbreviations
Executive summary
1. Introduction..................................................................................................... II - 7
2. Description of activities and methodology used ................................................. II - 7
3. Results ............................................................................................................ II - 8
3.1 Biological database........................................................................................... II - 8
3.1.1 Macrozoobenthos ....................................................................................... II - 8
3.1.2 Phytobenthos ............................................................................................. II - 10
3.1.3 Macrophytes.............................................................................................. II - 11
3.1.4 Phytoplankton and zooplankton .................................................................. II - 13
3.2 GC-MS screening database............................................................................ II - 14
3.3 Chemical and microbiological data ................................................................ II - 15
3.4 Hydro-morphology ....................................................................................... II - 16
4. Recommendations and assessment of needs....................................................... II - 16
5. Conclusions ..................................................................................................... II - 17
6. References....................................................................................................... II - 17
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Abbreviations
JDS
Joint Danube Survey
WFD
Water Framework Directive
DRB
Danube River Basin
TNMN
Trans-National Monitoring Network
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
MLIM
Monitoring and Laboratory Information Management
EG
Expert Group
DRP
UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project
GC-MS Gas chromatography mass spectrometry
LC-MS
Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
MS-MS Mass spectrometry mass spectrometry
HTG
Higher Taxonomic Group
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Executive summary
Primary objective of this project component was to develop a proposal for an operational link between
the JDS and TNMN databases. The project team with a help of selected MLIM experts and
UNDP/GEF Information Specialist, who participated at the development of the original JDS Database,
undertook an approach of on-line introduction of suggested changes/recommendations into the web-
based ICPDR Information System. This gave an instant feedback on the practicality and usefulness of
the JDS database upgrades and improvements. Prior to the final interlinking of databases, numerous
efforts were made consisting of completion of the database for missing parameters and thorough check
on the quality of stored data.
As a result recommendations for a link between the JDS and TNMN databases and harmonisation of
their query templates were made and incorporated into their New Draft Versions. A proposal of the
new central page on the ICPDR website comprising of all ICPDR databases (TNMN, EMIS,
Bucharest Declaration Database, JDS, JDS Investigation of the Tisa River) was drafted. During the
project, the JDS Database was gradually improved and developed into the stage, that it is ready for the
public use (for latest version, see www.icpdr.org [Databases/New Draft Versions]).
Several suggestions, which go beyond the scope of this project component, were made by the project
team and MLIM experts to improve the ease-of-use of the JDS and TNMN databases. A principal
upgrade and Europe-wide harmonisation of the coding system and systematic tracking of taxonomical
changes in the biological part of the database was proposed in order to assure its sustainability. Also,
further upgrade of the GC-MS screening part of the database was suggested to allow proper evaluation
of the screening data on emerging, unknown and Danube River Basin specific pollutants as required
by the WFD. A specific recommendation was made to perform similar upgrade at the JDS
Investigation of the Tisa River database, containing valuable data from survey conducted in October
2001, however, not being ready for public use in its present form.
Final goal of all the above efforts is to create a fully interlinked ICPDR Information System. This
would require future harmonization of the coding system between the TNMN and EMIS databases and
further development of the link between the two databases. The knowledge obtained at the
development and upgrade of the JDS Database created a solid base for extension of the TNMN
Database for new chemical parameters, parameters measured in other matrices than water, GC-MS
screening and biological data.
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1. Introduction
Joint Danube Survey (JDS) was organized by the ICPDR and took place from 13 August till 20
September 2001. The major goal was to obtain comparable, accredited information on the quality of
the Danube river in its entire length. Two ships collected samples from 98 sampling sites, 74 of them
on the Danube and 24 major tributaries. Among the investigated matrices were water, sediments,
suspended solids and mussels. Next to chemical and microbiological determinands a wide range of
biological parameters, including macrozoobenthos, phytobenthos, phytoplankton, zooplankton and
macrophytes were investigated. In total, over 140 different parameters were analysed in the studied
matrices by a team of international experts on the board of the ships and in seven reference
laboratories. The survey generated over 40.000 results, which were stored in the web-based JDS
Database. Biological and GC-MS screening databases were developed for the first time in the Danube
Basin.
The results of the survey gave an overview on the ecological and chemical status of the Danube. Over
1000 biological species were found to inhabit the Danube basin and microbiological pollution profiles
were constructed. Analyses of numerous chemical parameters, including EU WFD determinands,
pharmaceuticals, pesticides and the screening of unknown substances were carried out for the first
time. Obtained sediments, suspended solids and biological samples were stored for several years in
selected institutes (VITUKI, CBC Frankfurt) to allow for follow up analyses.
The use of the obtained data was intended primarily for an upgrade of the TNMN and development of
the Danube List of Priority Substances.
Among the major goals of this project component were:
· Completion of the database for missing parameters (in cooperation with the ICPDR);
· Check on the quality of data;
· Preparation of the public version of the JDS Database;
· Recommendations for a link between the JDS and TNMN databases;
· Selection of relevant database parameters and upgrade of the existing version of the JDS
Database.
A close cooperation with MLIM experts was foreseen in order to achieve the project goals.
2. Description of activities and methodology used
In the course of the project, the JDS and TNMN databases were thoroughly reviewed in order to assess
needs for their interlinking, future development and upgrade. Prior to the further development of the
biological database its completion was proposed by the project team and ensured by the ICPDR.
Next to the project team, five MLIM experts, actively participating at the collection and storage of the
JDS data in 2001 and 2002, were invited to comment on the current structure of the JDS Database.
Their expertise covered all major components of the databases: (i) chemical and microbiological data,
(ii) macrozoobenthos, (iii) phytobenthos, (iv) phytoplankton and zooplankton and (v) macrophytes
data. Among specific tasks of the MLIM experts were:
· Thorough examination of the current version of the JDS Database and provision of
comments/suggestions, whose implementation will make the database fully
operational and ready to be accessible by the general public;
· Check of all data (chemical and microbiological data, macrozoobenthos,
phytobenthos, phytoplankton and zooplankton and macrophytes) for correctness;
· Proposal for handling of data, which are not correct;
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· Preparation of an introduction to the Chapters: "Chemical and microbiological
parameters, Biological parameters macrozoobenthos, phytobenthos, phytoplankton
and zooplankton and macrophytes", which will be placed in the explanatory text of
"About the database". The text should introduce in a brief and comprehensive way
following:
i. Background information on selection of measured parameters, units;
ii. Mathematical models and calculations (if used for any of the parameters, e.g.
Saprobic indeces);
iii. Coding system;
iv. Way of handling the data and generating reports;
· Proposal for the selection and layout of the database search parameters (if different
from the current version);
· Proposal for the new coding system (if not acceptable in the current version);
· Proposal for the future direct interlinking of the biological databases of the TNMN
and JDS;
· Proposal for the layout/parameters of TNMN Biological Database (if different from
the current version of the JDS Database).
A close cooperation was established between the project team and the Information Specialist of the
UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project at the development of the final version of the JDS Database.
Majority of the proposed changes/upgrades of the JDS Database were implemented in the course of
the project duration (for details, see www.icpdr.org [Databases/New Draft Versions]).
The necessity of direct interlinking of the chemical databases of the TNMN and JDS were consulted
with the chemical experts from the MLIM EG.
The goals and interim results of the activities were discussed and approved at the 1st and 2nd Joint
MLIM-EMIS Meetings in Vienna (3 February 2003) and Bratislava (17 September 2003),
respectively. The information was also presented and approved at the MLIM EG meetings in Vienna
(27 - 28 March 2003) and Bratislava (18 19 September 2003).
3. Results
The JDS Database consists of five major components: chemical and microbiological data,
macrozoobenthos, phytobenthos, phytoplankton and zooplankton and macrophytes. Comments on the
current version of the JDS Database and recommendations of individual MLIM experts are included
separately below:
3.1 Biological database
3.1.1 Macrozoobenthos
General introduction
Regarding the WFD, biota is the most important component for the evaluation of the ecological
quality of running water bodies. The communities investigated in rivers should include: algae,
macrophytes, macrozoobenthos and fish. To describe the biological elements the following attributes
have to be considered: taxa composition, abundance, and the ratio of disturbance sensitive taxa to
insensitive taxa. With respect to most of the methods used to evaluate the river quality in European
countries the WFD enforces a re-orientation of the monitoring procedures towards an integrative
approach. Future assessment of the ecological status of water bodies considers the relationships
between biota and the hydro-morphological and chemical components, instead of only documenting
the biological water quality with respect to organic pollution. The current JDS database therefore
serves as a valuable base for future activities in the Danube catchment area.
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The evaluated part of the database focuses on benthic macro-invertebrates. Benthic invertebrates have
a high indicative value, and are the most widely used indicators for water quality assessment
(Rosenberg & Resh, 1993).
Aim and content of this report is to comment on the current version of the database. Main scope is
turned to the structure and the handling of data for external users. For several parts suggestions for
improvements are given.
Macro-invertebrate data and coding system
The coding system for benthic invertebrates is based on the Austrian Software ECOPROF (www.
ecoprof.at), that was developed by the Department of Hydrobiology (BOKU, University of Natural
Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna; http://www.boku.ac.at/hfa). The coding system was
extended for taxa that did not occur within the Austrian Taxa List (Fauna Aquatica Austriaca, Moog
(ed.), 1995 and 2002). As a consequence not all taxa-codes correspond to the original ECOPROF list
or any other coding system currently in use. Parallel to the ECOPROF coding system a pan-European
coding system already exists, developed within the EU funded projects AQEM (www.aqem.de) and
STAR (www.eu-star.at) and it is recommended to change the identity numbers to this system before
going on-line with the database for the public. In order to comply only with one European taxalist it
would also be useful to use taxonomy, synonymy and systematics from the AQEM and STAR
taxalists, as they were already checked by taxonomical experts.
The database currently contains double entries that have to be removed.
Mathematical models and calculations
Currently available calculation parameters are:
· Abundance value per taxon;
· Number of taxa per sampling site;
· Saprobic Index per sampling site.
The Saprobic Index is based on the calculation method of Zelinka & Marvan (1961) according to the
following formula:
n
si Ai Gi
SI Saprobic Index of the benthic community
SI
i
= =1
Ai Abundance of taxon i
n
s
A
i
Saprobic Value of taxon i
i Gi
G
i =1
i
Indication weight of taxon i
n
Number of taxa
Saprobic values as compiled in the Fauna Aquatica Austriaca (Moog (ed.), 1995 and 2002) were used.
The latest version of the Fauna Aquatica Austriaca is available at: www.lebensministerium.at/wasser/,
sub-item "Wassergüte".
Dominance of Higher Taxonomic Groups (HTG) is currently only calculated for macrophytes and
would also make sense for benthic invertebrates (and also phytobenthos).
Data handling and reports
Regarding the selection of datasets a second selection list within the benthic invertebrates is
recommended. In this selection list it should additionally be possible to choose the HTG, because
taxonomical specialists are mostly interested in only one taxa-group.
Default sorting of the species according to their taxagroup, family and (within the family) species
alphabetically.
Concerning the output options, it would improve readability, if identical columns could be skipped and
written instead in the caption of the displayed table.
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The additional display of the AQEM/STAR 8 letter shortcode within the result output would be of a
value, because such a code might often be used for further analysis.
In the current version of the database JDS and ITR data are presented together: in case of entering
overlapping river km values on the Danube and the Tisa (i.e. 0-500), JDS and subsequently ITR data
will appear on the screen databases should be separated.
All biological databases (macrozoobenthos, phytobenthos, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrophytes)
should use the same structure and queries.
Proposal for the layout/parameters of TNMN Biological Database
Concerning the report generation page it could be considered to choose more than only one parameter
within "determinand". For practical use it would be comfortable to have related calculations displayed
together, e.g. number of taxa AND Saprobic Index. Further, it would make sense to extend the
calculated parameters by the dominance of higher taxonomic groups (HTG).
Regarding the output, the sampling site could be complemented by the river kilometre. It is
recommended to add the previously defined query elements in the caption text of the displayed table.
General conclusions
The available databases are already well established and publishable for further public use. Generally
a common design and layout for all different databases within the ICPDR web-page should be
considered.
3.1.2 Phytobenthos
General introduction
The JDS phytobenthos data consists of the groups of Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae
(Diatomophyceae), Chrysophyceae, Bangiophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Charophyceae, Xanthophyceae,
Zygnematophyceae. Organisms of the group of Bryophyta were not identified. Quantitative data are in
the form of estimation of the relative abundance (scale 1 -5).
Background database for phytobenthic organisms was based on the list compiled within the
"Development of a Preliminary Set of Danube River Basin Ecosystem Indicators, Preparation of a
Concept for Monitoring Ecological Status of Significant Impact Areas and Wetlands" in "Review of
the Bioindicators Study in Yugoslavia" (ICPDR, 2000) and (ii) software ECOPROF that was
developed by the Department of Hydrobiolo gy (BOKU, University of Natural Resources and Applied
Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria).
Phytobenthos data and coding system
Basically, the problem of synonyms and new taxa names should be solved. This relates mainly to the
diatoms, where new taxa and new combinations of the taxa are published frequently in connection to
the new development in this field, e.g., techniques using electron microscopy.
New taxa can be added to the database easily (using new code). Renamed taxa should be connected to
the previous ones to keep continuity with old and new data.
From time to time (e.g. every five years) the database should be revised by the experts for the
individual group of organisms to provide about mentioned changes.
The use of certain determination keys for individual groups of organisms would be useful (e.g.
Susswasserflora von Mitteleuropa, Gustav Fischer Verlag). This is important mainly from the point of
view of future upgrade of the TNMN Database for biological parameters.
Sorting the species could be arranged first according to their taxa-group, then according to the family
and finally the species alphabetically including synonyms.
In connection to the proposal of EN standard for the benthic diatoms (pr 13946: Rutin sampling and
pre-treatment of benthic diatoms from rivers; pr 14407: Identification and enumeration of benthic
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diatoms from rivers) also relative abundance should be included (instead of estimation the scale 1-5)
and/or some transfer between this different quantitative data should be done.
Mathematical models and calculations
Currently available calculation parameters are:
· Abundance value per taxa;
· Number of taxa per sampling site;
· Saprobic Index per sampling site.
The Saprobic Index is based on the calculation method of Zelinka & Marvan (1961) according to the
following formula:
n
si Ai Gi
SI
Saprobic Index of the benthic community
SI
i
= =1
A
n
i
Abundance of taxon i
A
s
i Gi
i
Saprobic Value of taxa i
G
i =1
i
Indication weight of taxa i
n
Number of taxa
3.1.3 Macrophytes
After a thorough examination of the database concerning the biological parameter macrophytes the
following should be further integrated:
General suggestions
The macrophyte database still demands some improvements/corrections concerning species
terminology. Related changes were suggested. The following categories for changes were created:
a) Corrections concerning terminology mistakes;
b) Species, which were not collected during JDS but were collected in general in the Danube
River. It should be mentioned within the database where these data stem from (probably from
Pall & Janauer (1998) Macrophyte Inventory of the Danube River);
c) Species which do not exist need to be deleted;
d) Species, which were initially missing in database - to be added.
· Abbreviation P. within the column GENUS should always be changed to POTAMOGETON.
· The Higher Taxonomic Group CHLOROPHYTA/CHAROPHYCEAE shows a mismatched
Group Code. Therefore, the current Group Code should be changed from H (phytobenthos) to
F (macrophytes). If the biological parameter group Phytobenthos also includes the Higher
Taxonomic Group CHLOROPHYTA/CHAROPHYCEAE both Group Codes H and F need to
be included in the database.
Coding system
The used coding system is reasonable (consecutive numbering) and can therefore stay unchanged.
Therefore, no further suggestion concerning a new coding system is made.
Proposal for selection and layout of database search parameters
The database is well structured and intuitive to use. Generating reports is easy. Following suggestions
are made:
· So far the database enables a report generation using SPECIES or SPECIES CODES. It would
be very useful to additionally enable an inquiry using the FAMILY/HIGHER TAXONOMIC
GROUP level. This option would be reasonable for all biological parameter groups;
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· After a report was generated and when clicking the option BACK TO FORM it would be
useful if the content of the last used inquiry were not erased out of the database mask.
Proposal of layout/parameters of TNMN biological database / interlinking
Possible combination of determinants would be useful and reasonable in order to achieve complex
reports.
Introductory text for macrophyte chapter
The objective of the Joint Danube Survey concerning the collection and evaluation of macrophytes
was to gain comparable and reliable information by apply ing uniform, standardised methodologies.
JDS provided a unique, first time opportunity to gain an overview of aquatic plant growth for the
entire course of the Danube River.
Within the frame of the Joint Danube Survey macrophytes (aquatic plants) were collected on both
banks of the Danube River. Although the tributaries were searched for macrophytes on both banks, the
collection results were integrated into one single sample due to the smaller size of tributaries providing
very consistent abiotic habitat conditions for the whole river transect. Adding seven further
investigation sites to the original JDS sampling programme, a total of 180 sites (both banks of Danube
and tributaries) were investigated for macrophytes. At each site a longitudinal stretch between 0.2 and
5 river km was sampled for aquatic plants.
Each collected species was associated to one of six species groups: 1) Bryophyta, 2) Chlorophyta, 3)
Spermatophyta (higher plants) - submerged Rhizophytes, 4) Spermatophyta - free floating and floating
leafed plants, 5) Spermatophyta - amphibious plants and 6) Spermatophyta Helophytes. These
species groups and their relevant species are included in the present JDS Database. Reports providing
information on macrophytes can be generated via species names or species codes. To investigate on a
species code number a separate list with all collected species plus their corresponding code is provided
in the database. The coding is based on consecutive numbering of species.
Further, the available database inclu des Relative Plant Mass (RPM, Pall & Janauer 1995) calculations,
which were based on plant mass estimations (Kohler 1978) on a fivelevel scale (Equation 1). The
Relative Plant Mass, weighted for the mass of each species or group of species and the stretches of
species occurrence, indicates dominant and sub dominant species within each sampled reach in
relation to the overall plant mass in the relevant reach. Additionally, the database contains the
calculated dominance of each Higher Taxonomic Group (Equation 2).
n(M 3 * L )*100
1
i
i =
RPM (%) = 1
kn 3
(M * L )
ji
i
j =1 i=1
Equation 1: Relative Plant Mass (RPM), Li=length of reach i; Mi=estimated plant mass of a species
for a reach; j=different plant species.
HTGx
NumberTaxa
*100
Do min anceHTGx =
umber
TotalTaxaN
Equation 2: Dominance of each Higher Taxonomic Group (HTG)
References
Pal, K. & Janauer G.A. (1995): Die Makrophytenvegetation von Flussstauen am Beispiel der Donau
zwischen Fluss-km 2552 und 2511,8 in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Arch.Hydrobiol.Suppl. 101,
Large Rivers 9/2, 91-109
Kohler, A. (1978): Methoden der Kartierung von Flora und Vegetation von Süßwasserbiotopen.
Landschaft und Stadt, 10:23-85
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3.1.4 Phytoplankton and zooplankton
General
Regarding the WFD, aquatic biota is the most important component for the evaluation of the
ecological status of running water bodies. Although zooplankton does not occur among the biological
elements investigated in rivers (such as algae, macrophytes, benthic invertebrates, and fish) the
involvement of this group of organisms is inevitably important, especially on the middle and lower
Danube sections and on the large Danube tributaries, as well.
The JDS Database contains also quantitative data on phytoplankton and zooplankton. Phytoplankton
abundance is given in individual number/l, zooplankton abundance is given in individual number/100
l.
Use of the database
The user first has to select or determine one of the "Location" items in any particular combination,
country, river stretch or sampling site(s) could be selected. Second step is to select "Biological data"
from the "Determinand" dropdown list, and, either Phytoplankton or Zooplankton from the "Group"
dropdown list. The possibility to search for particular species is provided by the database, as well.
The data can be sorted out or grouped for further analysis according to the following parameters:
Higher
Genus
Sampling
Determinand
River Species
Taxonomic
Family
Author
Value Unit
Species
Site
Name
km
Code
Group
General comments
Phytoplankton and zooplankton data of the JDS Database were tested and controlled in order to reveal
possible and/or evident mistakes. As a result, it can be generally stated that there is no evident mistake
among the data on phytoplankton and zooplankton. The database is well established and ready to be
used by general public.
Specific comments
The search results on the screen are limited to 50 rows should be adjusted to higher (unlimited)
number.
Sorting out data according to "Value" should be enabled.
If a data set consisting of several hundreds of rows is created, there is no option to go back directly to
the original query panel should be added.
Concerning the "Determinand" name it could be advised that instead of "Zooplankton - Total Number
of Individuals" only "Zooplankton - Number of Individuals" should be used because the total number
includes all individual numbers of zooplankton at a given sampling site, whereas this particular values
mean only the number of the given species. The same is true for phytoplankton.
A default view on the result of the database search should be given: the most important columns being
"Sampling site", "River km", "Genus species" and "Value". Other columns could be selectable as
"Additional information".
Names of the sampling sites in a given country should be written also in the national language.
The query options as selected by the user should be maintained when searching the database (not set to
default).
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3.2 Chemical and microbiological data
General comments
JDS microbiological data in surface water and chemical data in surface waters, sediments and
suspended solids have been reviewed from the point of view of (i) logical relations between couples or
groups of the measured determinands, (ii) theoretically allowed ranges of values that can occur in
water samples and (iii) limits of detection. Found errors are reported among the Specific comments. It
can be generally stated that, taken into account the number of measurements done within the JDS, the
extent of erroneous data is low. Majority of inconsistencies were found in surface water samples.
There is a need for the central page at the ICPDR Information System for accessing of all (public and
expert) databases.
An idea of "expandable" database, which can store data from all future surveys and investigations in
the major tributaries is welcome. This should not be limited only to ,,major tributaries", but to all
survey activities done within the ICPDR countries in the future, even if it would be concerned only to
limited stretches of the Danube River.
Missing possibility of selection of several (choice of the database user) locations at the same time.
Missing possibility of selection of several (choice of the database user) determinands at the same time.
Recommendations for a link between the JDS and TNMN databases
The JDS data should be linked to TNMN data from the same (or closest sampling site) via button
"SHOW TNMN Database" using river km.
It is recommended that in the first step the nearest TNMN locations would appear closest station up
the JDS site and the closest station below the JDS site, with basic information such as the TNMN code
of the station and river km. However, a possibility to show more than two stations on the screen
should be given due to the following:
· Some stations are included in TNMN by both neighbouring countries, therefore at one river
km data from two stations are reported;
· Some stations have three sites in one profile (at one location) left, middle and right.
Having a choice of TNMN stations, the user could then select the sampling site of interest for further
data search/export.
As regards the linking of all databases (including EMIS database, especially when data on the priority
and other relevant substances will be collected by both TNMN and EMIS) the coding of
determinands in EMIS and TNMN databases should be harmonized.
Specific comments
In the current TNMN Database (DANUBIS) - if statistical characteristics are calculated, the "zero"
values represent actual value of "below limit of detection" (LOD) and should be included in
calculations (not to calculate with the "zero" value). This method of data processing is used in the
current ICPDR publications. The proposal is to include in the JDS Database also the option
"CALCULATIONS USING VALUES BELOW LOD" with three possibilities:
1. Calculation with value of LOD;
2. Calculation with half of the LOD value;
3. Calculation with "zero" value.
This would give a possibility to select appropriate type of data processing according to specific needs
of the report.
The option of selecting data from the TNMN database on the basis of analytical methods might be
deleted.
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List of discovered inconsistencies in the results of analyses of surface water:
· Ptotal < P-PO4 at the JDS stations No. 67, 73, 74, 82, 84 and 87;
· Measured value of concentration of Norg is lower than indicated limit of detection for
this determinand at the JDS stations No. 12 and 17;
· Limits of detection are not listed for ammonium-N, nitrate-N, nitrite-N and
orthophosphate-P;
· pH 0 is reported at the JDS stations No. 58, 69, 74, 84 and 87;
· conductivity is reported as ,,zero" value at the JDS station No. 58;
· Concentrations of several "total" concentrations of metals is lower than "dissolved"
concentrations in the same sample: Al (stations 29, 37, 70), As (35 samples, probably
in the range of uncertainty of the analysis, larger differences at stations No. 43), Cd
(six samples, probably in the range of uncertainty of the analysis), Co (stations No. 24
and 42), Pb (station No. 2), Zn (31 samples, large differences at stations No. 01, 02).
List of discovered inconsistencies in the results of analyses of organic micropollutants:
· Measured value of 4-para-nonylophenol was lower than its limit of detection at the
JDS station No. 05.
It is proposed that all erroneous data should be flagged with an explanatory note describing
the problem (special section as in the TNMN database).
3.3 GC-MS screening database
Experience from building GC-MS databases in the Netherlands and the Slovak Republic was used at
the development of the current version of the GC-MS component of the JDS Database. In order to
improve the current structure, the search query template consisting of (at least) following parameters
was proposed:
· Characteristic ions: BP, P1, P2, P3, P4 [BP - base peak m/z, P ion m/z]
· Match factor [Given by the library search]
· CAS Number [Identification number of the compound in the CAS registry]
· MW [Molecular weight]
· Chemical formula
· Compound name
The query using "Characteristic ions" should allow for searching all ions in all fields (BP, P1-4) if
typed in the field P1-4. If typed in "BP" field, only base peaks should be searched. "Match factor"
should give hits for all values "equal" and "higher than" the typed in number (0-100).
Databases using mass spectral information (obtained mostly by the GC-MS or LC-MS(MS)
techniques) are at present the major source of information on unknown, emerging and river basin
specific pollutants. Therefore inclusion of the GC-MS screening data into the ICPDR Information
System is highly recommended.
Further development of the GC-MS database should focus on the following:
· Availability of the raw GC-MS spectra of both tentatively identified and unknown substances
in order to allow for their future identification;
· Organisation of the raw GC-MS spectra in the Danube Basin Spectral Library;
· Harmonisation of methodologies using at the (GC-MS) screening projects in the ICPDR
countries and related trainings of experts responsible for data processing;
· Harmonisation of methodologies used for semi-quantitative evaluation of GC-MS data.
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The structure of the database should allow for future extensions using LC-MS and LC-MS-MS data on
substances, which are not amenable to GC analysis.
3.4 Hydro-morphology
The JDS resulted also in a proposal of the hydro-morphological division of the Danube basin, which
are essential at evaluation of the ecological status of the river. The database was upgraded to be able to
sort out data automatically within the individual hydro-morphological reaches as proposed by Vogel et
al.
4. Recommendations and assessment of needs
The work of the project team and MLIM experts resulted in a significant improvement of the existing
version of the JDS Database. Still, several recommendations were made to improve the current version
of the ICPDR Information System, which go beyond the scope of this project component. A summary
of major suggestions is given below:
ICPDR Information System
· Development of a central page for all ICPDR databases;
· Subdivision of the databases into:
o Emission sources EMIS Database;
o Water quality TNMN Database, Bucharest Declaration Database, Surveys JDS,
JDS-Investigation of the Tisa River;
o Water quality/Surveys - expandable for data from similar (to be organised) surveys on
all major tributaries/stretches of the Danube;
o Water quality/Surveys expandable for data from national surveys.
· ALL DATABASES TO BE ACCESSIBLE BY GENERAL PUBLIC
o Each of the database users to be identified by providing basic information on his/her
name, organisation, coordinates and intended use of the database;
· Improvement/upgrade of the JDS Investigation of the Tisa River Database in the same way
as the JDS Database.
Welcome page of the JDS and TNMN databases
Should allow selection of options "Search the database" and "About the database" (to be developed:
information on sampling sites, parameters, matrices, laboratories, how to work with the data,
assumptions and calculation models used).
Interlinking of the JDS and TNMN Databases
· TNMN Database should use the same structure (layout/coding) as the JDS Database;
· Currently, only a link from the JDS Database to the TNMN database was established, the
TNMN Database should have the same option.
Biological databases
· Using the JDS Database structure and coding for establishment of the TNMN Biological
Database;
· Coding:
o Change/upgrade of the JDS codes taking into account work of expert groups at the EU
level (e.g., AQEM project);
o Incorporation of taxonomical changes according to AQEM;
o Introduction of a shortcode for species (8 letter code) and different national codes and
a table of current synonyms;
· Using special (non-Excel) data collection sheets (e.g., adjusted AQEM-DIP programme);
· Dominance of Higher Taxonomic Groups (HTG) should be calculated for macrozoobenthos,
phytobenthos and macrophytes;
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· A selection tree "HTG Families Species" should be a query option in biological databases;
· Upgrades and introduction of data into each part of the biological database (macrozoobenthos,
phytobenthos, macrophytes, zooplankton, phytoplankton) should be taken care of by several
institutions /team of experts.
GC-MS screening databases
· Using the JDS Database structure for establishment of the TNMN GC-MS Screening
Database;
· Upgrade of the existing database structure to facilitate storage of the raw GC-MS spectra of
both tentatively identified and unknown substances in order to allow for their future
identification;
· Systematic evaluation of data by a separate institution/team of experts in order to gain
information on unknown, emerging and Danube River Basin specific pollutants.
5. Conclusions
The JDS Database was comple ted for the missing parameters and quality of all stored data was
thoroughly checked. During the project, the database was gradually improved and developed into the
stage, that it is ready for the public use. Recommendations for a link between the JDS and TNMN
databases and harmonisation of their query templates were made and incorporated into the New Draft
Versions of both databases. A proposal of the new central page on the ICPDR website comprising of
all ICPDR databases was made.
Despite the current version of the JDS Database (www.icpdr.org [Databases/New Draft Versions] is
fully usable by both experts and general public, several suggestions, which go beyond the scope of this
project component, were made by the proje ct team and MLIM experts to improve its ease-of-use. A
principal upgrade and Europe-wide harmonisation of the coding system and systematic tracking of
taxonomical changes in the biological part of the database was proposed in order to assure its
sustainability. Also, further upgrade of the GC-MS screening part of the database was suggested to
allow proper evaluation of the screening data on emerging, unknown and Danube River Basin specific
pollutants as required by the WFD. A need has arisen to perform similar upgrade at the JDS
Investigation of the Tisa River database, which is not ready for public use in its present form.
Final goal of all the above efforts is to create a fully interlinked ICPDR Information System. This
would require future harmonization of the coding system between the TNMN and EMIS databases and
further development of the link between the two databases. The knowledge obtained at the
development and upgrade of the JDS Database created a solid base for extension of the TNMN
Database for new chemical parameters, parameters measured in other matrices than water, GC-MS
screening and biological data. Here, it should be seriously considered that systematic feeding of
databases with data, check on their correctness and upgrade of parameters in line with scientific
developments and experience gained at the implementation of the WFD can be accomplished only by
a dedicated team of experts.
6. References
Referred web-pages:
·
www.aqem.de
·
http://www.boku.ac.at/hfa/profil/benthosoekologie.htm
·
www.ecoprof.at
·
www.eu-star.at
·
www.lebensministerium.at/wasser/; sub-item "Wassergüte"
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Moog, O. (ed) (1995): Fauna Aquatica Austriaca A Comprehensive Species Inventory of Austrian
Aquatic Organisms with Ecological Notes. Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry,
Wasserwirtschaftskataster Vienna: loose-leaf binder.
Rosenberg, D. M. & V. H. Resh (eds) (1993): Freshwater Biomonitoring and Benthic
Macroinvertebrates. Chapman & Hall, New York.
Zelinka, M. & Marvan, P. (1961): Zur Präzisierung der biologischen Klassifikation der Reinheit
fließender Gewässer. Arch. Hydrobiol. 57: 389-407.
Vogel B., JDS Technical Report, ICPDR, September 2002.
Pal, K. & Janauer G.A. (1995): Die Makrophytenvegetation von Flussstauen am Beispiel der Donau
zwischen Fluss-km 2552 und 2511,8 in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Arch.Hydrobiol.Suppl. 101,
Large Rivers 9/2, 91-109.
Kohler, A. (1978): Methoden der Kartierung von Flora und Vegetation von Süßwasserbiotopen.
Landschaft und Stadt, 10:23-85.