Microplastics in waters: The first accredited laboratory in the Czech Republic at the TGM WRI
Microplastics, defined as particles of synthetic polymers smaller than 5 mm, represent one of the most intensively studied environmental issues of the present day. The increasing research interest in microplastics is also reflected in the legislative sphere. European legislation requires the implementation of microplastics monitoring in drinking water through an amendment to the EU Directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption (Commission Decision 2024/1441). Similar requirements are expected soon for surface waters following the adoption of the relevant Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive). In response to this context, and with the aim of providing a reliable analytical background, a specialised Laboratory for Microplastics Analysis was established at the Brno branch of the TGM Water Research Institute (TGM WRI), which has been intensively engaged in this field since 2023.
Surface Water Status Assessment for the Third Cycle River Basin Management Plan of the Czech Republic
The aim of this article is to acquaint the professional public with the summary results of the assessment of chemical status and ecological status/potential of surface water bodies “river” and “lake” categories in the Czech Republic for 2016–2018. This assessment is one from the basis for preparation of the Third River Basin Management Plan (2021–2027) at all its levels: sub-basin plans, national plans, and international plans of the Elbe, Danube, and Oder river basin districts.
Dams and aquatic invertebrates
The construction of water dams fundamentally changes nature and landscape not only in the flooded areas but also out of them, including all structures and links and leading to habitat loss. Three characteristically different South Moravian water reservoirs – the Vranov Dam, the Brno Dam and system of water reservoirs of Nové Mlýny have been studied in the project “Submerged cultural and natural heritage of South Moravia” (DF13P01OVV012) supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.
Evaluation of the impacts of drought on aquatic and water-bound organisms in surface water bodies
Within the framework of the sub-task “Evaluation of the impacts of drought on aquatic and water-bound organisms in surface water bodies“ a project involving activities to support the state administration in the drought issue in 2016 was prepared mainly a review of the potential impacts of drought on individual elements and indicators of water status assessment.
Risk assessment of drying up of small streams in the Czech Republic
A categorization of the Czech Republic territory in terms of the risk of drying up of small streams (1st to 4th order by Strahler) was proposed. Three levels of risk (low, medium and high) for basic hydrological units (catchment) were set. The risk levels were defined using selected abiotic characteristics of the hydrological units and their combinations.