Biomonitorering

Biomonitoring is the systematic use of biological organisms to assess the quality of the environment. This involves studying the responses of living things to environmental conditions. Organisms can be used as indicators because they are sensitive to changes in air, water, and soil quality. For example, certain species of mosses and lichens are very sensitive to air pollution and can be used to map pollution levels. Aquatic invertebrates, like dragonfly larvae or freshwater mussels, are often used to assess the health of rivers and lakes. Their presence, absence, or abundance can indicate the level of pollution or habitat degradation.

The principle behind biomonitoring is that biological systems integrate environmental stressors over time. This means that instead of relying on a single measurement of a pollutant at a specific moment, biomonitoring provides a more holistic view of environmental health. By observing the physiological, behavioral, or population-level changes in indicator species, scientists can infer the presence and impact of various environmental contaminants or stresses. This approach can be more cost-effective and provide earlier warnings of environmental problems than traditional chemical analysis alone.

Biomonitoring programs can be used for various purposes, including pollution assessment, ecological impact studies, and the evaluation of conservation efforts. It helps in understanding the long-term effects of environmental changes and can guide environmental management and policy decisions. The choice of organism depends on the specific environmental compartment being studied (air, water, soil) and the types of pollutants or stresses of interest.