Key Aspects

Riparian areas play a decisive role in maintaining the very good ecological status of surface water bodies in accordance with the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive (EU WFD). The diverse functions and requirements of water bodies are in conflict with the high utilisation pressure and limited land availability, especially in urban areas. The use-oriented adaptation of water bodies leads to hydromorphological changes that affect the dynamic processes of these complex systems. With a method developed at the HTWD for monitoring microplastics, floating vegetation stands made from sustainable modules and the life cycle assessment of the materials used for this purpose, the project team is addressing three current aspects of ecological water development.