Page 128 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook

CHAPTER 2 15 15

STAR-AQEM SAMPLING

METHODOLOGIES AND SYNERGIES

TO RIVPACS

RIVPACS and STAR-AQEM are the two methods most
widely used across Europe for sampling and analysing river
invertebrates for the Water Framework Directive. They share
fundamental principles of pro rata multi-habitat sampling.
The STAR-AQEM method is used mainly in central Europe.
We have included it in this book for the benefit of readers who
are standardising methods in their own countries. In Europe,
we recommend using either RIVPACS or STAR-AQEM,
depending on which is used in neighbouring states, especially
those sharing transboundary rivers and therefore sharing the
same River Basin Management Plans. This will ensure that data
is comparable beyond intercalibration, not only for analysis
and reporting, but also for sharing data from reference sites.
STAR-AQEM sampling is described in the current European
(CEN) standard (EN 16150:2012. Water Quality – Guidance on
pro-rata multi-habitat sampling of benthic macro-invertebrates
from wadeable rivers). (38)

Like RIVPACS, STAR-AQEM sampling is pro rata multi-habitat,
in which all habitats at the site are sampled in proportion to their
cover. (39) This approach provides a consistent method that can
be used in all types of river, providing comparable samples for
classification and assessment, whatever habitats are available.

A manual describing STAR-AQEM is available from the STAR
website http://www.eu-star.at/, by following the path: enter >
protocols > AQEM macro-invertebrate sampling protocol.
The original, detailed method is described on the AQEM
website. The AQEM manual (http://www.aqem.de/mains/
(16)
products.php > product > AQEM manual) is also very useful, Figure 2.22
but it does not include the refinements made in the STAR Front covers of AQEM manual
(16)
project – Figure 2.22. and STAR revision (39)

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