An Ecotoxicological Approach to Evaluate the Environmental Quality of Inland Waters

Water is traditionally considered a renewable resource as the quantity theoretically available depends essentially on meteoric water contributions. Modern theories consider river ecosystem as a central element of the environment but, actually, water ecosystems are more and more polluted because of agricultural and industrial activities. In Italy, where there is a widespread urbanization, most part of river ecosystems are exposed to a severe risk of damage, with consequent loss of biodiversity. The institution of national and regional parks makes possible the preservation of significant natural value areas. In 1974, the UNESCO established a “World Network of Biosphere Reserves” (WNBR) aimed to preserve areas, where there is a close relation between man and nature, through environmental preservation and sustainable development (UNESCO,2010). Nevertheless, a constant monitoring along the whole watercourse (from spring to mouth) is needed as, even in a protected area, human activities could cause, directly or indirectly, damages to valuable ecosystems.