Living organisms in water quality biomonitoring system

Abstract

The typical living organisms used for biological monitoring of surface waters and their use in applications are presented in the paper. The main focus is on the characterisation and use of freshwater mussels. The paper discusses the role of biomonitoring in surface water supply systems. Three-stage biomonitoring system which has been functioning for 20 years in Water and Wastewater Company (ZWiK Sp. z o.o.) in Lodz is presented as an example. The system employs living organisms such as mussels, perch and luminescent bacteria.