EuroBionet. European Network for the. Assessment of Air Quality by the Use of Bioindicator Plants. LIFE99 ENV/D/000453. Layman Report ...
EuroBionet
European Network for the Assessment of Air Quality by the Use of Bioindicator Plants LIFE99 ENV/D/000453
Layman Report
© by University of Hohenheim 2003 Report Compilation and Project Coordination: Dr. Andreas Klumpp Co-editors Dipl.-Biol. Wolfgang Ansel and Dr. Gabriele Klumpp University of Hohenheim Institute for Landscape and Plant Ecology Section Plant Ecology and Ecotoxicology D-70593 Stuttgart Photos Front Page: Ansel, Arndt, Calatayud, Klumpp, Laurent, Audiovisual Library European Commission Photos Report: Ansel, Baumüller, Calatayud, Klumpp, Pickl, Project Members, Audiovisual Library European Commission
2
Why Bioindicators? More than two thirds of Europe’s population lives
other photo-oxidants (summer smog), but also by
in urban areas. Overall, air quality in most cities
suspended particulate matter and potentially car-
has significantly improved during the last decades
cinogenic organic air pollutants is a major concern
as a consequence of more rigorous legal regula-
today. According to public opinion surveys, air
tions, the adoption of less-polluting technologies
pollution remains a key environmental problem,
and the migration of industries out of the city
with a high percentage of European citizens being
centres. In particular, the relevance of acidic air
worried about the present air pollution situation.
pollutants (winter smog) has clearly decreased
Like the availability of capital, manpower and
during this period. Nevertheless, air pollution con-
transport infrastructure, air quality may poten-
tinues to be a prominent environmental problem
tially become a location factor for the economic
in Europe. Continuously increasing road traffic is a
growth and development of whole regions in the
primary culprit. Thus, air pollution by ozone and
forthcoming years.
©Baumüller
How do Europeans see the environment? (from: Eurobarometer No. 51.1, 1999)
Bioindicators and environmental monitoring National legislation and European directives oblige
rect conclusions to be drawn on potential impacts
the member states of the European Union to es-
on humans and the environment. Evidence of
tablish air quality monitoring networks and to re-
harmful effects can only be provided by using liv-
cord the ambient concentrations of the most im-
ing organisms, i.e. by bioindicators. Such bioindi-
portant air pollutants continuously. Such meas-
cators also integrate the effects of all environ-
urements are being made by physical and chemi-
mental factors including interactions with other
cal methods using automated monitoring stations.
pollutants or climatic conditions. This permits the
The data obtained from such measurements per-
risk of complex pollutant mixtures and chronic ef-
mit control of compliance with current air quality
fects occurring even below threshold values to be
standards and limit values. Data on ambient pol-
assessed.
lutant concentrations, however, do not allow di3
EMISSION INVENTORY
EMISSION
POLLUTION MEASUREMENT BIOINDICATION
AMBIENT CONCENTRATION
EFFECT
The chain of events emissions – ambient concentrations (immission) – effects Bioindicators of air pollution, particularly bioindi-
well established. The insufficient standardisation
cator plants, have been used in scientific investi-
of the techniques and consequently the low com-
gations on air pollution effects for many years. In
parability of the results is one of the major rea-
a few countries such as Germany, Austria or the
sons for the poor acceptance of this effect-related
Netherlands, some of these methods are also be-
methodology of air quality monitoring by policy
ing applied by environmental authorities and pri-
makers, public administration and the private sec-
vate enterprises for routine monitoring of indus-
tor. To date, only isolated efforts have been made
trial installations and urban agglomerations. At
to standardise the methodology, although normal-
the European level, however, the use of bioindica-
ised procedures are already available in some
tor plants to assess air pollution effects is not very
countries.
Bioindicators are organisms or communities of organisms, which react to environmental effects by changing their vital functions and/or their chemical composition thus permitting inferences on the state of the environment. Bioindicators and environmental communication The principles adopted by the Earth Summit held
Bioindicator plants feature several properties that
at Rio de Janeiro in 1992 ensure the citizens’ right
qualify them not only for the effect-oriented
of appropriate access to information concerning
monitoring of air quality but particularly for envi-
the environment. This right was confirmed by the
ronmental communication and education. Fre-
UNECE Aarhus Convention in 1998 and by a re-
quently they reveal the detrimental effects of air
cent EC Directive. The free access of citizens to
pollutants directly, i.e. visibly to the naked eye, by
environmental data and the commitment of public
responding to the environmental impact with ap-
institutions to provide sufficient and extensive in-
parent injury symptoms. They make these prob-
formation raise the question of how complex is-
lems, which are normally quite abstract, visible
sues like the distinction between “good” ozone in
and understandable to people directly and within
the stratospheric ozone layer and “bad” ozone at
their everyday life. They address people emotion-
the earth’s surface can be explained to laypersons
ally as evident plant damages may evoke a per-
appropriately. As a consequence, the demand for
sonal concern and prompt conclusions on poten-
efficient and attractive communication strategies
tial air pollution effects on one’s own well-being.
in the environmental sector is increasing. 4
Hohenheim
The Partners of the Network
EuroBionet: A Network of Authorities, Science and the Public This was the background for the implementation
heim (Germany), participants in this project in-
of the “European Network for the Assessment of
clude the cities of Edinburgh (GB), Sheffield (GB),
Air Quality by the Use of Bioindicator Plants”
Copenhagen (DK), Düsseldorf (D), Valencia (E),
(EuroBionet) in 1999 with financial support by the
Ditzingen (D), Klagenfurt (A), Verona (I) and Gly-
LIFE Environment Programme of the European
fada (GR), the regions of Grand Nancy (F) and
Commission. EuroBionet is a network of local
Grand Lyon (F) as well as the Province of Catalo-
governments
from
nia (E), together with their scientific partners. Ini-
twelve cities in eight EU member states. It ad-
tially, several scientific and communicative objec-
dresses the use of bioindicator plants in air quality
tives were defined. In order to use synergy in
monitoring and environmental awareness-raising
achieving these goals, a powerful integration of
of the urban population. Under the scientific and
science, administration and the broad public, par-
technical coordination of the University of Hohen-
ticularly schools, was aimed at from the onset.
and
research
institutions
5
The Objectives of EuroBionet Scientific Objectives: ¾Establishing the use of bioindicator plants at the European level ¾Standardisation of methods ¾Transfer of expertise and knowledge ¾Analysis and evaluation of air quality ¾Comparison of pollution types in different cities and regions Communicative Objectives: ¾Demonstration of air pollution effects on living organisms ¾Sensitisation of the population ¾Initiatives in schools, companies and private households ¾Urban marketing
Bioindicators in Air Pollution Control Based on the knowledge of the present air pollu-
heavy traffic as well as reference sites with low
tion situation in cities, bioindicator plants to as-
pollution load. Five different bioindicator species
sess ozone, sulphurous compounds, heavy met-
were exposed to ambient air at these sites in or-
als,
and
der to assess and to demonstrate the effects of
mutagenic substances were chosen. In each of
air pollutants. Additionally, air pollution and me-
the participating cities, local networks of eight to
teorological data were obtained from automated
ten bioindicator stations were established and op-
measuring stations and used to interpret the bio-
erated for three years. The stations included ur-
indication results.
polycyclic
aromatic
hydrocarbons,
ban and suburban sites, sites close to streets with
The Bioindication Methods used in EuroBionet Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bel-W3) >>>> sensitive to ozone Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Brandaris’) >>>> sensitive to ozone Spiderwort (Tradescantia #4430) >>>> sensitive to mutagenic substances Italian Rye Grass (Lolium multiflorum) >>>> accumulates sulphur and heavy metals Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea) >>>> accumulates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Keyword Distribution of Tasks: Central Coordination and Local Implementation Such an extensive project requires a well-defined
croscopical analyses, quality assurance, of assess-
distribution of tasks between the partners. The
ing and evaluating the results, as well as of or-
University of Hohenheim was responsible for the
ganising courses and conferences. The local au-
transfer of knowledge from scientific research to
thorities and their scientific partners were respon-
practical implementation in the cities and for the
sible for the choice and installation of the measur-
scientific and technical coordination of the overall
ing sites, the cultivation and exposure of the bio-
project. It was also in charge of defining the
indicator plants, the assessment of visible injury
methods of bioindication and communication,
symptoms, the supply of air pollution and mete-
supplying manuals and materials, training of local
orological data as well as the implementation of
working groups, performing the chemical and mi-
the communication concept. 6
Bioindicator stations of the EuroBionet
Keyword Standardisation: Manual and Training on site A high degree of standardisation and reproducibil-
as well as for assessing the effects was developed
ity of methods is a prerequisite for the compara-
based on already existing national guidelines and
bility of the results obtained. It is also crucial for
other regulations. It was binding for all partners.
the acceptance of this biological method of envi-
Quality control was done by organising courses
ronmental monitoring. An instruction manual for
and training working groups on site.
the cultivation and exposure of bioindicator plants
Keyword Ozone: A Gradient through Europe The tobacco variety Bel-W3 is highly sensitive to
emission conditions and large-scale atmospheric
elevated ambient ozone concentrations. The ex-
transport processes additionally influenced the
periments with tobacco plants demonstrated a
degree of ozone pollution at the individual sites.
very clear gradient of ozone impact, with increas-
The analysis of air pollution data from automated
ing plant injury levels from the North and North-
measuring stations documented that the thresh-
west of Europe to Central and Southern regions.
old and target values of the World Health Organi-
The lower intensity of solar radiation in the United
sation (WHO) and the EU were clearly exceeded
Kingdom, Denmark and North-western Germany
in most of the cities. As climatic factors influence
resulted in reduced atmospheric ozone formation
the response of plants to ozone, there are no
and consequently in only weak to moderate
generally accepted relationships between ambient
ozone-induced injuries on tobacco leaves. The
ozone pollution and the degree of ozone-induced
climatic conditions in Central and Southern
plant damage. Overall, however, a good corre-
Europe, however, favoured the ozone formation
spondence in the geographical distribution pattern
(summer smog) and hence the development of
of leaf injuries and atmospheric ozone concentra-
strong ozone damage in bioindicator plants. Local
tions was found. 7
% Leaf injury 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Ed
Sh
Co
Dü
Na
Kl
Ve
Ly
Ba
Ozone-induced injury on tobacco leaves exposed in different European cities (mean values 2001)
AO T 40 (ppb*h) 1800 0 161 73
EC Target Value
1500 0
WHO-Guideline EC Long-term Objective 1200 0
1 0644 9 392
900 0
575 7
600 0
58 66 4926
300 0 14 70 80
38 7
5 40
Ed
Sh
Co
0 Dü
Na
Kl
Ve
Ly
Ba
Va
Ozone pollution in different European cities (May - July 2001)
Keyword Mutagenic Substances: Successful Test Campaigns of a New Methodology In spiderwort, mutagenic substances cause chro-
this assay has now been tested over such a large
mosome damage in the pollen mother cells of cer-
geographical extension. The test campaigns not
tain development stages after a few hours of ex-
only helped to further improve and standardise
posure. The resulting formation of so-called mi-
the methodology, but also provided important
cronuclei can be scored microscopically and
hints on the occurrence of mutagenic substances
serves as a measure for mutagenic effects. The
in the urban environment. Elevated micronuclei
Tradescantia-Micronucleus-Test was originally de-
formation was found particularly along heavy-
veloped to study chemicals and environmental
trafficked roads, clearly suggesting the need for
samples under controlled laboratory conditions,
more detailed investigations on the genotoxic po-
but is increasingly being used also in environ-
tential of traffic emissions.
mental monitoring programmes. For the first time, 8
Micronuclei
©Pickl
Tradescantia: cultivation, exposure and assessment of micronuclei formation
Keyword Heavy Metals: Local Hot Spots due to Traffic and Industrial Emissions Standardised grass cultures using Italian rye grass
As opposed to the impact by photo-oxidants, no
are comparatively resistant to air pollutants, but
large-scale geographical pattern of heavy metal
very efficiently accumulate different toxic sub-
pollution was found. Moreover, the situation was
stances in their leaves. Based on the accumula-
characterised by a small-scale distribution of the
tion rates in rye grass, it is possible to draw con-
pollutants in the direct neighbourhood of local
clusions on the pollution load by sulphurous com-
emission sources. Compliance with the existing
pounds, heavy metals and organic substances
limit and target values for the levels of different
such as dioxin and on the potential risk these
elements (cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc) in
elements pose to the food chain.
feeding stuff was achieved at most of the sites. No limit values, however, have been established for the elements antimony and chromium.
ppm Cr 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Site
Chromium accumulation in rye grass cultures due to industrial emissions
9
The exposed rye grass cultures revealed a local
exhibited the highest chromium, copper, iron, and
hot spot of heavy metal pollution due to industrial
lead concentrations. The accumulation of anti-
emissions in one of the EuroBionet partner cities.
mony, a semi-metal released from the brake lin-
More than fiftyfold increased chromium concen-
ings of cars, proved to be particularly characteris-
trations and elevated levels of several other heavy
tic of traffic-influenced sites. The lead levels in
metals at a single bioindicator site were very
grass cultures, on the other hand, were normally
probably ascribed to the emissions of neighbour-
very low; this demonstrates the positive environ-
ing heavy industry facilities. This example demon-
mental consequences of introducing unleaded
strates that screening studies with bioindicator
petrol in the EU. In accordance with the only re-
plants are very useful to determine local hot spots
cent ban of leaded petrol in Spain in 2001, the
of air pollution, which can then be investigated in
lead levels in grass cultures remained relatively
more detail.
high in the Spanish cities until summer 2001 and rapidly declined by 2002. This example proves
In most of the other local networks, by contrast,
that bioindicators are adequate means to assess
the heavy metal accumulation in the grass cul-
and demonstrate even short-term changes of the
tures was dominated by traffic emissions. Sites at
pollution situation. Details of the results are avail-
roads or crossings with intense traffic generally
able at www.eurobionet.com.
ppm Sb 4,0 3,5 3,0 2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 Suburban
Reference
Suburban
Street
1
2
3
4
Urban
Street
Urban
Suburban
Suburban
5
6
7
8
9
Site
Accumulation of antimony in grass cultures exposed at roads with intense traffic (above)
ppm Pb 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Drop in lead levels in Spain (right)
Ban of leaded petrol in Spain
0 Aug. 01
Sept. 01
10
Oct. 01
Nov. 01
May 02
June 02
Keyword Hydrocarbons: A Broad Range of Different Pollutants Curly kale accumulates organic air pollutants such
the values were in an intermediate range, compa-
as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in its
rable to data from other studies in urban agglom-
waxy leaves. In the EuroBionet project, twenty
erations. The highest values of total PAH com-
different PAH compounds were analysed in kale
pounds as well as of the tracer substance
samples, among them the potentially carcinogenic
benzo(a)pyrene were again detected at sites with
benzo(a)pyrene. Similar to the results with heavy
heavy traffic. This indicates that, in urban areas,
metals, a clear distinction was found between
traffic emissions are an important source of this
PAH levels of urban and rural sites. In general,
pollutant category as well.
1400
Coronene
ppb PAH
Anthanthrene Benzo(ghi)perylene *
1200
Dibenz(ah)anthracene* Indeno(1.2.3.cd)pyrene * Perylene
1000
Benzo(a)pyrene * Benzo(e)pyrene
800
Benzo(k)fluoranthene * Benzo(b)fluoranthene*
600
Triphenylene + Chrysene * Benz(a)anthracene * Pyrene *
400
Fluoranthene * Anthracene *
200
Phenanthrene * Fluorene * Acenaphthene *
0 1
2
3
4
Urban
Urban
Urban
Urban
5
6
7
Suburban Suburban Suburban
Acenaphthylene *
8 Rural
Naphthalene
PAH concentrations in curly kale exposed at urban, suburban and rural sites
Bioindicators as Green Ambassadors For publicity campaigns, a modular, centralised
the starting point for further communicative ac-
communication concept was developed for the
tivities.
decentralised implementation in the partner cities. Notwithstanding the common objectives of the
The sheer size and colour of the box attracts at-
network, this approach ensured adequate consid-
tention. In the same way that a construction wall
eration of the locally different budgets and staff
arouses the curiosity of passers-by, the big green
resources as well as local and regional differences
box induces people to come a little closer to find
in the perception of environmental problems.
out what might be going on behind the green walls. Once their attention has been gained, so
The “local experience idea” is a central element of
much the better information can be offered. Peep
EuroBionet’s communication concept. It aims at
holes in the walls allow a look inside the pavilion.
establishing central sites in the partner cities
There, the observer recognises an entire bioindi-
where current environmental problems can be
cator station, i.e. bioindicators at work, informa-
rendered visible and comprehensible for layper-
tion boards and posters explaining the objectives
sons. This concept has been implemented in the
and methods of the project as well as local envi-
form of a green cubic information pavilion (‚Green
ronmental problems and their possible solutions.
Box’), which has been staging the otherwise unimposing bioindicator plants and thus served as 11
Broadly understandable indicator columns using a
ject in all cities while permitting local variations in
five-stage classification system ensure the compa-
pavilion design, the kind of information policy, the
rability of air quality in the different cities of the
opening hours and in the intensity of support to
network. This Green Box concept guarantees the
visitors.
uniform and recognisable appearance of the pro-
The ‚Green Box’: Concept and Reality
The scientific investigations and the presentation
present otherwise complex and abstract issues
of goals, methods and results in the green infor-
like air pollution and air quality in a visually at-
mation pavilions have been accompanied by in-
tractive and emotive way. Hence, the publications
tensive press campaigns yielding numerous publi-
on experiments with bioindicator plants frequently
cations in newspapers, magazines and radio pro-
became the peg to hang on more detailed reports
grammes. Using the bioindicator plants and par-
dealing with “Air Pollution and Mobility”, issues
ticularly the heavily ozone-damaged tobacco
that clearly exceed the restricted field of bioindi-
plants enabled the journalists to illustrate and
cation research.
12
Numerous activities and events called attention to
component of the communication concept. For
the issue of urban air quality and related topics.
this purpose, a pilot school project was initiated at
According to the “local experience idea”, most
the City of Ditzingen. Here, students of different
events were organised at or near the information
age groups from all local schools participated un-
pavilion. Examples include the participation of
der the scientific coordination of the University of
EuroBionet in the EXPO2000 at Hannover, the
Hohenheim and with technical assistance offered
European Car Free Day at Ditzingen and Lyon, the
by the municipality. Depending on the age group,
World Environment Day and the Noise Day at
the classes were variously involved in different
Klagenfurt, the Highland Show at Edinburgh, the
project activities. The students took care of the
Environmental Festival at Copenhagen, the “Fête
indicator plants exposed at stations on school-
des Sciences” at Lyon or the JobOrienta Fair at
yards, performed growth measurements and as-
Verona.
sessed air pollution-induced injuries. Thus, for the first time the detrimental effects of air pollution
Stimulating the environmental awareness of chil-
on plants became visible and comprehensible in
dren and teenagers has been another important
the youngsters’ own environment.
Environmental education with bioindicator plants – experience gained in Germany and Spain
The issue of air pollution was included in the sub-
Ditzingen during the Europe-wide campaign “In
jects and activities particularly of the higher gra-
town – without my car” (European Car Free Day).
des. For example, data were analysed using
An entire bioindicator station was erected there.
computer software, the results were further eva-
On poster walls, the population was informed
luated during the school lessons and discussed in
about the harmful effects of ozone and its forma-
the framework of “Environment and Mobility”, and
tion from precursor substances emitted by motor
poster exhibitions were organised to inform the
vehicles. This underlined the responsibility of each
schoolmates.
individual for maintaining and improving air quality. Besides the self-made posters, the bioindica-
In a further step, the students acted as multipli-
tor plants as “living measuring instruments” were
ers. On various occasions, the methods, results
instrumental in calling the attention of the citi-
and conclusions of the school project were pre-
zens. All the activities conducted by the children
sented to the public. Students organised their
and teenagers found public approval and were
own information stand on the town hall square of
accompanied by an intensive publicity campaign. 13
The publications in official bulletins and in news-
served as a basis for debates on this topic and on
papers
potential solutions. The contact with plants, as liv-
created
positive
feedback
and
thus
ing organisms, proved to be very suitable to
boosted the educational effects.
demonstrate the relationships between traffic, air The experience gained with these activities con-
pollution and environmental damage to young
firmed that bioindicator plants are a very ade-
people. This approach seemed to leave much
quate tool to pick out different aspects of air pol-
more lasting impression than abstract technical
lution and their consequences for humankind and
statistics on pollutant concentrations. The con-
the environment as a central educational theme
vincing success of the Ditzingen school project
for children and teenagers of all age groups. The
motivated other partner cities like Klagenfurt,
students’ own experience of the harmful effects of
Lyon, Nancy, Valencia and particularly Verona to
air pollution provoked personal concern; this
also involve schools in implementing the project.
Everything you always wanted to know about bioindicators A prerequisite for a better acceptance of bioindication as a biological method for environmental monitoring by authorities, decision makers and the broad public is a high degree of methodological standardisation. This pertains to the methods of cultivation and exposure of bioindicator plants, as well as to the assessment and evaluation of pollution effects. Based on existing guidelines, e.g. of the VDI (German Association of Engineers) and of scientific publications, a detailed and richly
Participants of the first project conference
illustrated instruction manual was developed for internal use by the project partners. This manual is available in Danish, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The scientific audience at universities, research
The lectures, poster contributions and presenta-
institutes and public authorities was informed in
tions given on the occasion of the first conference
the framework of congresses and several scien-
were published in a proceedings book with ac-
tific papers. For this purpose, two international
companying CD-ROM. The abstracts of the contri-
conferences on urban pollution, bioindication and
butions to the final conference were printed as a
environmental communication were organised in
booklet; the publication of a book with the com-
March 2001 and November 2002 with more than
plete papers is being prepared. Special aspects
100 representatives of municipalities, research in-
were published in research papers in scientific
stitutes, public authorities, private enterprises and
journals and conference proceedings.
media from many countries participating.
14
The broad public, in turn, was addressed by ge-
(www.eurobionet.com) is directly linked to the
neric leaflets and posters in different languages.
homepages of the local working groups of the
Moreover, information on the goals of the project,
partner cities. A German and an English version
the methods and the most important results were
(supplemented by short versions in other lan-
communicated by hundreds of press articles,
guages) offer information on the methods and re-
internet publications and radio programmes.
sults of the project, provide addresses of other bioindication programmes and of environmental
The homepage on the internet serves as a plat-
authorities, and contain publicity material that can
form for scientists and laypersons interested in in-
be downloaded. A further effort to create an
formation on bioindicators in general and on the
internet portal for bioindication and to link differ-
EuroBionet project in particular. This website
ent local school projects is being planned.
And the Benefit for the Environment? For the first time, extensive information on the ef-
Thus, they enable an efficient verification of the
fects of urban air pollution on bioindicator plants
success of emission reduction measures, as was
has been obtained in a coordinated and highly
demonstrated based on the declining lead pollu-
standardised way. This has yielded a broad data
tion in Spain. Moreover, EuroBionet has decisively
collection on the pollution load of European cities
helped to standardise methods on a European
by a wide range of air pollutants. The bioindica-
level and thus permanently establish this biologi-
tion methods used proved to be a very suitable
cal method of environmental monitoring. This has
tool to document the spatial and temporal distri-
promoted the development of European stan-
bution of the pollution impact as well as short-
dards in the field of bioindication.
term modifications of the pollution situation.
15
The modular communication concept enabled us
central theme and intensively discussed by inter-
to successfully draw public attention to urban air
ested citizens, schools, public authorities and par-
pollution as a key environmental problem in
ticularly by the press and radio programmes. This
Europe. Hence, the tasks and activities of Euro-
communication concept provided the participating
pean environmental authorities came to the public
cities with a useful communication tool for public-
eye. Environmental topics were identified as a
ity and environmental awareness campaigns.
EuroBionet as an Example EuroBionet was in all aspects a European demon-
The model character of EuroBionet is particularly
stration project. It serves as an example for the
obvious in the fields of environmental communi-
use of bioindicator plants in environmental moni-
cation and education. The modular communica-
toring and environmental communication inside
tion concept may easily be transferred to other
the European Union, but has great potential in
regions (after amendment to local needs if re-
accession and third countries as well. The high
quired) or used for different purposes. It is
degree of standardisation achieved in this project
equally applicable in air quality programmes and
demonstrates that a Europe-wide use of such bio-
in other areas of environmental communication.
logical methods of air quality monitoring is feasi-
The educational concepts and methods of bioindi-
ble and recommendable. The methods applied in
cators – as developed in the frame of the pilot
EuroBionet – based on national guidelines and
project for the Ditzingen school system - have al-
scientific recommendations - may in slightly modi-
ready been adopted by various schools in Italy,
fied form serve as a basis for future European
Spain and Germany. These concepts designed to
guidelines. Corresponding recommendations were
stimulate the environmental awareness of chil-
adopted by the participants of the final confer-
dren and teenagers will be applied beyond the
ence in November 2002. Since then, the EuroBio-
duration of financial support by LIFE.
net methods have been incorporated by other projects. The East Hungarian Biomonitoring Network (also backed by the LIFE Environment Programme) and an ozone biomonitoring network in Poland serve as examples. The methods and experiences of EuroBionet are also a component in environmental
monitoring
programmes
being
planned or already established in third countries such as Ethiopia, Brazil or China.
16