EN 16698:2015
(Main)Water quality - Guidance on quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton from inland waters
Water quality - Guidance on quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton from inland waters
This European Standard specifies procedures for phytoplankton sampling in inland waters and describes methods of sampling techniques for phytoplankton in inland waters (e.g. rivers and channels, or lakes, ponds, reservoirs and other artificial water bodies, respectively).
This European Standard gives guidance for sampling of phytoplankton for qualitative and quantitative limnological investigations and monitoring of water quality, e.g. ecological status.
Wasserbeschaffenheit - Anleitung für die quantitative und qualitative Probenahme von Phytoplankton aus Binnengewässern
Diese Europäische Norm legt Verfahren für die Probenahme von Phytoplankton in Binnengewässern fest und beschreibt Verfahren von Probenahmetechniken für Phytoplankton in Binnengewässern (z. B. Flüssen und Kanälen bzw. Seen, Teichen, Stauseen und anderen künstlichen Wasserkörpern).
Diese Europäische Norm gibt eine Anleitung zur Probenahme von Phytoplankton für qualitative und quantitative limnologische Untersuchungen und die Überwachung der Wasserbeschaffenheit, z. B. des ökologischen Zustandes.
Qualité de l'eau - Lignes directrices sur l'échantillonnage quantitatif et qualitatif du phytoplancton dans les eaux intérieures
La présente Norme européenne spécifie les procédures d'échantillonnage du phytoplancton dans les eaux intérieures et décrit, en outre, des méthodes et des techniques d'échantillonnage du phytoplancton dans les eaux intérieures (par exemple les rivières et les canaux, ou les lacs, les étangs, les retenues d'eau et autres masses d'eau artificielles, respectivement).
La présente Norme européenne fournit des lignes directrices pour l'échantillonnage du phytoplancton en vue de mener des études limnologiques qualitatives et quantitatives et de surveiller la qualité de l'eau (par exemple, l'état écologique).
Kakovost vode - Navodilo za kvantitativno in kvalitativno vzorčenje fitoplanktona v celinskih vodah
Razvoj metode za kvantitativno in kvalitativno vzorčenje fitoplanktona v celinskih vodah. Metoda vključuje vse običajne obstoječe evropske strategije vzorčenja.
Glavni vidiki vzorčenja fitoplanktona v jezerih, ki jih pokriva ta standard EN, so učinki vzorčenja na biomaso in sestavo fitoplanktona
– če vzorčenje poteka v različnih letnih časih;
– če gre za evfotično ali epilimnetično cono;
– če je število mest vzorčenja za velika vodna telesa ena ali tri;
– če se mešajo vzorci globinskega vzorčenja po korakih ali iz integriranih vzorcev ali prek gibljivih cevi za integrirano vzorčenje;
– če je ponovljeno vzorčenje 1 ali 5 na enem mestu (vidiki možnosti reprodukcije);
– če je vzorčenje opravljeno v nenavadni obliki vzorčenja kot vzorčenje ob obali ali ob iztoku v primerjavi z najglobljo točko jezera.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 06-Oct-2015
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Apr-2016
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 230 - Water analysis
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 230 - Water analysis
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 09-Feb-2022
- Completion Date
- 14-Apr-2025
Overview
EN 16698:2015 (CEN) - "Water quality - Guidance on quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton from inland waters" provides harmonized procedures for collecting phytoplankton samples from inland waters (rivers, channels, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and artificial water bodies). The standard focuses on representative sampling for both qualitative (species presence) and quantitative (abundance, biomass) limnological investigations and water‑quality monitoring, including ecological status assessments.
Key points
- Guidance for sampling in rivers and lakes (polymictic, stratified, during circulation or summer stagnation).
- Emphasis on representative collection, sample preservation and subsequent microscopy (Utermöhl technique).
- Recommendations for sampling frequency, replicates, equipment, bottling, fixation, storage and transport.
- Annexes with practical methodology, examples of sampling devices, cleaning procedures, depth‑gradient assessment and a sampling protocol template.
- Safety and training: work around water is hazardous; samples should be collected by trained staff.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Site selection and sampling design: choose locations and depths to capture spatial and temporal variability; different approaches for rivers vs lakes.
- Sampling frequency & replicates: adapt to monitoring objectives and natural variability; examples provided in annexes.
- Equipment & preservatives: lists of suitable samplers (integrating samplers, hose/tube samplers, plankton nets), preservatives and handling instructions for quantitative vs qualitative work.
- Procedures for lakes:
- Polymictic (shallow) lakes: whole‑column or surface mixing approaches.
- Stratified lakes: separate strategies for circulation periods and summer stagnation (including handling of deep chlorophyll maximum - DCM defined where chlorophyll at least 1.5× epilimnion average).
- Methods to prepare mixed water‑column samples (integral samplers or stepwise sampling).
- Rivers: emphasis on representative cross‑section or longitudinal sampling using horizontal samplers where appropriate.
- Sample processing & microscopy: preservation and sedimentation for analysis by inverted microscopy (EN 15204 Utermöhl technique).
- Accompanying parameters: Secchi depth (euphotic depth ≈ 2.5× Secchi; humic lakes 0.8–2.1×), water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorophyll‑a - all recommended for interpretation.
- Quality assurance: protocol templates, cleaning procedures and QA measures in annexes.
Applications and users
EN 16698 is intended for:
- Environmental agencies and regulatory monitoring programs assessing ecological status
- Water quality laboratories and limnologists conducting phytoplankton surveys
- Consultants involved in reservoir/lake management and impact assessments
- Research groups studying seasonal and spatial dynamics of phytoplankton
Practical uses include routine monitoring, bloom detection and species inventories, biomass calculations, and supporting chemical/physical water‑quality data.
Related standards
- EN 15204 - Enumeration of phytoplankton using inverted microscopy (Utermöhl)
- EN ISO 5814 / ISO 17289 - Dissolved oxygen methods
- EN ISO 7027 - Turbidity
- EN ISO 10523 - pH
Keywords: phytoplankton sampling, water quality, inland waters, lake sampling, river sampling, integrating sampler, Secchi depth, chlorophyll-a, Utermöhl technique, ecological status.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 16698:2015 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Water quality - Guidance on quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton from inland waters". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies procedures for phytoplankton sampling in inland waters and describes methods of sampling techniques for phytoplankton in inland waters (e.g. rivers and channels, or lakes, ponds, reservoirs and other artificial water bodies, respectively). This European Standard gives guidance for sampling of phytoplankton for qualitative and quantitative limnological investigations and monitoring of water quality, e.g. ecological status.
This European Standard specifies procedures for phytoplankton sampling in inland waters and describes methods of sampling techniques for phytoplankton in inland waters (e.g. rivers and channels, or lakes, ponds, reservoirs and other artificial water bodies, respectively). This European Standard gives guidance for sampling of phytoplankton for qualitative and quantitative limnological investigations and monitoring of water quality, e.g. ecological status.
EN 16698:2015 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.060.70 - Examination of biological properties of water. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 16698:2015 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2000/60/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/424. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Wasserbeschaffenheit - Anleitung für die quantitative und qualitative Probenahme von Phytoplankton aus BinnengewässernQualité de l'eau - Lignes directrices sur l'échantillonnage quantitatif et qualitatif du phytoplancton dans les eaux intérieuresWater quality - Guidance on quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton from inland waters13.060.70Preiskava bioloških lastnosti vodeExamination of biological properties of water13.060.10Voda iz naravnih virovWater of natural resourcesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16698:2015SIST EN 16698:2016en,fr,de01-februar-2016SIST EN 16698:2016SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16698
October
t r s w ICS
s uä r x rä y r English Version
Water quality æ Guidance on quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton from inland waters Qualité de l 5eau æ Lignes directrices sur l 5échantillonnage quantitatif et qualitatif du phytoplancton dans les eaux intérieures
Wasserbeschaffenheit æ Anleitung für die quantitative und qualitative æ Probenahme von Phytoplankton aus Binnengewässern This European Standard was approved by CEN on
z August
t r s wä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels
t r s w CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s x x { zã t r s w ESIST EN 16698:2016
Description of methodology . 18 A.1 Water colour, Secchi-depth and euphotic depth . 18 A.2 Secchi depth – practical hints . 19 A.3 Sampling frequency – examples. 19 Annex B (informative)
Examples for suitable water samplers . 22 B.1 Examples for sampling devices in rivers . 22 SIST EN 16698:2016
Determination of the depth gradient . 30 Annex D (informative)
Example for a sampling protocol . 32 Bibliography . 34
Note 1 to entry: See Annex C. Note 2 to entry: Values > 1,5 indicate a thermally stable stratified lake. For further details see Annex C and [18]. 3.3 dimictic lake lake with uniform water temperature and holomictic conditions twice a year: during autumn (before ice cover) and during spring (after ice cover) 3.4 epilimnion zone of the water body between surface and thermocline in which the water temperature and density is approximately uniform, showing a temperature gradient of < 1 °C/m SIST EN 16698:2016
¶ 1,5) Note 1 to entry: See also [17]. 3.13 shallow lake in this European Standard shallow lakes are defined as polymictic lakes (3.12) – based on the depth gradient - independent of their mean or maximum depth SIST EN 16698:2016
See Annex B for examples of suitable samplers; B.1 for samplers for rivers and B.2 for samplers for lakes. 5.1.2 Electrochemical/photo-optical probe with depth sensor to measure water temperature and dissolved oxygen according to EN ISO 5814 or ISO 17289. 5.1.3 pH probe (optional), e.g. according to EN ISO 10523. 5.1.4 Secchi disk according to EN ISO 7027 (see A.2 for further information). 5.1.5 Chlorophyll fluorescent probe with depth sensor (optional). A probe for total chlorophyll measurement is sufficient. SIST EN 16698:2016
The size of the container depends on the sampled volumes. 5.1.11 Plankton net, generally for qualitative sampling only; mesh width from 5 µm to 25 µm, depending on the taxonomic target. 5.1.12 Sample bottles, according to EN 15204. 5.1.13 Lightproof closed containers, suitable for the transport of the sample bottles (e.g. cooling boxes). 5.2 Fixatives and preservatives: Lugol’s reagent is suitable for Utermöhl phytoplankton analysis, depending on pH (see EN 15204). See 5.2.1 and 5.2.2. for further specifications. 5.2.1 Alkaline Lugol's iodine, with sodium acetate for preservation of plankton from neutral or alkaline waters. 5.2.2 Acidic Lugol's iodine, with acetic acid for preservation of plankton from acidic waters. 5.2.3 Ethanol, C2H5OH, volume fraction 90 % to 96 %, for preservation of diatom or picoplankton samples. 5.2.4 Formaldehyde (optional). Formaldehyde is appropriate for preservation of diatom or picoplankton samples. 6 Procedure 6.1 General requirements for phytoplankton sampling A representative phytoplankton sample should be taken with a suitable water sampler (see Annex B for examples). The contact of the water sampler with the lake/river bed, macrophyte stands, the floor of the boat, mooring buoys or any surface from which sample contamination could occur, particularly benthic algae or sediment, should be avoided. The phytoplankton sample should be filled immediately or after mixing in sampling bottles and preserved for later investigation according to EN 15204. Sample bottles should be marked before sampling to avoid interchanging the samples. Waterproof marker pen or pencil should be used (ballpoint pens or regular marker pens are not appropriate). Writing directly on the glass is not recommended. Instead, water-resistant adhesive tape that can be labelled or water-resistant printed labels are recommended. SIST EN 16698:2016
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La norme EN 16698:2015, intitulée "Qualité de l'eau - Orientation sur le prélèvement quantitatif et qualitatif du phytoplancton dans les eaux intérieures", propose un cadre essentiel pour la collecte de données sur le phytoplancton dans différents types d'eaux intérieures, notamment les rivières, les lacs, les réservoirs et d'autres plans d'eau artificiels. L'étendue de cette norme est significative, car elle détaille les différentes techniques d'échantillonnage adaptées aux spécificités des environnements aquatiques. L'importance de la norme réside dans sa capacité à fournir une méthode éprouvée pour évaluer la qualité de l'eau via des investigations limnologiques. Cela est particulièrement pertinent pour les études sur l'état écologique des milieux aquatiques, permettant ainsi d'identifier et d'analyser les variations du phytoplancton qui peuvent indiquer des changements dans la santé des écosystèmes. Les points forts de la norme incluent son approche systématique et rigoureuse des procédures de prise d'échantillons, garantissant que les résultats obtenus soient fiables et comparables. En fournissant des directives précises sur les méthodes de prélèvement, EN 16698:2015 aide les chercheurs et les gestionnaires de l'environnement à standardiser leurs pratiques d'échantillonnage, ce qui est crucial pour la surveillance à long terme de la qualité de l'eau. En conclusion, la norme EN 16698:2015 est pertinente pour toute entité impliquée dans la surveillance de la qualité des eaux intérieures, car elle facilite une évaluation cohérente et scientifique du phytoplancton. Cette norme est donc un atout précieux dans le cadre des recherches environnementales et de la gestion durable des ressources en eau.
Die Norm EN 16698:2015 bietet eine umfassende und gut strukturierte Anleitung zur quantitativen und qualitativen Probenahme von Phytoplankton in Binnengewässern. Ihr Anwendungsbereich ist präzise festgelegt und umfasst verschiedene Gewässertypen, darunter Flüsse, Kanäle, Seen, Teiche, Stauseen und andere künstliche Gewässer. Dies zeigt die Vielseitigkeit der Norm und deren Relevanz in verschiedenen ökologischen und limnologischen Kontexten. Ein herausragendes Merkmal dieser Europäischen Norm ist die Detailliertheit der beschriebenen Sampling-Techniken, die es Fachleuten ermöglicht, konsistente und reproduzierbare Ergebnisse zu erzielen. Die präzisen Verfahren zur Sammlung von Phytoplankton unterstützen nicht nur die Durchführung qualitativer und quantitativer Untersuchungen, sondern fördern auch ein aktives Monitoring des ökologischen Status der Gewässer. Die Norm ist von zentraler Bedeutung für die Überwachung der Wasserqualität, was in der heutigen Zeit angesichts der zunehmenden Umweltveränderungen und des Bedarfs an fundierten Entscheidungshilfen für den Gewässerschutz unerlässlich ist. Die in EN 16698:2015 dargelegten Methoden bieten eine solide Grundlage für wissenschaftliche Studien und tragen maßgeblich zur Verbesserung des Verständnisses ökologischer Prozesse in Binnengewässern bei. Zusammengefasst zeigt die EN 16698:2015 sowohl in ihrem Umfang als auch in ihrer praktischen Anwendbarkeit erhebliche Stärken. Die Norm ist nicht nur für Forscher und Umweltschutzbehörden relevant, sondern auch für alle, die sich mit der Untersuchung und Beobachtung von Phytoplankton im Kontext der Wasserqualität beschäftigen.
표준 EN 16698:2015는 내수에서 미세조류 샘플링을 위한 절차를 규정하고 있으며, 이는 수질에 대한 정량적 및 정성적 조사를 위한 매우 중요한 기준을 제공합니다. 이 표준은 강, 하천, 호수, 연못, 저수지 및 기타 인공 수역에서 미세조류 샘플링 기법에 대해 상세하게 설명합니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 생태적 상태를 모니터링하고 수질 조사를 수행하는 데 필요한 명확한 지침을 제공한다는 점입니다. 이는 학술 연구자와 환경 관리자가 미세조류의 생물학적 다양성과 수생 생태계를 이해하는 데 필수적인 도구입니다. 이 표준은 또한 다양한 수역에서 다르게 작용하는 수질 샘플링 기법을 요구하므로, 지역적인 환경적 요인을 반영할 수 있는 유연성을 제공합니다. EN 16698:2015는 물리적 및 화학적 수질 모니터링과 함께 사용될 수 있는 보조적인 기준으로, 다양한 수생 환경에서의 미세조류 생태계를 종합적으로 평가하는 데 기여합니다. 이러한 요소는 수자원 관리 및 보전 전략 개발에 중요한 정보를 제공해 주며, 지속 가능한 관리 방안을 모색하는 데 이바지하고 있습니다. 따라서, 이 표준은 수생 생태계에 대한 깊이 있는 이해를 제공하며, 실제 환경에서 실질적인 가치를 지닌 지침을 확립하고 있습니다. EN 16698:2015는 내수의 미세조류 샘플링에 대한 신뢰할 수 있는 기준을 세워, 향후 수질 개선과 생태계 관리에 중대한 영향을 미칠 것으로 기대됩니다.
The EN 16698:2015 standard provides comprehensive guidelines for the quantitative and qualitative sampling of phytoplankton in inland waters, focusing on rivers, channels, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and artificial water bodies. Its primary scope lies in establishing standardized procedures that ensure the accuracy and reliability of phytoplankton sampling, which is critical for limnological investigations and water quality monitoring. One of the strengths of this European Standard is its detailed approach to various sampling techniques. By offering specific methods tailored to different inland water types, the standard enhances the efficacy of ecological assessments. This targeted methodology not only aids in collecting representative data but also supports the ongoing monitoring of water quality and ecological status, which are essential for environmental management and policy-making. Furthermore, EN 16698:2015 emphasizes the importance of both quantitative and qualitative data collection. This dual focus ensures that researchers can assess not only the abundance and diversity of phytoplankton but also their ecological implications. The guidance provided in this standard fosters consistency across different studies, allowing for better comparisons and aggregation of data. The relevance of this standard cannot be overstated, especially in the context of increasing environmental concerns and the necessity for sustainable water management practices. As the impacts of climate change and human activity on aquatic ecosystems grow, the standardization of sampling methods for phytoplankton becomes crucial in evaluating ecosystem health and enforcing regulatory frameworks. In summary, the EN 16698:2015 standard stands out for its thoroughness in addressing the complexities of phytoplankton sampling in various inland water contexts, enhancing the rigor of ecological studies and water quality assessment. Its structured approach and focus on both quantitative and qualitative data underline its significance in understanding and preserving aquatic ecosystems.
標準EN 16698:2015は、内陸水域における植物プランクトンの定量および定性的サンプリングに関するガイダンスを提供する重要な文書です。この標準の範囲は、川や水路、湖、池、貯水池、その他の人工水体における植物プランクトンのサンプリング手順とサンプリング技術の方法を明確に規定しています。この標準は、内陸水域における水質の生態学的状態の調査やモニタリングにおいて、植物プランクトンの定量的および定性的なサンプリングを行うための指導を目的としており、環境科学や水質管理において非常に重要な役割を果たします。 この文書の強みは、内陸水域の特性に適したサンプリング技術を詳しく説明している点にあります。具体的な手順が示されていることで、研究者や技術者は標準化された方法に従ってデータを収集し、比較可能な結果を得ることができます。また、標準は多様な水域に適用可能であり、例えば自然水域や人工水域における植物プランクトンの監視に活用されています。この適用性は、様々な環境条件や研究目的において非常に有用です。 さらに、EN 16698:2015は、植物プランクトンのサンプリングに関連する最新の科学的知見を反映しているため、研究の信頼性と精度を高めることができます。この標準は、水質評価やエコロジカルモニタリングにおける重要な指導原則を提供し、持続可能な水資源管理に寄与しています。そのため、環境政策の策定や水質保全の実施においても強く関連性があります。 総じて、EN 16698:2015は水質の評価とモニタリングにおいて必須の標準であり、その詳細な手順と広範な適用範囲は、科学的研究や実務における植物プランクトンに関する理解を深める上で非常に貴重です。
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