Physico-chemical and biological study of the water-quality of river Ourthe (in Belgium)

A number of different techniques have been practiced in the world for assessing the quality of stream water. There is a need to quickly, easily and economically determine the organic pollution-load of water. In the present study a newly established, easily determinable and economical technique i.e. BMWP biotic index, has been applied, beside physico-chemical analysis, for the assessment of the water quality of River Ourthe. The results of the study show a good overall water-quality of the river, even though domestic sewage discharges and runoffs from grasslands are quite natural. (author)