The Llobregat belongs to the most thoroughly studied rivers in Europe and is a paradigm of the confluence of human and natural disturbances in a single basin. Because of its location in a very densely populated region and its Mediterranean character, the Llobregat supports a mixture of irregular flow, water abstraction, excess nutrients, mining debris, and a wide array of pollutants. The aquatic organisms strive to survive in a dramatically changing river that passes through a succession of dams, weirs and channels. The long-term river monitoring as well as the research that has been carried out in the river for a long time have provided an extensive knowledge of these disturbances and their effects on the biological communities. This book highlights the available information, with emphasis on the hydrological, chemical and biological elements interspersed in the river. Experts in the field discuss the main nutrient patterns and pollutant occurrence and the responses of the biological quality elements as well as the river ecosystem to the overall natural and man-made influences.

As a customer, have you ever felt dissatisfied with a product or service? Is it possible that customers may be similarly unhappy with your company? Being aware of and exploring your consumers' diversity constitutes the best source of information available if you are to lead the way in design innovation, marketing orientation and service provision. Universal Design: The HUMBLES Method for User-Centred Business offers every type of organization a clear understanding of the role and value of Design for All/Universal Design (the intervention in environments, products and services to enable everyone, regardless of age, gender, capabilities or cultural background, to enjoy them on an equal basis). The seven phase model integrates the users' point of view, enabling you to assess your current business strategy and design practices, and make your product or service appealing to all your potential customers, thus creating a better, more consumer-oriented experience. This book is a must-read for organisations who wish to consider their products and services from the customer point of view and so gain an advantage over their competitors.

River Basin Management is a collection of papers presented at a conference on implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, held in Budapest in May 2005. The Water Framework Directive requires progressive protection and enhancement to rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and wetlands by the year 2015. At the heart of this major new piece of legislation is the requirement for all EU member states to prepare river basin management plans for all river basin catchments, providing the basis for coordinated improvements to water management, leading to better water quality and sustainable aquatic environments in lakes and rivers. The papers cover a wide range of topics including pilot studies for the development of river basin management plans, public participation in the planning process, water quality monitoring, modeling and analysis, identifying and addressing pollution and meeting environmental objectives. The book presents an array of experience from eighteen European countries in the implementation of the EU’s most far reaching environmental legislation. It is an invaluable source of information and ideas for the widespread preparation of river basin management plans now starting throughout Europe.

Water scarcity and the need for ecological sustainability have led to the introduction of treated waste water as an additional water resource in the national water resource management plans of Mediterranean countries. Summarizing the results generated within the European Union-funded project INNOVA-MED, this volume highlights the following topics: Application of innovative technologies and practices for waste water treatment and reuse adapted to the Mediterranean region Constraints on the application of advanced treatments and reuse of reclaimed water and sludge Problems and requirements of sustainable water management in the Mediterranean area The book includes several examples of Mediterranean countries, such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Palestine and Spain, and presents their practical experiences in the application of innovative processes and practices for waste water treatment and reuse.

Riverbank Filtration (RBF) has gained popularity in the past decade as an excellent source of high quality water for public water supply. This text compliments the existing literature on RBF water quality, and provides much-need guidance in the design and operation of RBF facilities. RBF has proven effective in many hydrogeological settings worldwide, and can be an excellent solution to water supply problems in both developed and developing countries. Topics covered include surface stream hydrology, particle clogging, and biological/geochemical processes. Data and case histories are provided from dozens of installations, providing much-needed practical information regarding RBF design, operation, and performance. This book provides the necessary tools to evaluate potential RBF sites, and is a must-have if you are considering RBF as a source of water supply.