Bioindicator surveys
Bioindicator surveys
Bioindicators are used to determine how different environmental pressures, such as pollution, acidification or eutrophication, affect the environment.
Bioindicator survey
A bioindicator survey is a study that assesses the state of the environment based on the occurrence of certain species or organisms. Bioindicators are species that are quick to react to environmental changes with their occurrence, abundance or general status, thus providing information on ecosystem health and the state of the environment.
Different organisms (e.g. lichens, fish, insects, mosses or aquatic plants) reflect the state of the environment and the effect of emissions on nature and air quality in a way that is characteristic of each group. For example, the impact of air pollutants and heavy metals is often assessed by investigating lichens, as they are a group that is particularly sensitive to air pollution.
What are bioindicators used for?
01
The Environmental Impact Assessment procedure (EIA)
In the case of large-scale construction, industrial or mining projects, when information is needed about the impact of the project on ecosystems
02
Pollution monitoring
In areas where air, water or soil contamination or other habitat changes are suspected, e.g. in the vicinity of mines, industrial plants or agricultural activities
03
Monitoring the status of water systems
In surveys assessing eutrophication, acidification or other changes in water quality
04
Air quality monitoring
In urban and industrial areas to investigate the impacts of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide or heavy metals
05
Biodiversity assessment
In protected areas and sensitive ecosystems, with the aim of gaining a comprehensive understanding the state of the environment and monitoring changes in it
06
Ecological restoration projects
In areas where restoration activities have been carried out, e.g. to monitor the recovery of nature after remediation of contaminated soil
Contact our experts
Contact us
Tuomas Väyrynen
Tuomas’s areas of expertise include a variety of nature surveys, assessments of ecological and environmental impacts, as well as Natura assessments.
Contact us
Heikki Erkinaro
Heikki’s areas of expertise include assessing ecological impacts in land‑use planning and environmental impact assessment procedures. In addition, he has 30 years of experience in research and development projects related to stream ecology.
Contact us
Ari Järvinen
Ari’s areas of expertise include nature‑impact assessments and biodiversity surveys. He has extensive experience in identifying and mapping various insect orders, and he has also prepared numerous specialised studies on the occurrence of directive species.