Our glossary explains technical terms from the area water research. We hope it facilitates the understanding of this publication. If you have comments or suggestions, please use our
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Ecomorphology
Structural configuration of a water
body, including littoral zones (see also ->Morphological).
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Elbe DSS
A decision support system for river basin management. It provides a basic structure for the specialist knowledge, computer models and data relating to the Elbe basin.
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Electrodialysis (ED)
Membrane process in which the ions contained in water are passed through a membrane by applying an electric voltage. Using an alternating configuration of cation- and anion-selective membranes, the majority of the ions can be removed from the water. After passing through the membranes, the cations and anions are gathered in a concentrate stream, which is then discharged. In contrast to reverse osmosis, the untreated water does not pass through the membranes, thus making electrodialysis a relatively stable process.
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Energy recovery
Use of waste as a substitute fuel in cement works, coal-fired power stations and refuse incineration plants.
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Environmental federalism
Allocation of (decisionmaking) powers and responsibilities to different parties in the environmental field.
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Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Bacteria found in the gut flora of humans and animals; named after its discoverer, the doctor Theodor Escherich (1857-1911). The presence of E. coli in drinking water is an indicator of faecal contamination.
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EU Water Framework Directive
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy – more commonly known as the Water Framework Directive (->WFD) – represents the regulatory framework for the protection of all water bodies. The primary aim of the directive is to achieve a “good status” of water bodies. The WFD follows a comprehensive, basin-wide approach in which all significant pollution in ->basin areas is recorded and its effect on the relevant water bodies assessed.
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Eutrophic
Rich in nutrients (see also->Mesotrophic and ->Oligotrophic).
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Eutrophication
Excessive input of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen compounds, into standing or slow flowing water, thus resulting in the mass formation of algae and aquatic plants. The decomposition of dead plants and algae leads to oxygen depletion in the water and decay accompanied by the formation of hydrogen sulphide and other harmful substances (ecosystem collapse, fish kills, odours).
