The DPSIR Approach for an Integrated River Management Framework. A Preliminary Application on a Mediterranean Site (Kalamas River -NW Greece)

Abstract

The European Water Policy introduced the necessity to apply new methodological approaches for the sustainable management of water resources. In the present paper the Driving-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was developed as a methodological tool for the case study of Kalamas River basin (NW Greece). According to the DPSIR approach, it was revealed that the main driving forces, leading to pressures, were the agriculture, the livestock and the numerous point-pollution sources located at the catchment area. Elevated nutrients concentrations (NO3-N:0.1-2.6 mg/L, NH4-N:0.01-1.29 mg/L, SRP: 0.03-5.76 mg/L) along with high chlorophyll-a values (0.54-6.14 mg/m(3)) highlight river eutrophication. Response actions include elimination of diffuse pollution as well as reduction of the organic load through the optimization of the existed treatment plants. Since several parts of Kalamas River are designated as protected areas, specific measures for protecting biodiversity should be undertaken.