Environmental Flows Assessment for Macroinvertebrates at the River Reach Scale in Different Degrees of Hydromorphological Alteration

One of the most commonly used methods environmental flows assessment is approach based on Habitat Suitability Modeling (HSM) and habitat preferences curves (HPCs). Relationships between organisms physical parameters describing remain strongly nonlinear vary depending several factors. The common comparisons concern analyses natural regulated rivers, where degree river channel alterations undefined usually refers to all forms hydromorphological degradation. Additionally, spatial scale computational range such a research mostly focus longer reaches statistical analysis HPC transferability, without detailed estimation values. main aim our was comparison flows’ values for macroinvertebrates at two one with different degrees alteration. Two hypotheses were verified: 1) morphological conditions impact weighted usable area; 2) mean value reach higher compared reach. In order put obtained into broader context, hydrological data calculation hydrology-based performed. before determination flows, transferability suitability criteria verified. results confirmed hypotheses, revealing strong dependence conditions. both studied sections lower limits greater than