The A index. A method for measuring the environmental quality of mediterranean lagoons

A new method, called Λ Index, for monitoring the environmental quality of Mediterranean lagoons is illustrated in theory and practice. The method uses benthic invertebrates as indicators of environmental conditions and expresses the rising level of quality in a scale from 1 to 10. The notion of quality in lagoons is derived from public statements of concern such as the Ramsar Convention (1971), Water Directive 2000/60/CE, and the Italian Lgs. D. 11 May 1999, n. 152. It considers absence of pollution, natural resources and biodiversity.