New method simplifies monitoring river health and environmental impact.
The study focused on assessing the environmental quality of rivers by looking at river structures, water quality, and ecosystems. Researchers used a method called Life-Cycle Assessment to analyze the impact of construction work and materials on the environment. They found that by combining different water quality measurements into a single index, they could better understand the overall health of the river. The study suggests that this approach can help in designing more nature-friendly rivers and selecting materials for river improvement projects.