The project „Multivariate analyses of the effects of chemical pollution and further stressors on freshwater organism” (MAESTRO) aims at identifying and quantifying effects of multiple stressors on the biological components targeted by river assessment schemes. The focus will be on chemical stressors (e.g. pesticides and pharmaceuticals) as well as metals and other hydrological, morphological and land use-related stressors. The effects of these stressors will be separated from each other and both individual and combined effects will be analysed.

For this purpose, multivariate techniques for data analysis will be deployed and converted into broadly applicable, script-based analytical routines. The results on the stressor effects ought to provide relevant information, which can support the development of effective management plans for the surface water bodies.

The project is a cooperation between the University of Duisburg-Essen and the North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV NRW) and is financed by the Ministry for Environment, Agriculture, Conservation and Consumer Protection (MULNV NRW).