Phytoplankton pigments and epifluorescence microscopy as tools for ecological status assessment in coastal and estuarine waters, within the Water Framework Directive

► Epifluorescency effectively estimated small-size groups but its feasibility is limited. ► Similar results were obtained with HPLC-CHEMTAX approach and traditional microscopy. ► HPLC-CHEMTAX approach successfully identified phytoplankton-environment relationships. ► HPLC-CHEMTAX approach could be a suitable tool within large monitoring networks.