Biotic Factors to Monitor Water Quality

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Biotic Factors to Monitor Water Quality"

Transcription

1 Biotic Factors to Monitor Water Quality Parts of a Stream or River Riffles white water area usually with rock substrate protruding through the surface of the water Runs area in between white water, without obstructions to water flow, usually with rock substrate, but can be sandy Pools areas out of the main flow, backwater areas, eddies, usually with a sand or leaf debris substrate 1

2 water quality biotic.notebook 2

3 pool Biomonitoring Biomonitoring is the use of living organisms and their responses to different pollution levels to determine the quality of the aquatic environment. Scientists are looking for biodiversity a range of different macroinvertebrates. Biomonitoring is used mainly in two ways: 1) Surveys before and after an impact 2) Regular sampling to make sure the laws are being followed about water quality standards 3

4 Why Use Macroinvertebrates (Big Aquatic Insects) for Biomonitoring? Found in all areas (microhabitats) within the stream Large numbers of species exhibit a wide variety of tolerance levels to environmental stress They do not move as much as fish, so it is easier to determine an affected stream or river Long life cycles relative to other organisms so an idea of time can be determined Easy to collect without expensive equipment There are some problems, however; Aquatic invertebrates do not respond to all types of impacts Insect distribution and abundance can be affected by other factors than pollution (stream velocity, substrate type) Their abundance can vary seasonally Dispersal activities can carry them into areas where they do not normally occur 4

5 How to Use the Pollution Tolerance Index The Pollution Tolerance Index uses indicator organisms and their pollution tolerance levels to determine the overall, longterm health of a stream. Organisms are collected and identified to which tolerance groups they belong. Not all aquatic insects are counted in the PTI because not all insects are affected directly by water pollution. Only insects that live underwater and rely on it for food and breathing are counted. Bugs that live on the water surface are not counted because they obtain their oxygen from the air. Some insects that live underwater, such as dragonflies and many beetles, are not counted because they can rise to the surface and obtain air from the atmosphere, then go back underwater. How to Use the Pollution Tolerance Index Each of the three tolerance groups are assigned an index (point) value. Group 1 has an index (point) value of 3 Group 2 has an index (point) value of 2 Group 3 has an index (point) value of 1 The water quality value is determined by multiplying the number of kinds of organisms in each group by that groups index value. By adding all the numbers from each group, a single index value is calculated. By referring to the index value chart, a rating of water quality is given. 5

6 How to Use the Pollution Tolerance Index The water quality is determined by: Adding the points within each group Adding the total points in all three groups to calculate the Cumulative Index value Comparing the calculated Cumulative Index value to the value on the Stream Quality Assessment chart For Example... In one sample, students collected caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, crayfish, clams, blackflies, and midges. According to the Pollution tolerance index, each representative in group one carries a value of 3. Mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies are all found in group 1, therefore each representative is given a value of 3. Dragonflies, crayfish, and clams are all found in group 2, therefore each representative is given a value of 2. Blackflies and midges are all found in group 3, therefore each representative is given a value of 1. 6

7 Your data sheet would look something like this: representatives Group 1 points Group 2 points Group 3 points caddisflies 3 mayflies 3 stoneflies 3 dragonflies 2 crayfish 2 clams 2 blackflies 1 midges 1 total points The Answer Adding the totals from each group gives an index value of 17. Referring to the following Index Table,what is the water quality of this stream? Cumulative Index Value Stream Quality Assessment 23 or greater Excellent Good Fair 10 or less Poor 7

POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX (PTI)

POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX (PTI) POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX (PTI) (Adapted from Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Draft Document #EPA 841 B 97 003, November 1997

More information

How Sensitive Are They?

How Sensitive Are They? Pollution Tolerance Levels How Sensitive Are They? Adapted from: An original Creek Connections activity. Creek Connections, Box 10, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335. Grade Level: intermediate

More information

Pollution Tolerance Index Bag of Bugs

Pollution Tolerance Index Bag of Bugs Pollution Tolerance Index Bag of Bugs Adapted from: An original Creek Connections activity. Creek Connections, Box 10, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335. Aquatic Macroinvertebrates - Pollution

More information

Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI): Identification. The Activity

Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI): Identification. The Activity Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI): Identification In this activity students will identify benthic macroinvertebrates collected from a stream. Benthic macroinvertebrates are stream-dwelling invertebrates

More information

Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI) Identification

Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI) Identification Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI) Identification In this activity students will identify benthic macroinvertebrates collected from a stream. Benthic macroinvertebrates are stream-dwelling invertebrates

More information

Life on the James Judging Water Quality Based on Macroinvertebrates

Life on the James Judging Water Quality Based on Macroinvertebrates Life on the James Judging Water Quality Based on Macroinvertebrates About this Lesson This lesson is an excellent introduction to the concept of pollution and how it affects macroinvertebrates and therefore

More information

Aquatic Species Diversity and Water Quality

Aquatic Species Diversity and Water Quality Aquatic Species Diversity and Water Quality Reference: Wagner & Sanford. Environmental Science. Wiley & Sons, 2005 Introduction: Freshwater is only a small part of the Earth s supply of water, yet it is

More information

Mock Stream Habitat Assessment: Bringing the outside in!

Mock Stream Habitat Assessment: Bringing the outside in! Mock Stream Habitat Assessment: Bringing the outside in! Objectives: At the end of this activity, youth should be able to: Assess the overall health of a stream habitat Apply the terms abiotic and biotic

More information

Macroinvertebrate Graphing Activity

Macroinvertebrate Graphing Activity Macroinvertebrate Graphing Activity PURPOSE: To describe and identify the quality of a stream site by analyzing the aquatic macroinvertebrates that live there. SUMMARY: Students will learn about water

More information

Aquatic Macro invertebrates Lesson Plan

Aquatic Macro invertebrates Lesson Plan Aquatic Macro invertebrates Lesson Plan NGSS Standards: MSESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment. 3-LS4-3. Construct an argument

More information

Reading the River Water A Unit for 3 rd Grade. Lisa Handlon Taylor Mill Elementary Kenton County

Reading the River Water A Unit for 3 rd Grade. Lisa Handlon Taylor Mill Elementary Kenton County Reading the River 2004 Water A Unit for 3 rd Grade Lisa Handlon Taylor Mill Elementary Kenton County Grade Level: 3 rd Objectives In this lesson, students will: 1) identify aquatic organisms 2) assess

More information

Maine Biological and Nutrient Criteria. Tom Danielson and Dave Courtemanch Maine DEP

Maine Biological and Nutrient Criteria. Tom Danielson and Dave Courtemanch Maine DEP Maine Biological and Nutrient Criteria Tom Danielson and Dave Courtemanch Maine DEP Overview Introduce the Biological Monitoring Program How we evaluate the health of streams and rivers with aquatic life.

More information

Missing Macroinvertebrates. Missing Macroinvertebrates

Missing Macroinvertebrates. Missing Macroinvertebrates Purpose: To make inferences about the quality and/or quantity of freshwater using macroinvertebrate data collected from local water systems. To explain the factors that contribute to the extinction of

More information

Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring

Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring "In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, we will understand only what we are taught." - Bada Dioum, Senegalese conservationist

More information

River of Ashe County, NC

River of Ashe County, NC Running Head: Annual Variations in Mayfly Populations and Relations to Water Quality Annual Variations in Mayfly Populations and Relations to Water Quality in the New River of Ashe County, NC Benjamin

More information

Stream Observation Data Sheet School CMS Date 12/16/2015 Stream Study Site Mingo Creek. Macroinvertebrate Survey

Stream Observation Data Sheet School CMS Date 12/16/2015 Stream Study Site Mingo Creek. Macroinvertebrate Survey Stream Observation Data Sheet School CMS Date 2/6/205 Stream Study Site Mingo Creek Teacher Johnson Group Members: Latitude degrees NORTH Yesterday Longitude degrees WEST Weather Today Air Temperature

More information

Likely, your students are familiar with this stream from previous presentations. We use it again to introduce these concepts:

Likely, your students are familiar with this stream from previous presentations. We use it again to introduce these concepts: Teacher notes are provided. For an additional highly readable resource on benthic macroinvertebrate life cycles and habits, see A guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America, J. Reese Voshell,

More information

CT Envirothon Aquatics Workshop: Freshwater Macroinvertebrates

CT Envirothon Aquatics Workshop: Freshwater Macroinvertebrates CT Envirothon Aquatics Workshop: Freshwater Macroinvertebrates Meghan Lally Environmental Analyst Monitoring and Assessment Program Planning and Standards Division Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse

More information

Watershed Investigations: How to Assess the Health of a Stream

Watershed Investigations: How to Assess the Health of a Stream Watershed Investigations: How to Assess the Health of a Stream By Joan Chadde, Western UP Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education. All photos by author, unless otherwise noted. Why Monitor

More information

A Claytor Nature Center Stream Monitoring Experience

A Claytor Nature Center Stream Monitoring Experience A Claytor Nature Center Stream Monitoring Experience Conduct field investigations in which distinctions are made among observations, hypotheses, results and conclusions Perform a visual habitat assessment

More information

Stream Observation Data Sheet School: Charleroi Middle School Date 9/24/15 Stream Study Site: Maple Creek. Macroinvertebrate Survey

Stream Observation Data Sheet School: Charleroi Middle School Date 9/24/15 Stream Study Site: Maple Creek. Macroinvertebrate Survey Stream Observation Data Sheet School: Charleroi Middle School Date 9/2/15 Stream Study Site: Maple Creek Teacher: Mr. Johnson Latitude_210 7 degrees NORTH Yesterday Group Members: Period 7 th Longitude_79

More information

Invertebrate differentiation in various microhabitats of small and medium lowland rivers

Invertebrate differentiation in various microhabitats of small and medium lowland rivers The Functioning and Protection of Water Ecosystems R. Gołdyn, P. Klimaszyk, N. Kuczyńska-Kippen & R. Piotrowicz (eds) Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań

More information

Land Use Activities Potential Pollution Problems. Land Disposal septic system bacteria, nitrate, phosphate

Land Use Activities Potential Pollution Problems. Land Disposal septic system bacteria, nitrate, phosphate If Bugs Could Talk PURPOSE: To describe and identify the link between land use activities within a watershed and water quality. Students will also understand the link between aquatic macroinvertebrates

More information

Benthic Macroinvertebrates and MS4

Benthic Macroinvertebrates and MS4 Benthic Macroinvertebrates and MS4 Outline 1. Aquatic life use: Why monitor benthic macroinvertebrates? 2. Overview of benthic macroinvertebrates 3. Assessments with benthic macroinvertebrates 4. Identification

More information

Macroinvertebrate Investigation

Macroinvertebrate Investigation Macroinvertebrate Investigation PURPOSE: To introduce students to living aquatic macroinvertebrates in a field setting. SUMMARY: Students will collect live macroinvertebrates from a river or stream. They

More information

Water Quality Testing

Water Quality Testing Field Experience Water Quality Testing How s the Water? Overview Students will use chemical tests to determine the water quality of a local pond. Teacher Background: Water Quality In 1972 the Clean Water

More information

Wetland versus Stream Macroinvertebrates

Wetland versus Stream Macroinvertebrates Wetland versus Stream Macroinvertebrates Purpose: Summary: To investigate various biomes through observation and comparison of the diversity of life, in particular, the specific number of species, biomass,

More information

Wetland versus Stream Macroinvertebrates

Wetland versus Stream Macroinvertebrates Wetland versus Stream Macroinvertebrates Purpose: Summary: Background: To investigate various biomes through observation and comparison of the diversity of life, in particular, the specific number of species,

More information

Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates By Teresa Matteson and Heath Keirstead Benton Soil & Water Conservation District

Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates By Teresa Matteson and Heath Keirstead Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates By Teresa Matteson and Heath Keirstead Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Learning Objectives: Identify aquatic macroinvertebrate pictures Relate insect species/group

More information

Agawam River Project - 10 Years Later

Agawam River Project - 10 Years Later Bridgewater State University Virtual Commons - Bridgewater State University Watershed Access Lab Projects Watershed Access Lab 2013 Agawam River Project - 10 Years Later Recommended Citation St. Margaret

More information

Ontario Surface Water Monitoring Programs

Ontario Surface Water Monitoring Programs Water Quality of Surface Water: Monitoring and Protection September 24, 2005 Julie Schulenburg Surface Water Specialist Ontario Surface Water Monitoring Programs Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Program

More information

SA River & Ecological Restoration

SA River & Ecological Restoration SA River & Ecological Restoration TRICENTENNIAL THEME: SUBJECT: GRADEBAND/LEVEL: WRITTEN BY: TEKS: DESCRIPTION: LESSON OBJECTIVES: 1 2 3 MATERIALS NEEDED: ENGAGE (Opening Activity Access Prior Learning

More information

Multi-plate Sampling

Multi-plate Sampling Multi-plate Sampling Sampling method multi-plate sampler Adapted from: Field Manual for Water Quality Monitoring, Aquatic Entomology, and State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency: Biological Criteria

More information

Appendix D: Visual aids and handouts for graphing lessons

Appendix D: Visual aids and handouts for graphing lessons Appendix D: Visual aids and handouts for graphing lessons Macroinvertebrate Graphing Activity Amount Stonefly Caddisfly Beetle Cranefly Midge Leech 41 Water Pollution Graphing Activity Amount Sediment

More information

Macro Invertebrates. Student Learning Objectives

Macro Invertebrates. Student Learning Objectives Macro Invertebrates Water is essential to all life. Water is a place to explore and understand the aquatic habitats that water supports. The aquatic environment may be in lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands.

More information

Macro Invertebrates STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Macro Invertebrates STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES First Green is an innovative environmental and STEM education outreach program using golf courses as environmental learning labs. Macro Invertebrates Water is essential to all life. Water is a place to

More information

Lesson Title: Habitat for Stream Insects: What Kind of Substrate is the Best Habitat for Aquatic Insects?

Lesson Title: Habitat for Stream Insects: What Kind of Substrate is the Best Habitat for Aquatic Insects? Lesson Title: Habitat for Stream Insects: What Kind of Substrate is the Best Habitat for Aquatic Insects? NSF GK-12 Fellow: Tommy Detmer (Boulder, CO) Grade Level: Middle School Type of Lesson: Life Science

More information

Lesson Title: Habitat for Stream Insects: What Kind of Substrate is the Best Habitat for Aquatic Insects?

Lesson Title: Habitat for Stream Insects: What Kind of Substrate is the Best Habitat for Aquatic Insects? Lesson Title: Habitat for Stream Insects: What Kind of Substrate is the Best Habitat for Aquatic Insects? NSF GK-12 Fellow: Tommy Detmer (Boulder, CO) Grade Level: 5th Type of Lesson: STEM Objectives:

More information

Macroinvertebrates What Wetland Bugs Can Teach Us

Macroinvertebrates What Wetland Bugs Can Teach Us Photo Credit: Sue Mortson Macroinvertebrates What Wetland Bugs Can Teach Us Learning Environment: Outdoor Classroom: wetland near school Prep Time: 15 min Length of Lesson: 1.5 hours Key Vocabulary: macroinvertebrates,

More information

Virginia Save Our Streams Monitor s Checklist for the Modified Method

Virginia Save Our Streams Monitor s Checklist for the Modified Method Virginia Save Our Streams Monitor s Checklist for the Modified Method 1) Choose a site (riffle) that is accessible (public property or with landowner permission) and that has the stream water bubbling

More information

Microhabitats #1: Quantitative Study of Microhabitats

Microhabitats #1: Quantitative Study of Microhabitats Microhabitats #1: Quantitative Study of Microhabitats Adapted from: Microhabitats in Environmental Science Activities Kit by Michael Roa. The Center for Applied Research in Education, 1993. Microhabitats

More information

DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT

DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT ADOPT-A-RIVER INITIATIVE, Training of Trainers Workshop, National Museums of Kenya, 7 th July 2015. DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT Bonface Nduma, Vice President, WSCSD - Kenya o This is a simplified version

More information

Background Information

Background Information Background Information Linking Trees To Streams (Also available online at www.stroudcenter.org/lpn under the Learning Center. All images and drawings are copyright Stroud Water Research Center unless otherwise

More information

Our Watershed. 5-mile Creek. Natural Features: Wetlands, small bodies of water, and Forested areas

Our Watershed. 5-mile Creek. Natural Features: Wetlands, small bodies of water, and Forested areas Team 5-Mile Creek Our Watershed 5-mile Creek Natural Features: Wetlands, small bodies of water, and Forested areas Man-made features: Farm areas, residential areas, Pond Hill Farm Special Aspects Large

More information

Macroinvertebrate Mayhem

Macroinvertebrate Mayhem Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Pollution Effects On Macroinvertebrate Mayhem Adapted from: Macroinvertebrate Mayhem in Project WET: Curriculum & Activity Guide. Bozeman: The Watercourse and the Council for

More information

BIOASSESSMENT OF STREAMS

BIOASSESSMENT OF STREAMS OBJECTIVES The student will do the following: 1. Work as a team to gather organisms from a stream to evaluate if the water quality is excellent, good, or fair to poor. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The quality

More information

Riffle Beetles to Riparian Buffers

Riffle Beetles to Riparian Buffers We care about WateR. it S What We do. Riffle Beetles to Riparian Buffers Exploring Methods of Assessing Surface Water Quality Grade level: 7-12 objective: Students will evaluate the quality of two water

More information

Fact Sheet. Community-Led Water Quality Monitoring Framework for Lake Bosomtwe

Fact Sheet. Community-Led Water Quality Monitoring Framework for Lake Bosomtwe Fact Sheet Community-Led Water Quality Monitoring Framework for Lake Bosomtwe 1 Background Lake Bosomtwe is a valuable and beautiful natural resource that is used and enjoyed by watershed residents as

More information

Missouri Streams. Fact Sheet. What factors affect stream habitat? Stream Habitat Affects Aquatic Communities

Missouri Streams. Fact Sheet. What factors affect stream habitat? Stream Habitat Affects Aquatic Communities Missouri Streams Fact Sheet Written by Del Lobb & Suzanne Femmer Edited by Sarah Wolken When most people think of habitat, they usually picture places where fish or wildlife live, like a hollow log or

More information

Biological Monitoring Manual

Biological Monitoring Manual The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Biological Monitoring Manual April 2009 2009 Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring. Biological Monitoring Manual. Is licensed under the Creative Commons

More information

Is There AMD In This Stream?

Is There AMD In This Stream? Is There AMD In This Stream? Adapted from: Is There Mine Drainage Impacting This Stream? in AMD Biology Module. St. Vincent College Environmental Education Center, 2002. Abandoned Mine Drainage Grade Level:

More information

The Agawam River Study

The Agawam River Study Bridgewater State University Virtual Commons - Bridgewater State University Watershed Access Lab Projects Watershed Access Lab 2004 The Agawam River Study Recommended Citation St. Margaret Regional School,

More information

Lesson 4: Biodiversity in a Leaf Pack

Lesson 4: Biodiversity in a Leaf Pack SMILE Program Winter Teachers Workshop 2015 Lesson 4: Biodiversity in a Leaf Pack Lesson Summary: Students will make artificial leaf packs to create a model habitat for freshwater macroinvertebrates. Students

More information

Lab 8. Stream Ecology Using ANOVA

Lab 8. Stream Ecology Using ANOVA Lab 8 Stream Ecology Using ANOVA April 10, 00 Group 5 Abstract Stream ecology was analyzed in this lab because it indicates the effects of pollutants on organisms in the environment. Lab 8 compared the

More information

Become a. Volunteer Water Quality Monitor. Did you know the presence of pollution-sensitive. Stonefly Nymph

Become a. Volunteer Water Quality Monitor. Did you know the presence of pollution-sensitive. Stonefly Nymph Become a Volunteer Water Quality Monitor Stonefly Nymph Did you know the presence of pollution-sensitive organisms like the stonefly nymph could be a sign of good water quality in streams? Would you like

More information

Summary. calculated. ebrates they have identified. to the. entire life crayfish. the type of. mayflies, tolerant to. common in.

Summary. calculated. ebrates they have identified. to the. entire life crayfish. the type of. mayflies, tolerant to. common in. Chicago River Field Trip Activity Summary Students observe and identify macroinvertebrates collected from the Chicago River. Students calculate water quality based on a pollution tollerance index (PTI)

More information

Is There AMD In This Stream?

Is There AMD In This Stream? Is There AMD In This Stream? Adapted from: Is There Mine Drainage Impacting This Stream? in AMD Biology Module. St. Vincent College Environmental Education Center, 2002. Abandoned Mine Drainage Grade Level:

More information

CRUM / RIDLEY / CHESTER Volunteer Monitoring Program Core monitors data sheet (version 7/99)

CRUM / RIDLEY / CHESTER Volunteer Monitoring Program Core monitors data sheet (version 7/99) Weather Conditions Shade Air Temperature o C Cloud Cover (circle one) CLEAR, PARTLY CLOUDY, MOSTLY CLOUDY, ALL CLOUDS Wind (circle one) CALM, BREEZY, MODERATE WIND, HIGH WIND Rainfall NOW (circle one)

More information

Site Sketch Sheet. SITE ID #: STREAM: DATE: COUNTY: WATERSHED: RIVERWATCH TEAM: (if applicable)

Site Sketch Sheet. SITE ID #: STREAM: DATE: COUNTY: WATERSHED: RIVERWATCH TEAM: (if applicable) Site Sketch Sheet SITE ID #: STREAM: DATE: COUNTY: WATERSHED: _ RIVERWATCH TEAM: (if applicable) Sketch an aerial view of your 200 foot stream site every year. Indicate the direction of North and the direction

More information

Mangere Catchment Group Mangere River stream health investigation Field Trip

Mangere Catchment Group Mangere River stream health investigation Field Trip Mangere Catchment Group Mangere River stream health investigation Field Trip Collated and narrated by Kim Jones Whitebait Connection. Photos by Susan Karels from NRC - Enviroschools We gathered around

More information

Comparing Macroinvertebrates from Three Habitats at the Savage River of Western Maryland.

Comparing Macroinvertebrates from Three Habitats at the Savage River of Western Maryland. Comparing Macroinvertebrates from Three Habitats at the Savage River of Western Maryland. By Sikira Alexander Latrice Berry Jermaine Colvin Tanae Costley Shima Davis Damial Fletcher Marcus Gaines TeVaughn

More information

ACTIVITY ONE: WATER QUALITY IN OUR RIVERS

ACTIVITY ONE: WATER QUALITY IN OUR RIVERS ACTIVITY ONE: WATER QUALITY IN OUR RIVERS This LIFE SCIENCES lesson looks at visible animal life to determine the health of our rivers and streams. minisass is a simplified form of the South African Scoring

More information

Artificial Leaf Packs ddd

Artificial Leaf Packs ddd Artificial Leaf Packs ddd Sampling method leaf packs Adapted from: Leaf Pack Experiments, Stream Ecology Kit, Instructor s Manual. LaMotte Company aned Stroud Water Research Center. Grade Level: Basic,

More information

Trout Are Made of Trees: How Are Leaves Important to Streams?

Trout Are Made of Trees: How Are Leaves Important to Streams? Trout Are Made of Trees: How Are Leaves Important to Streams? Subject/ target grade: Middle School (8 th grade) Earth Science Duration: Four 50 minute periods Setting: Classroom, computer lab, and local

More information

Basic Methods and Equipment

Basic Methods and Equipment Basic Methods and Equipment P C C B On Site Chemistry On site (in( situ) ) measurements ph Dissolved O 2 Conductivity Water temperature Turbidity Use some type of probe or meter Example: Horiba U-10U On

More information

Activity 1: Using the Level of Oxygen- Saturation Chart graph Dissolved Oxygen vs. Temperature at 100% saturation. Start by making a 2 column table.

Activity 1: Using the Level of Oxygen- Saturation Chart graph Dissolved Oxygen vs. Temperature at 100% saturation. Start by making a 2 column table. Activity 1: Using the Level of Oxygen- Saturation Chart graph Dissolved Oxygen vs. Temperature at 100% saturation. Start by making a 2 column table. Number the first column with temperatures from 0 to

More information

Surveying Invertebrates to Determine Water Quality in Rivers and Canals. Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim

Surveying Invertebrates to Determine Water Quality in Rivers and Canals. Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim Surveying Invertebrates to Determine Water Quality in Rivers and Canals Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim Copyright The Green Blue 2016 Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim Surveying Invertebrates

More information

Follow this and additional works at:

Follow this and additional works at: University of Massachusetts Amherst ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst Water Resources Research Center Conferences Water Resources Research Center 4-9-2007 Evaluation of Impact of Land Use, Habitat, and Water

More information

Surveying Invertebrates to Determine Water Quality in Rivers and Canals. Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim for Inland Waters

Surveying Invertebrates to Determine Water Quality in Rivers and Canals. Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim for Inland Waters Surveying Invertebrates to Determine Water Quality in Rivers and Canals Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim for Inland Waters Duke of Edinburgh s Award Expedition Aim for Inland Waters Surveying Invertebrates

More information

STREAM RESTORATION IN DENMARK HOW SUCCESSFUL HAVE WE BEEN IN CREATING HABITATS FOR RARE AND ENDANGERED STREAM SPECIES?

STREAM RESTORATION IN DENMARK HOW SUCCESSFUL HAVE WE BEEN IN CREATING HABITATS FOR RARE AND ENDANGERED STREAM SPECIES? STREAM RESTORATION IN DENMARK HOW SUCCESSFUL HAVE WE BEEN IN CREATING HABITATS FOR RARE AND ENDANGERED STREAM SPECIES? ANNETTE BAATTRUP-PEDERSEN AND JES J. RASMUSSEN HELCOM MEETING, 29. MAY 2017 THE DIVERSITY

More information

2012 Mill Creek Watershed Habitat Assessment Level 3 Project Study Plan Results

2012 Mill Creek Watershed Habitat Assessment Level 3 Project Study Plan Results 2012 Mill Creek Watershed Habitat Assessment Level 3 Project Study Plan Results Cranberry Run This project study plan was financed through a Sub-grant from the Ohio EPA with funds from the State of Ohio.

More information

itself is a stream disturbance and too heavy a monitoring cycle can negatively impact macroinvertebrate populations.

itself is a stream disturbance and too heavy a monitoring cycle can negatively impact macroinvertebrate populations. Virginia Save Our Streams Eastern Biomonitoring Method for Muddy Bottom Streams Stream Quality Survey Instructions Standard Operating Procedures for Macroinvertebrate Population Surveys Background The

More information

Water Chemistry Monitoring

Water Chemistry Monitoring Chicago River Fieldtrip Activity Summary Students use basic to advanced water quality monitoring kits and probes to assess the water quality of the Chicago River. Water chemistry kits available for loan

More information

Biological Assessment Manual

Biological Assessment Manual NJDEP Volunteer Monitoring Program 2015-2016 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Biological Assessment Manual Volunteer Monitoring promotes a sense of stewardship and provides the community

More information

POND MUCKING Environmental Education Lesson Plan Edwards Camp and Conference Center

POND MUCKING Environmental Education Lesson Plan Edwards Camp and Conference Center POND MUCKING Environmental Education Lesson Plan Edwards Camp and Conference Center Summary Using the boat bay as an example of a pond, the students will compare it to Lake Beulah to learn the differences

More information

AquaScience. Using aquatic organisms for pollution monitoring TEACHER S MANUAL

AquaScience. Using aquatic organisms for pollution monitoring TEACHER S MANUAL AquaScience Using aquatic organisms for pollution monitoring TEACHER S MANUAL 1 Introduction Of the world s water 97.75% is seawater and 2.24% in glaciers; therefore the freshwater that we rely on for

More information

Invertebrate Monitoring in Wetlands. Joel Chirhart Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Biological Monitoring Unit

Invertebrate Monitoring in Wetlands. Joel Chirhart Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Biological Monitoring Unit Invertebrate Monitoring in Wetlands Joel Chirhart Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Biological Monitoring Unit What effects the quality of the wetlands we are sampling? The Five Major Factors Which Determine

More information

Captured Critters. Lesson Abstract

Captured Critters. Lesson Abstract Captured Critters Lesson Abstract Summary: GLE: Subject Areas: Students learn some of the common benthic aquatic macroinvertebrates used as water quality indicators and determine how long-term monitoring

More information

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Stream Ecology

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Stream Ecology Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Stream Ecology Andy McAllister Watershed Coordinator Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation 2006 AMD Conference State College, PA What are macroinvertebrates

More information

Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association 2002 Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling Project

Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association 2002 Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling Project Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association 2002 Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling Project Project Collaborators: Project Leader: Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association Sara da Silva, University of Rhode

More information

Little Turtle Creek at Lake Shore Rd, Little Turtle Creek

Little Turtle Creek at Lake Shore Rd, Little Turtle Creek Little Turtle Creek at Lake Shore Rd, 10021352 Little Turtle Creek WBIC: 791700 Latitude: 42.55548, Longitude: -88.77145 Nancy Sheehan, Rock River Coalition David Abell Reporting Period: 01/01/1996 to

More information

Methods: Record the date and time in the data book.

Methods: Record the date and time in the data book. Chemical Station Materials & Methods Materials: 3 Tall Plastic Vials with Caps 1 Small Glass Vial with Cap 1 Nitrate Tablet #1 1 ph Tablet 1 Nitrate Tablet #2 1 Phosphate Tablet 2 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

More information

2015 State Envirothon

2015 State Envirothon *Disclaimer: These tests do not reflect the information that will be on tests at the upcoming competitions.* 2015 State Envirothon Aquatics Test (75 Points Total) MULTIPLE CHOICE: Select the best possible

More information

ASSESSMENTS FOR STORMWATER MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT

ASSESSMENTS FOR STORMWATER MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENTS FOR STORMWATER MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT Eric Stein Biology Departments Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) Effects of Stormwater Runoff Stormwater Assessment is Complex

More information

Water Wonders. Purpose. Materials. Overview. Student Outcomes. Time. Level. Part 1: Part 2: Part 3 (optional):

Water Wonders. Purpose. Materials. Overview. Student Outcomes. Time. Level. Part 1: Part 2: Part 3 (optional): Purpose To introduce students to hydrology and the study of macroinvertebrates. To understand how macroinvertebrates help scientists understand water quality. Overview Students will be introduced to different

More information

ASSESSMENT OF MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN AN ACID MINE DRAINAGE IMPACTED STREAM IN THE GEORGE S CREEK WATERSHED, ALLEGANY COUNTY, MARYLAND

ASSESSMENT OF MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN AN ACID MINE DRAINAGE IMPACTED STREAM IN THE GEORGE S CREEK WATERSHED, ALLEGANY COUNTY, MARYLAND ASSESSMENT OF MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN AN ACID MINE DRAINAGE IMPACTED STREAM IN THE GEORGE S CREEK WATERSHED, ALLEGANY COUNTY, MARYLAND JULY 23, 2014 ABSTRACT Macroinvertebrates are a diverse group

More information

Little Turtle Creek at Lake Shore Rd, Little Turtle Creek

Little Turtle Creek at Lake Shore Rd, Little Turtle Creek Little Turtle Creek at Lake Shore Rd, 10021352 Little Turtle Creek WBIC: 791700 Latitude: 42.55548, Longitude: -88.77145 Nancy Sheehan, Rock River Coalition David Abell Reporting Period: 01/01/2015 to

More information

A Bugs Life Judging Water Quality Based on Macroinvertebrates

A Bugs Life Judging Water Quality Based on Macroinvertebrates Judging Water Quality Based on Macroinvertebrates There is a whole world of life in rivers and lakes. Some of the tiny animals living in the water are benthic, meaning they live in the bottom of the body

More information

AquaScience. Using aquatic organisms for pollution monitoring TEACHER S MANUAL

AquaScience. Using aquatic organisms for pollution monitoring TEACHER S MANUAL AquaScience Using aquatic organisms for pollution monitoring TEACHER S MANUAL 1 Introduction Of the worlds water 97.75% is seawater and 2.24% in glaciers, therefore the freshwater that we rely on for drinking

More information

The development of the Big Pond Dip invertebrate survey method

The development of the Big Pond Dip invertebrate survey method The development of the Big Pond Dip invertebrate survey method Pond Conservation (March 2010) www.pondconservation.org.uk The development of the Big Pond Dip invertebrate survey method 1. Introduction

More information

Pebble Creek - Pebble Creek at Kame Terrace Rd (25m Upstream), Pebble Creek

Pebble Creek - Pebble Creek at Kame Terrace Rd (25m Upstream), Pebble Creek Pebble Creek - Pebble Creek at Kame Terrace Rd (25m Upstream), 10011236 Pebble Creek WBIC: 771300 Latitude: 43.00724, Longitude: -88.299736 Jayne Jenks, Waukesha County Nancy Sheehan, Rock River Coalition

More information

Pebble Creek - Pebble Creek at Kame Terrace Rd (25m Upstream), Pebble Creek

Pebble Creek - Pebble Creek at Kame Terrace Rd (25m Upstream), Pebble Creek Pebble Creek - Pebble Creek at Kame Terrace Rd (25m Upstream), 10011236 Pebble Creek WBIC: 771300 Latitude: 43.00724, Longitude: -88.299736 Jayne Jenks, Waukesha County Nancy Sheehan, Rock River Coalition

More information

Today s Webinar: Types of Monitoring and Assessment Data and What They Mean

Today s Webinar: Types of Monitoring and Assessment Data and What They Mean Welcome to the 1 st Webinar in the Series Monitoring & Assessment for Watershed Plans: Identifying, Accessing, and Using Data to Protect and Restore Indiana s Waters Each Monday in May at noon Today s

More information

Chapter 4: Aquatic Animals

Chapter 4: Aquatic Animals Goals Chapter 4: Aquatic Animals Students will understand: 1. A stream or river food web and the importance of having a diversity of aquatic life. 2. What benthic macroinvertebrates are and how to identify

More information

Baseline Benthic Evaluation of Old Man Creek Downstream of the Ahmic Lake Road Bridge

Baseline Benthic Evaluation of Old Man Creek Downstream of the Ahmic Lake Road Bridge Baseline Benthic Evaluation of Old Man Creek Downstream of the Ahmic Lake Road Bridge Ma For: The Magnetawan Watershed Land Trust 2018/10/16 Project: 2018-001 Environmental Consulting Baseline Benthic

More information

Wetlands versus Stream Macroinvertebrates

Wetlands versus Stream Macroinvertebrates Wetlands versus Purpose: Summary: To investigate various biomes through observation and comparison of the diversity of life, in particular, the specific number of species, biomass and type of organisms.

More information

NONTIDAL BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE METHODS MANUAL LOWER WATERSHED

NONTIDAL BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE METHODS MANUAL LOWER WATERSHED A l l i a n c e f o r Aq u a t i c Re s o u r c e Mo n i t o r i n g NONTIDAL BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE METHODS MANUAL LOWER WATERSHED est. 1986 Produced by the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative Working

More information

Aquatic Ecology Field Study Procedures

Aquatic Ecology Field Study Procedures Aquatic Ecology Field Study Procedures Author: Laurie Rosenberg, Muhlenberg College Grade Level: 5-8th Lesson Time: 2.5-3hours Suggested Class Structure: Small groups Subject Areas: Science, Language Arts

More information

Ecological Principles and Processes

Ecological Principles and Processes Ecological Principles and Processes Stream Ecosystems and Biomonitoring Name Ecological Principles & Processes workbook Module 8 Biomonitoring 8/1 Introduction In most streams and rivers there is a diverse

More information