Biological AssessmentDeveloped by Ken CookeKentucky Division of WaterWatershed Watch Program Coordinator

Modified by Mike KempProfessor of Environmental Engineering TechnologyMurray State University

1WEF_Bio_Monitoring

BiomonitoringBiomonitoring

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BiomonitoringBiomonitoring

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Stream organisms require– access to food– refuge from predators– tolerable temperatures– sufficient oxygen– tolerable chemical

conditions

A degraded habitat may not support some organisms. A degraded habitat may not support some organisms.

Benthic MacroinvertebratesBenthic Macroinvertebrates

• Benthic – bottom of the stream; macro – visible with the naked eye; invertebrate – no backbone

• Ubiquitous and easy to collect• Relatively sedentary• Vary in sensitivity to habitat alteration and pollution

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Good Mid Range Poor

A Diverse Community A Diverse Community Representing a Range of TolerancesRepresenting a Range of Tolerances

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A Less Diverse Community A Less Diverse Community Dominated by Tolerant SpeciesDominated by Tolerant Species

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BiomonitoringBiomonitoring

• True or False. The presence of pollution tolerant species such as leeches is an indication of poor water quality.

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BiomonitoringBiomonitoring

• True or False. The presence of pollution tolerant species such as leeches is an indication of poor water quality.

False

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Equipment to BringEquipment to Bring

• Boots, waders, or shoes that can get wet

• D-frame or 10-inch aquarium net

• Light-colored plastic pan

• Field guides, key, and illustrations for identification

• Magnifying glass

• Biological monitoring assessment datasheet

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Choose one or more riffles in your stream reach

Selecting the SiteSelecting the Site

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Sampling Protocol – Traveling Kick Sampling Protocol – Traveling Kick

• Set net in riffle• Kick and stir 1/2 meters above net• Rinse net in pan containing a small

amount of water• Repeat at five different locations in

riffle to produce one composite sample

• Inspect and remove large debris• Identify organisms and calculate

score• Carefully rinse net and pan before

sampling another stream

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1/2 meter line1/2 meter line

Sampling Protocol – Low GradientSampling Protocol – Low Gradient

• Estimate habitat present• “Jab” net in representative habitat• Rinse net in pan containing a

small amount of water• Repeat at ten different locations

in the reach to produce one composite sample

• Inspect and remove large debris.• Identify organisms and calculate

score• Carefully rinse net and pan before

sampling another stream

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• For each site, how many kick-net samples should be taken?

• What should you do if your reach does not have any riffles?

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• For each site, how many kick-net samples should be taken?

Five. These can be combined to form one composite sample.

• What should you do if your reach does not have any riffles?

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• For each site, how many kick-net samples should be taken?

Five. These can be combined to form one composite sample.

• What should you do if your reach does not have any riffles?

Look for other habitats that might support macroinvertebrates. Use the low gradient sampling protocol if necessary.

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Identify the Following Identify the Following Macroinvertebrates:Macroinvertebrates:

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Images from http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent525/water/aquatic/index.htm

B. Newton 2003B. Newton 2003

AA BB CC

DD EE FF

Identify the Following Identify the Following Macroinvertebrates:Macroinvertebrates:

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Images from http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent525/water/aquatic/index.htm

B. Newton 2003B. Newton 2003

AA BB CC

DD EE FF

Caddisfly Larva Crane Fly Larva Water Penny

Damselfly LarvaeScud (Isopod)Mayfly Larva

Macroinvertebrate TallyMacroinvertebrate Tally

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Group 1 Taxa Code Group 2 Taxa Code Group 3 Taxa Code

Water Penny Larvae X Damselfly Nymphs Blackfly Larvae

Mayfly Nymphs Dragonfly Nymphs X Aquatic Worms X

Stonefly Nymphs Crane Fly Larvae Midge Larvae

Dobsonfly Larvae X Beetle Larvae Pouch Snails X

Caddisfly Larvae Crayfish Leeches

Riffle Beetle Adults Scuds

Other Snails X Clams X

Sow Bugs/Isopods

Number of taxa present 3 Number of taxa present 2 Number of taxa present 2

Times index value of (3) =

9 Times index value of (2) = 4 Times index value of (1) =

2

Cumulative Index Value 15

Biological Assessment Scale

Poor Fair Good Excellent

180 5 10 15 20 25 30 +