Aquatic EcologY Services

Macroinvertebrate/Benthic Surveys

Macroinvertebrate surveys have been used to assess water quality for nearly a century; they can be employed alone or as a component of a larger, broader, biomonitoring study.  While fish, algae, and protozoans may all be used as bioindicators for water quality, macroinvertebrates (mainly aquatic insects) are most often used because of their relative sensitivity to environmental change. 

We complete aquatic macroinvertebrate studies for a variety of clients - most notably the transportation and mining industries.  Because we understand the regulatory stimulus for these studies, we tailor our field efforts to efficiently target those issues. For example, we often use habitat evaluations to determine an appropriate level of sampling required to evaluate impacts and reclamation on mined-land and streams.

ESI uses a variety of data collection and analysis indices including the US EPA’s Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs), the EPT Index, the Hilsenhoff Index of Biotic Integrity (HBI), the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, and the Kentucky Division of Water’s Methods for Assessing Biological Integrity of Surface Waters.  Samples are sorted and identified to the lowest possible taxon, typically genus.  We process all aquatic taxa, including mounting and identification of midges (chironmids). 

We use traditional and specialized sampling gear and methods including:

• d-frame kick net
• micro-mesh sein
• multi-habitat sweep
• surber stream sampler
• artificial substrate sampler
• light trap
• dredge or grab sampler
• oversized meter surber sampler assessed by SCUBA
• deep water artificial substrate sampling
• benthic macroinvertebrate trawling

 

 

Click on this link to view specific project experience: AQUATIC ECOLOGY