Sampling benthic macro invertebrates: Benthic macro invertebrates are small organisms, and include aquatic stages of insects like the dragonfly nymphs as well as clams and worms. They often go unnoticed because of their size and habitat, but are an extremely important part of the river ecosystem. Collecting benthic macro invertebrates can provide a greater understanding of a river’s condition. The term “benthic” means bottom dwelling and refers to organisms that live in, crawl upon, or attach themselves to the bottom (substrate). The term “macro” refers to those invertebrates seen with the naked eye. Benthic macro invertebrates are an informative group of organisms to study because many are sensitive to physical and chemical changes in their habitat, many live in the water over a year;, they cannot easily escape pollution and they are easily collected in many waterways.
The aquatic invertebrate key may be downloaded along with an Excel file that can be used with a class to determine water quality based. This allows collection and analysis in the field or collection in the field than analysis in a classroom.
total_aquatic_invertebrate_count_with_score.xls | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: | xls |
aquatic_invertebrate_key.pdf | |
File Size: | 973 kb |
File Type: |