Biomonitoring for Water Quality: Sampling and Laboratory Processing
The process of biomonitoring for water quality involves two major steps, sampling and laboratory processing.
Sampling methods vary depending on the taxa being studied, but electrofishing, surber samplers, and kicking nets are common methods for collecting fish and macroinvertebrates. In the laboratory, taxon identification is crucial for calculating different indices to determine water quality. Identification levels can range from family to species depending on the monitoring purposes. Citizen science has become popular for freshwater ecosystem monitoring, as it not only provides educational and interesting activities but also raises environmental awareness in the public. It is easy for citizens to participate in biomonitoring, especially using macroinvertebrates, which can be found in streams by picking up stones from the stream bed.
Review questions:
- What are the two major steps of biomonitoring for water quality?
- What are some common methods for collecting fish and macroinvertebrates during sampling?
- Why is taxon identification important during laboratory processing?
Sustainable Development in Health and Ecology
Sustainable Development in Health and Ecology
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