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11.10.1.Benthic macroinvertebrates
Unit 11 : Monitoring and control of pollution
11.10.1.Benthic macroinvertebrates
Advantages
- Benthic macroinvertebrates are found in most aquatic habitats.
- There are a large number of species, and different stresses produce different macroinvertebrate communities.
- Small order streams often do not support fish but do support extensive macroinvertebrate communities.
- Macroinvertebrates generally have limited mobility. Thus they are indicators of localized environmental conditions.
- Since benthic macroinvertebrates retain (bioaccumulate) toxic substances, chemical analysis will allow detection in them where levels are undetectable in the water resource.
- A biologist experienced in macroinvertebrate identification will, be able to determine relatively quickly whether the environment has been degraded by identifying changes in the benthic community structure of the water resource.
- Benthic macroinvertebrates are small enough to be easily collected and identified.
- Sampling of macroinvertebrates under a rapid assessment protocol is easy, requires few people and minimal equipment, and does not adversely affect other organisms.
- Macroinvertebrates are the primary food source for recreationally and commercially important fish. An impact on macroinvertebrates impacts the food web and designated uses of the water resource.
- State water quality agencies tend to collect macroinvertebrate data.
- Benthic macroinvertebrates do not respond to all impacts.
- Seasonal variations may prevent comparisons of samples taken in different seasons.
- Drifting may bring benthic macroinvertebrates into waters in which they would not normally occur. Knowledge of drifting behavior of certain species can alleviate this disadvantage.
- Certain groups are difficult to identify to the species level.
Last modified: Tuesday, 21 June 2011, 11:04 AM