Biological Assessment Developed by Ken Cooke Kentucky Division of Water Watershed Watch Program Coordinator Modified by Mike Kemp Professor of Environmental Engineering Technology Murray State University 1 WEF_Bio_Monitoring

Biomonitoring 2

Biomonitoring 3 Stream organisms require – access to food – refuge from predators – tolerable temperatures – sufficient oxygen – tolerable chemical conditions A degraded habitat may not support some organisms.

Benthic 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 WEF_Bio_Monitoring 4 GoodMid RangePoor

A Diverse Community Representing a Range of Tolerances WEF_Bio_Monitoring 5

A Less Diverse Community Dominated by Tolerant Species WEF_Bio_Monitoring 6

Biomonitoring True or False. The presence of pollution tolerant species such as leeches is an indication of poor water quality. WEF_Bio_Monitoring 7

Biomonitoring True or False. The presence of pollution tolerant species such as leeches is an indication of poor water quality. False WEF_Bio_Monitoring 8

Equipment 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 WEF_Bio_Monitoring 9

Choose one or more riffles in your stream reach Selecting the Site WEF_Bio_Monitoring 10

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 WEF_Bio_Monitoring 11 1/2 meter line

Sampling 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 WEF_Bio_Monitoring 12

For each site, how many kick-net samples should be taken? What should you do if your reach does not have any riffles? WEF_Bio_Monitoring 13

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? WEF_Bio_Monitoring 14

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. WEF_Bio_Monitoring 15

Identify the Following Macroinvertebrates: WEF_Bio_Monitoring 16 Images from B. Newton 2003 ABC DEF

Identify the Following Macroinvertebrates: WEF_Bio_Monitoring 17 Images from B. Newton 2003 ABC DEF Caddisfly LarvaCrane Fly LarvaWater Penny Damselfly LarvaeScud (Isopod)Mayfly Larva

Macroinvertebrate Tally WEF_Bio_Monitoring Group 1 TaxaCodeGroup 2 TaxaCodeGroup 3 TaxaCode Water Penny Larvae X Damselfly NymphsBlackfly Larvae Mayfly NymphsDragonfly Nymphs X Aquatic Worms X Stonefly NymphsCrane Fly LarvaeMidge Larvae Dobsonfly Larvae X Beetle LarvaePouch Snails X Caddisfly LarvaeCrayfishLeeches Riffle Beetle AdultsScuds Other Snails X Clams X Sow Bugs/Isopods Number of taxa present Times index value of (3) = 9 Times index value of (2) = 4 Times index value of (1) = 2 Cumulative Index Value15 Biological Assessment Scale PoorFairGoodExcellent