Biological Properties
Feb 24, 2016
Biological Properties
Biological Properties
• Biological attributes of a waterway can be important indicators of water quality. Biological attributes refer to the number and types of organisms that inhabit a waterway. The poorer the quality of water, the fewer the number and types of organisms that can live in it.
Great candidates for biological monitoring…
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Heptageniidae sp. (Mayfly larva)
Hydropsyche sp. (Caddisfly larva)
Perlodidae sp. (Stonefly larva)
(bottom-dwelling) (animals w/o backbones visible to naked eye)
Macroinvertebrates as Indicators
• Limited migration patterns–good indicators of localized conditions and site-specific impacts
Easy to sample and identify
• Broad range of habitat requirements and sensitivities to pollution
The Tolerance Index0 - 10
most pollution sensitivee.g. Stoneflies
0 10
most pollution tolerant e.g. Midges & Leeches
require high DO, clear water, rocky cobble substrate
contain hemoglobin, tolerate lower DO, prefer soft substrate, less sensitive to toxins
Stonefly Water Penny Beetle Mayfly Dobsonfly
Alderfly Mussel Snipe Fly Riffle Beetle
Macroinvertebrates as Indicators
Pollution Sensitive (“Clean Water”) Benthos
Macroinvertebrates as Indicators
Blackfly Caddisfly Isopod Cranefly
Damselfly Dragonfly Crayfish Amphipod
Somewhat Pollution Tolerant Benthos
Macroinvertebrates as Indicators
Pouch Snail Midgefly Worm Leech
Pollution Tolerant (“Polluted Water”) Benthos