Ecology 1- Biological Assessment of the Hydric Environment

Biological Assessment of the Hydric Environment

For this lab you will collect and classify 100 macro-invertebrates to determine water quality by performing a bio-assessment.

Refer to the links below for identification of samples.

For this lab print a copy of the Stream Bio-assessment Form and bring it with you to the lab.

Group One Taxa	Group Two Taxa	Group Three Taxa
Mayfly Nymphs	Damselfly Nymphs	Aquatic Worms
Stonefly Nymphs	Dragonfly Nymphs	Midge Larvae
Dobsonfly Larvae (Hellgramite)	Cranefly Larvae	Pouch (Left hand) Snails
Caddisfly Larvae	Crayfish	Leeches
Riffle Beetle	Scuds
Gilled (Right hand) Snails	Clams
	Sowbugs
	Glass Shrimp
	Limpet
Total taxa =	Total taxa =	Total taxa =

Number of Group 1 taxa X 3    ------------------
Number of Group 2 taxa X 2    ------------------
Number of Group 3 taxa X 1    ------------------
Cumulative Value    ------------------

Values > 22 = Excellent Stream Quality
Values 17-22 = Good Stream Quality
Values 11-16= Fair Stream Quality
Values < 11= Poor Stream Quality

How to calculate values.

SAMPLES.

In your report compare and contrast chemical testing of the water verses conducting a bio-assessment. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each method? How did your results compare for each method?

Links about water quality:
EPA
Alabama Water Watch
Macro-invertebrates
Biocriteria Basics
Water Resources Databases