Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Field Manual 2013

Transcription

1 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates Field Manual 2013

2 EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates Field Manual EcoSpark 2013, All Rights Reserved. Earlier editions 2009, 2006, 2004, and 2002 Commercial use of this publication is prohibited without permission in writing from: EcoSpark 1179 King Street West, Suite 114 Toronto ON M6K 3C5 Tel: (647) Fax: (647) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EcoSpark would like to acknowledge the contribution of Jeffrey Borisko (formerly with EcoSpark) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in the development of the original field manual in EcoSpark also appreciates the assistance of many experts in government, academia and communities, especially Scott Jarvie (TRCA), Bernie McIntyre (TRCA), Dr. Bruce Kilgour (Jacques Whitford Environment Limited), Craig Logan (Canadian Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada), and Christine Tu (past EcoSpark board member). design: comet art + design Thank you to our supporters

3 1 ecospark.ca TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface 2 Introduction 3 Legal and Safety Considerations 4 Equipment 4 When to Sample 5 Where to Sample 5 Setting up your Site 6 Collecting your Sample 9 Emptying your D-net and Sub-sampling 10 Picking your Sample 11 Identifying and Sorting your Sample 12 Filling out Data Sheets 13 Final Checklist 15 References 15 Glossary 16 Indicator BMI Species and their Characteristics 18 Data Sheet 1 25 Data Sheet 2 26 Data Sheet 3 27 Data Manual 28 Benthic Macroinvertebrates Indices 29 Hilsenhoff Biotic Index 38 Benthic Aggregate Assessment 39 Data Manual References 41

4 2 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates preface EcoSpark empowers people to take an active role in restoring and sustaining nature. We give communities the tools for education, monitoring and influencing positive change. Together, we create a healthy environment for all. Ecospark s programs work from the bottom up. We work with individuals and communities to plan monitoring projects from start to finish, and help to make those plans a reality. EcoSpark (formerly Citizens Environment Watch) was founded in 1996 by a group of well-respected scientists, including Dr. Ursula Franklin, one of Canada s pre-eminent scientists and educators, in response to the provincial government s drastic cuts to environmental inspectors. EcoSpark was envisioned as a vehicle to engage Ontarians in local ecological monitoring and stewardship. Since its inception, EcoSpark has worked with over 50,000 community volunteers, including over 10,000 youth, to monitor their local environments in over 20 watersheds across Ontario. EcoSpark has helped citizens find opportunities to use community collected data to participate in informed community decision-making in several regions, including: Hamilton (remediation of Red Hill Creek), Glanbrook (restoration of Binbrook Reservoir), Collingwood (sewage treatment improvement in Collingwood Harbour), North York (restoration of Black Creek) and Pickering (curbing urban sprawl). For more information about EcoSpark visit A note about earlier versions of this Field Guide If you have an earlier version of this Field Guide (2009 or older), it is advised that you use the more recent version as updates have been made to further standardize the protocol to improve data quality and comparability across sites. In addition, minor text edits were made to clarify instructions and diagarams. It is recommended that all users of this guide first attend a EcoSpark field training session.

5 3 ecospark.ca HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE EACH STEP IS UPPERCASE AND UNDERLINED 1. Procedure appears as a numbered list under the step title. 2. Be sure to follow each step in order to ensure accurate results. Text that is highlighted in green indicates the need to record information on your data sheet. Important tips or notes are either written or highlighted in blue. DIAGRAMS OR FIGURES appear throughout the field guide to illustrate important sampling steps. When possible they appear alongside the corresponding step. introduction The EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates Field Manual is a step-by-step guide for volunteers to collect and analyze scientific water quality data. This Field Manual includes a monitoring protocol (or scientific sampling method) for benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI), a BMI identification guide, field data sheets and a guide to BMI data analysis. Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) are widely used to monitor and assess water quality in streams. They are animals found on the bottom of a water body that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye and lack a backbone and internal skeleton. They are relatively sedentary and widespread, with varying tolerances to changes in water and sediment quality. This monitoring procedure has been developed to enable volunteers to sample stream habitats for benthic macroinvertebrates. The procedure includes necessary information to collect, process, and identify benthic macroinvertebrates found in southern Ontario watersheds.

6 4 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates legal and safety considerations insurance Be sure that you have properly addressed the following questions: Are you and your group insured? What are you insured for? Are you required to take any specific safety or administrative actions to ensure proper coverage? trespassing Always get permission or notify those individuals who own or are responsible for the site that you are sampling. equipment Take care when using sampling equipment that may cause physical injury (e.g., sharp tweezers). sampling sites If you suspect that a selected site may pose a risk to your health or safety (e.g., close to sewage outfall, livestock/industrial operations, high water levels or there are unusual sights/smells), seek qualified advice before sampling. Be aware of other hazards including poison ivy, stinging nettle, and adverse weather. bring a partner Always sample with a partner who can help in case of emergency. first aid Always carry a first aid kit. Also carry a cell phone if available. Equipment SMALL EQUIPMENT KIT (2-6 PPL) 1 Sieve (500 micrometres) 1 Measuring tape (60 metres) 1 Measuring cup 1 Bottle of isopropyl alcohol 1 Roll of flagging tape 1 First aid kit - small 1 D-net (500 micrometres) 1 Bucket 2 Tubs 2 Ice cube trays 2 Squeeze bottles 2 Petri dishes 4 Hand lenses 4 Pipettes 4 Tweezers LARGE EQUIPMENT KIT (12-25 PPL) 1 Sieve (500 micrometres) 1 Measuring tape (60 metres) 1 Measuring cup 1 Bottle of isopropyl alcohol 1 Roll of flagging tape 2 First aid kits - small 2 D-nets (500 micrometres) 2 Buckets 4 Tubs 4 Ice cube trays 4 Squeeze bottles 6 Petri dishes 12 Hand lenses 12 Pipettes 12 Tweezers ALSO AVAILABLE FROM EcoSpark: Hip-waders or rubber boots BMI Reference Kits Clipboard and pencils OTHER HELPFUL EQUIPMENT: Site map (topographic or road) Camera and cell phone GPS unit and a watch

7 5 ecospark.ca when to sample Sampling is possible anytime beginning in early spring (April) and ending in late fall (October). Safety is the most important consideration in choosing when to sample: periods of high flow associated with spring floods and storm events should be avoided. Otherwise, the decision on when to sample will depend on each group s availability and monitoring goals. However, it is not advised to sample in rain or other adverse weather conditions. In some cases, community or school groups may have specific monitoring goals. Groups interested in tracking changes between seasons could sample bimonthly between April and October. Groups wanting to monitor changes from year to year would sample consistently at the same time each year between April and October. where to sample Choosing a sampling site also depends on health and safety considerations. Site conditions which pose known or potential risks, like pollution, high water levels, steep banks, or other hazards, should be avoided. Otherwise, the choice of a sampling site will largely depend on the monitoring goals of each group. For example, some community or school groups may be concerned with fish populations and may wish to assess the effects of habitat loss due to sedimentation. Construction sites are one possible source of increased sedimentation. In this case, a sampling site should include both a reference site upstream and a site downstream of construction site. A similar approach would be used for any suspected negative impact on stream quality (e.g., stormwater outfalls and major roads). In other cases, if your group has not identified a specific impact but wishes to begin monitoring your stream, it is important to select a site that it is representative of the larger stream area. For example, if the larger stream area you wish to monitor is primarily characterized by a gravel stream bottom and vegetated banks, then your sampling site should have these characteristics. An initial site assessment should be conducted prior to any benthic macroinvertebrate sampling. Groups that wish to monitor but do not have a potential location in mind can contact EcoSpark for advice or to request a list of suggested priority sites that can be adopted by the group as their monitoring site. Please contact EcoSpark with details about your sampling site in order to avoid overlap with existing sites.

8 6 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates setting up your site Once you have determined where you would like to sample, it is important to define your site. Ideally, your site should contain at least one riffle/pool sequence. A riffle is an area of the stream where the flow is fast and turbulent, usually over a gravel or cobble bottom. Conversely, a pool is an area where the flow is slower, calmer, and the stream is relatively deeper, typically over a sand or silt bottom. To define your site Locate a riffle that can also be recognized as a cross-over point in the stream, i.e., an area where the banks on either side of the stream are level with each other and the stream is of a uniform depth from bank to bank (for more detail see OMNR, 2001). This starting point (the cross-over) will mark the downstream limit of your site. Next, walk upstream at least 40 metres until you locate another cross-over. In practice, you may not locate another cross-over for some distance past the 40 metre point. If this distance is prohibitive to getting your sampling done, simply return to the 40-metre mark, walk upstream and locate the nearest riffle (Important: Not all riffles are cross-overs. If you need assistance please contact EcoSpark). Your upstream limit will be this second cross-over and/or next riffle upstream of the 40-metre mark. If it is not possible to define a site following the above description, then you should define your site so that it is simply 40 metres in length and limited by two fixed points. Figure 1 illustrates an idealized stream site with a riffle pool sequence. figure 1: sampling site with riffle pool sequence Once you have defined your sampling site with an upstream and downstream marker, measure the distance between the markers by following the path of the stream as closely as possible. This measurement is called the site length. upstream limit riffle record the site length in metres on your data sheet. pool downstream limit direction of flow

9 7 ecospark.ca To make sampling objective, set up equally spaced transects within your site using visible markers (e.g., traffic cones, flagged posts) along both banks. Transects should be oriented perpendicular to the stream flow. The number of transects depends on the minimum wetted width of the stream at your site. Measure the wetted width at the narrowest point between your upstream and downstream markers. Table 1 shows the appropriate number of transects according to the minimum wetted stream width. table 1: determining the number of transects based on stream width Minimum Wetted Stream Width Number of Transects Less than 1 metre 10 1 metre to 1.5 metres 8 Greater than 1.5 metres to 3 metres 6 Greater than 3 metres 5 record the minimum wetted stream width in metres and number of transects on your data sheet. After you have determined the number of transects at your site, calculate the spacing between each transect. To do this, divide your site length by the number of transects minus one (1). For example, if your site length was 40 metres and your number of transects was five (5), then the spacing between transects would be 10 metres. 40/(5-1) = 40/4 = 10m

10 8 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates Transects that pass through deep areas (i.e., non-wadeable pools) should be avoided for safety reasons. The number of transects should remain constant, with the unsafe transects placed in a safer downstream location. In practice, it will not always be possible to space your transects equally. Space your transects as evenly as possible under the site conditions. Once your transects have been marked in the stream they should include all micro habitats within your defined sampling site. A micro habitat is an area of the stream that appears physically different. Figure 2 shows an ideal sampling site with equally spaced transects. In some instances, the stream site you are sampling will be very wide (greater than 10 metres). You will still be required to sample five transects. If the total sampling distance is prohibitive to your monitoring activity (i.e., takes too much time), you may do point-sampling along the established transects within your site. At these points, carry out the kick and sweep technique in a narrow area ideally at equal distances along the transect. Enough of each transect must be sampled to ensure that a representative sample is collected. In practice, be sure to sample all points along the transect where a different micro habitat exists. (If this method is used, please indicate on your data sheet.) figure 2: sampling site with transects for a site length of 40 metres upstream limit 10m 10m 10m 10m downstream limit direction of flow

11 9 ecospark.ca figure 3: collecting your sample along transects finish start direction of flow collecting your sample 1. Begin sampling at your downstream limit (i.e., first transect) and at a point as close to the bank as possible. 2. Place the D-net close to the stream bottom. making sure that no macroinvertebrates can pass beneath the net. 3. Hold the net so that the current is flowing into the net. 4. Stand and kick to a depth of ~5cm upstream of the net by kicking back and forth across the current. 5. Slowly shuffle along the transect towards the marker on the opposite stream bank. Be sure to keep the net close to the stream bottom when kicking. 6. Pick up unembedded rocks along the transect and carefully rub their surface to dislodge any attached bugs and collect them in the net. 7. Once at the opposite bank, walk upstream along the stream edge to the next visible marker and repeat steps 2 to 7 until you have sampled along all of the marked transects at your site (see Figure 3). Avoid entering the stream prior to sampling. Any additional sampling (e.g., chemical) should be carried out after the sediment has settled or upstream of where the benthos sampling has taken place. It is recommended that you collect your sample in pairs. One person can hold the net in place, while the other person samples the stream bottom. Avoid areas that appear unsafe (e.g., too deep, slippery, current too strong). It is important to periodically empty your D-net into a bucket as the debris will begin to clog the net. Do this when you are at one of the stream banks and have finished sampling the transect (read the next section for further details).

12 10 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates emptying your d-net and subsampling 1. Carefully empty your D-net into your sieve over a bucket or large tray (your waste bucket ). Use squeeze bottles and water from the stream to rinse your net (ensure the water does not contain any benthic macroinvertebrates). 2. Look for bugs that may be caught in the mesh. Carefully rinse these bugs into your sieve over the waste bucket. 3. Remove large debris from your sieve and carefully inspect for clinging bugs. Rinse these bugs into your sieve and put the large debris (free of bugs) back into the stream. 4. Pour your waste bucket through your sieve to catch any bugs that may have escaped into the bucket. 5. Transfer your sieved sample to a second bucket (your sample bucket ). 6. Add stream water (free of macroinvertebrates) to the sample bucket to help with picking and sorting. 7. Gently agitate the bucket to mix the sample completely. 8. Scoop a portion of sample using your measuring cup or other small container. This is your sub-sample. 9. Transfer the sub-sample to a smaller tray for picking and sorting.

13 11 ecospark.ca picking your sample 1. Carefully disturb the contents of the tray and look for moving and resting water bugs. 2. Look carefully for smaller bugs (<3 millemetres) and under/on the surface of remaining small debris, twigs, small rocks, etc. 3. Pick every bug in the sub-sample. Do not to pick only the largest and/or least mobile macroinvertebrates. As a rule, once a bug is spotted, it must be picked. Look for very small bugs. Look for bugs that may not be moving. In order for sampling data to be valid, every single bug in the sub-sample must be picked. 4. Transfer each picked macroinvertebrate into a shallow container (e.g., petri dish) half-filled with water. 5. If you have gone at least two minutes without seeing a single bug and have not yet reached 100 bugs, empty the sub-sample (which contains absolutely no bugs) into the stream and get a new sub-sample. But remember: once a sub-sample is taken, every single bug in the sub-sample must be picked. record on your data sheet the time you start picking and sorting. important tips for bmi sorting: Avoid entering the stream prior to sampling. Do not count dead macroinvertebrates (e.g., empty snail and clam shells). Pick out swimming macroinvertebrates (e.g., scuds/amphipods) with your small piece of screen or suck them up using your eye dropper.

14 12 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates identifying and sorting your sample 1. Identify the picked macroinvertebrates using a hand lens and the accompanying key and guide. 2. Sort each identified bug into separate labeled sorting containers (e.g., Mayfly/ Ephemeroptera). An ice cube tray also works as an easy sorting tool. 3. If you and your group members have any doubts about the identification of any of the bugs, place them in a separate sorting container labeled Unknown and count them in the Unknown category on your data sheet. 4. Benthic macroinvertebrates that are sorted as Unknown should be shown to a qualified individual for assistance. 5. Bugs that remain Unknown in the field should be placed in a sealable, glass vial with preservative (e.g., 99% isopropyl alchohol). Be sure to label each vial with the river name, location of sampling site, date and samplers name. These vials should be given to EcoSpark for identification. 6. Continue to sub-sample, pick and sort until you have at least 100 bugs recorded, making sure to completely mix the sample each time you obtain a sub-sample. Some bugs can be identified by the way they move or swim through the water. Each sorting should be verified by at least one other group member. Remember, you must completely pick and sort each sub-sample, even if you reach the required 100 bugs. record on your data sheet the time you stop picking and sorting. NOTE: It is possible that you will not find 100 macroinvertebrates in your sample. If fewer than 60 are found, look for a suitable replacement site. If after sampling at the replacement site, you still find fewer than 60, please notify EcoSpark and closely examine the site and conditions. Make notes on your data sheets and suggest reasons why this site does not support an abundant benthic macroinvertebrate community and notify EcoSpark.

15 13 ecospark.ca filling out data sheets 1. SITE SKETCH (USE FIGURE 4 AS A GUIDE FOR YOUR SAMPLING SITE PROFILE) Use the stream flow direction arrow on the data sheet for orientation of your sketch. outline in overhead view on your data sheet the stream and sampling site with different micro habitats (e.g., riffles, pools, runs, edges, vegetation). outline the location and number each of the transects on your data sheet. sketch the areas along the stream bank where riparian vegetation is present and note general types (e.g., coniferous, deciduous, small trees/shrubs, grasses). Include in your sketch any permanent features near to your sampling site (e.g., roads, trees, bridges). Determine the north direction for your sampling site using your compass. record the north direction on your data sheet. figure 4: site sketch direction of flow grass finish pool 10m trees riffle 10m 10m 10m start walking path 2. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS stand in the middle of the stream along the first transect (i.e., downstream limit) and take one photograph facing downstream and another facing upstream. repeat this step at the last transect (i.e., upstream limit), again taking one photograph facing downstream and upstream. record a unique and traceable number for each of the four photographs on your data sheet.

16 14 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates 3. RIPARIAN DATA (DOMINANT VEGETATION TYPE) Stand on one bank at the first transect (i.e., downstream limit). Examine the area 10 metres from the edge of the bank and note the dominant vegetation type (see data sheet #1). Repeat for all transects on the left and right banks (face upstream when assigning right and left banks). THERE ARE FIVE DOMINANT VEGETATION CATEGORIES. These are: 1. None = the absence of any vegetation e.g. paved surfaces 2. Cultivated = agricultural e.g., row crops or managed vegetation, lawns 3. Meadow = unmanaged stand of tall grasses 4. Scrubland = sparsely spaced trees and mixed shrubs and grasses, often areas that have been taken out of agricultural (or other human) use 5. Forest = mature trees with significant canopy cover mark an x in the appropriate box for dominant vegetation type for each transect and a line through all others on your data sheet. 4. STREAM DATA (WETTED WIDTH, DOMINANT STREAM SUBSTRATE AND ESTIMATED PERCENT COVER) Stretch your tape measure along each transect and measure the total distance between both banks where there is visible surface water (i.e., wetted width). Be sure that the tape measure is stretched out perpendicular to the stream flow. record the wetted width in metres for each transect on your data sheet. Walk along each of your transects and determine which one of the five types of stream substrate is dominant (see data sheet #2). At the same time, estimate the amount of overhead stream cover provided by overhanging trees, cut banks etc. along each transect. MARK an x in the box for the dominant stream substrate and a line through all others for each transect on your data sheet. MARK an x in the box for the most appropriate percent overhead cover and a line through all others for each transect on your data sheet. If there is an interest in conducting a more extensive or detailed sampling site profile, the Watershed Report Card (2000) can be consulted.

17 15 ecospark.ca final checklist Check your data sheets to ensure that they are complete and legible. Initial and date in the appropriate sections. Give your completed data sheets and any preserved unknown specimens to your group leader. Q Q If this is your first sampling event, be sure to find a nearby permanent reference point (e.g., bridge, sewer outfall) that can help in setting up your site for future sampling events. record details for the reference point on data sheet #1 including the type of reference point, UTM (if GPS available), distance (in metres) to one of the sampled transects and location on site sketch. With your group leader s instruction, remove markers, equipment etc. from your sampling site. REFERENCES Gartner Lee Limited (1997). Field Protocols for Sampling Benthic Invertebrates prepared for Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (2001). Report to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority on Recommended Indices of Benthic Invertebrate Community Composition to be Applied to Results from Rapid Bioassessment Surveys. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (2001). The Stream Assessment Protocol for Southern Ontario. Watershed Report Card (2000). Connecting your Community to your Watershed.

18 16 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates GLOSSARY algae General name for single cell, aquatic plants. In streams, they are usually attached to rocks. aquatic habitat All of the components, such as rocks, logs, weeds and water, that aquatic organisms rely on to survive. benthic Living on or in the bottom environment of a water body. benthic macroinvertebrate Small animals that lack a backbone or internal skeleton living on the bottom of a water body and are visible to the naked eye. bioaccumulation The increase in concentration of toxic organic chemicals within living things such as fish due to the absorption and retention of chemicals; for example, PCBs will be higher in fish than in the surrounding water, and will be highest in top predators such as gulls. chlorides The chemical signature of road salt, sodium chloride, as measured in water; road salt may also contain ferrocyanide, which is added as ananti-caking agent and is considered toxic to many forms of aquatic life. cobble Medium-size stones ( mm diameter) found on the bottom of a stream that are smaller then boulders and larger than gravel. combined sewer overflows (csos) Built in overflows that act as relief points by letting excess flows leave the sewer system before treatment, emptying into the nearest water body. community The entire collection of organisms living within a defined area (e.g., microbes, plants, animals). Also known as an ecological community. contaminant Any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter that has an adverse effect on air, water or soil. d-frame net A metal frame in the shape of a D with a fine mesh attached to a pole used to sample benthic environments. dissolved oxygen The amount of oxygen in water that is available for respiration by (DO) aquatic organisms. ecosystem A term used to describe the interdependence of organisms in the living world, both with one another and with their physical environment. effuent The liquid that is discharged from industrial, municipal or agricultural processing of water into a water body. emergent plant Plants that are found in aquatic environments with their roots underwater and leaves extending out of the water. eutrophic A body of water with high nutrient concentrations (e.g., phosphorus and nitrogen) often due to human activities that results in high plant productivity. headwaters The foremost upstream source of a stream located in the upper regions of a watershed. hypoxia Severe oxygen deficiency in an aquatic environment usually causing mortality in oxygen dependent organisms. impervious area Lands with no recharge potential due to impermeable surface treatment (e.g., concrete, asphalt, rooftops). larvae The immature form of an insect that will undergo complete metamorphosis (larvae do not resemble their adult form). micro habitat (in streams) A precise location within a stream environment where an individual species is normally found (e.g., stoneflies in riffles). morphology The structure and body form of an organism at any stage in its life history. nitrogen A plant nutrient present in aquatic environments as ammonia (NH 3 ), nitrate (NO 3 ) or nitrate (NO 2 ). Not usually a limiting factor in plant growth. nutrient Any substance that is required for the nourishment of an organism, providing a source of energy or structural components. In aquatic environments, an excess of certain nutrients (e.g., phosphorus) can alter the natural function of the system.

19 17 ecospark.ca nymphs The immature form of an insect that will undergo incomplete metamorphosis (nymphs resemble their adult form). oligotrophic A body of water with low nutrient concentrations and little to no plant growth. outfall The pipe through which industrial or municipal wastewater is discharged into a receiving body of water. ph A measure of hydrogen ion concentration (acidity) of a solution defined as log10 [H + ]. A ph < 7 is considered acidic while a ph > 7 is basic. phosphorus A plant nutrient that often is the limiting factor for growth. The most common forms of phosphate are organic and inorganic phosphates (PO 4 ). photosynthesis The reaction occurring in green plants that uses light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into chemical energy with the release of oxygen. pools Distinct micro habitats within the stream in which the velocity is reduced and the depth of the water is greater than in most other areas of the stream. population The entire group of interbreeding organisms belonging to a particular species within a specific geographic area. riffles Areas of a stream where the flow is faster and more turbulent, usually over a gravel and/or cobble bottom. riparian zone Area of natural vegetation on, and extending out from the stream bank (typically up to 10 metres) that is important as a buffer to pollutants in runoff and as protection of stream structure. rip-rap Broken rock placed by humans along the bank of a stream to stabilize an eroding bank. runoff Water that does not penetrate below ground surface and flows from land into lakes and streams. runs or glides Areas of a stream with relatively low velocity that flow over shallow depths with little or no turbulence at the water surface. They are usually located between riffles and pools. scrubland Refers to land that has been taken out of agricultural use (or other human use) and is gradually returning to a natural community. Usually has sparsely spaced trees and mixed shrubs and grasses. shale Rock made from compressed mud, silt and/or clay. submergent plant Aquatic plant whose entire structure grows underwater. substrate Material that makes up the streambed. Some materials include clay, cobbles, sediment or boulders. taxa Refers to a specific levels of classification for an organism within a scientific system based on a combination of similar and/or dissimilar. Taxon is the singular form of Taxa. stormwater Rainwater that runs off urban and rural areas, flows through ditches and storm drains systems, and empties into rivers and lakes untreated. stream Long, narrow body of flowing water occupying a stream channel and moving to lower levels under the force of gravity. tolerance The ability to endure the effects of particular conditions. tributary A stream that flows into a larger body of water. turbidity A term that refers to the cloudiness or murkiness of water. water quality A term used to describe the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water with respect to its suitability for a particular use. watershed Land area from which water drains to a particular surface water body. wetted width (active channel) The length of the line of contact between the water of a stream and its channel.

20 Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates coelenterata (hydras) A tube with tentacles Reproduces asexually by budding Movement: sessile, attached or FIxed, not free moving Colour: clear to whitish Size: 2 to 25 mm Tolerance Value: 8 turbellaria (flatworms) Flattened shape Distinct head with eye spots Movement: creeps slowly along tray bottom Colour: usually dark, mottled greyish-brown to black Size: 5 to 30 mm Tolerance Value: 8 adult adult nematoda (roundworms) oligochaeta (aquatic earthworms) adult Tapered head Pointed tail Non-segmented Movement: rapid, whip-like Colour: often clear Size: 5 to 15 mm Tolerance Value: 8 Segmented, round, soft bodies, similar to earthworms Tiny bundles of hairs on each segment behind the first Movement: crawls along the tray bottom, or curls up Colour: often pinkish or brown adult Size: 1 to 30 mm Tolerance Value: 8

21 19 ecospark.ca Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, 2005 hirudinea (leeches) isopoda (sow bugs) adult Body with 34 annulated segments, suckers on both ends Head often with several pairs of eyes Movement: uses suckers to inch along tray bottom, or swims Colour: varies, often patterned Size: 5 to 300 mm 7 pairs of legs Dorso-ventrally compressed 1st antennae longer than 2nd Movement: crawls along tray bottom Colour: greyish Size: 5 to 20 mm Tolerance Value: 8 adult Tolerance Value: 8 adult pelecypoda (clams) Hard oval shell hinged in two halves Do not count empty shells Movement: none Colour: varies Size: 2 to 250 mm Tolerance Value: 6 amphipoda (scuds) Six pairs of legs Laterally compressed Two pairs equal length antennae Movement: swims on its side Colour: often light grey or brown Size: 5 to 20 mm adult Tolerance Value: 6

22 Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates adult decapoda (crayfish) Large claws; eyes on stalks Looks like small lobster Movement: swims backwards Colour: green, brown, or blue Size: 10 to 150 mm Tolerance Value: 5 trombidiformeshydracarina (mites) Eight legs, like small spiders Round body Movement: uncoordinated scrambling, swimming Colour: brightly coloured eg. red, green Size: 0.5 to 7 mm Tolerance Value: 6 adult ephemeroptera (mayflies) anisoptera (dragonflies) nymph Single tarsal claw Gills under abdomen Usually three tail FIlaments Movement: swims up and down in an S pattern Colour: brown Size: 3 to 28 mm (not incl. tail) Tolerance Value: 5 Big head and eyes No external gills Modified labium for catching prey Movement: slow Colour: drab, brownish, green Size: 15 to 45 mm Tolerance Value: 5 nymph

23 21 ecospark.ca Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, 2005 zygoptera (damselflies) Compound eyes Tubular, thin body Three gills at terminus of abdomen Movement: slow Colour: drab Size: 10 to 25 mm Tolerance Value: 7 plecoptera (stoneflies) Tarsi with two claws No gills on abdomen Two tail filaments Movement: swims, walks slow Colour: drab, varies Size: 5 to 50 mm Tolerance Value: 1 nymph nymph adult hemiptera (true bugs) Three pairs of soft, folded wings Soft body Movement: swims, skims water surface Colour: black to brownish Size: 15 to 40 mm Tolerance Value: 5 megaloptera (fishflies, alderflies) Well developed mandibles Lateral abdominal gill filaments Three pairs of legs Movement: crawls Colour: drab, brown Size: 25 to 90 mm Tolerance Value: 4 larvae

24 Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates larvae trichoptera (caddisflies) Often found in cases (do not count empty cases) Dorsal thorasic plates sclerotized Anal prolegs with hooks Movement: slowly crawls Colour: cream coloured abdomen Size: 2 to 50 mm Tolerance Value: 4 lepidoptera (aquatic moths) Head with ring of ocelli Three pairs of short, segmented, thoracic legs Ventral, abdominal prolegs Movement: crawls like a caterpillar Colour: varies Size: 10 to 25 mm larvae adult & larvae coleoptera (beetles) Three pairs of segmented legs Hardened forewings Larvae with sclerotized head with mandibles Movement: crawls, swims Colour: black, brown Size: 2 to 40 mm Tolerance Value: 4 gastropoda (snails, limpets) Hard spiral or cap-shaped shell Do not count empty shells Movement: none Colour: varies Size: 2 to 70 mm Tolerance Value: 8 adult

25 23 ecospark.ca Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, 2005 larvae chironomidae (midges) Sometimes in tube of silt, segmented body Characteristic J shape Anterior and posterior parapods Movement: whip-like motion Colour: varies - red, white, yellow Size: 2 to 30 mm Tolerance Value: 7 tabanidae (horse and deer flies) Pointed at both ends, segmented Leathery texture Several pairs of creeping welts with hooks on each segment Movement: none Colour: white, cream Size: 15 to 40 mm Tolerance Value: 5 larvae culicidae (mosquitos) Fused thoracic segments Posterior respiratory siphon Movement: twitches when touched Colour: brown Size: 3 to 15 mm Tolerance Value: 5 ceratopogonidae (no-see-ums) Very slender, pointed at both ends Segmented with sclerotized head Movement: whips, stiffens when touched Colour: varies Size: 3 to 13 mm larvae larvae

26 Indicator Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species and their Characteristics Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification Sheets, EcoSpark Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates tipulidae (crane flies) Reduced head is retracted into thorax Posterior respiratory disc with lobes Movement: worm-like Colour: white, yellow, brown Size: 10 to 50 mm Tolerance Value: 3 simuliidae (black flies) Often with pair of labral fans Fattened posterior with attachment organ Movement: like an inch-worm Colour: greyish, brown Size: 3 to 15 mm Tolerance Value: 6 larvae larvae larvae misc. diptera (misc. true flies) Adults with single pair of wings No jointed thoracic legs May have parapods, pseudopodia, creeping welts, appendages Movement: varies Colour: varies Size: varies CREDITS Images and characteristics adapted from Gartner Lee Limited, 1997; Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network, Tolerance values indicate tolerance to nutrient enrichment (southern Ontario). Values are between 0 (intolerant) and 10 (very tolerant). Tolerance values adapted from Watershed Report Card, 2000.

27 25 ecospark.ca EcoSpark Data Sheet 1 GROUP/SCHOOL NAME LEADER/TEACHER NAME WATERBODY and WATERSHED GEOGRAPHIC DATA Nearest Intersection UTM or Latitude/Longitude Municipality Site Length (m) Minimum Width (m) Number of Transects RIPARIAN DATA: DOMINANT VEGETATION TYPE (PLEASE CIRCLE) TRANSECT NONE CULTIVATED MEADOW SCRUB FOREST 1 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 2 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 3 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 4 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 5 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 6 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 7 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 8 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 9 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH 10 L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH L / R / BOTH STREAM WIDTH, SUBSTRATE, OVERHEAD COVER DATA TRANSECT 1. WETTED WIDTH 2. DOMINANT SUBSTRATE TYPE 3. ESTIMATED OVERHEAD FOREST COVER (M) Silt / Sand <2mm Pebble 2-8mm Gravel 8-64mm Cobble mm Boulder >256mm NONE 1-25% 26-50% 50-75% >75% DATE: SITE CODE: GROUP CODE: GROUP LEADER INITIALS: VERIFIED BY:

28 26 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates EcoSpark Data Sheet 2 SITE OBSERVATIONS (Include water temperature, weather, details, about notable or unusual site conditions, sampling problems, sightings or observations - including flora, fauna, invasive species, or human activities) POLLUTION SOURCES (identify and describe any potential sources of pollution you can see on or near the site) PHOTOGRAPHS FACING UPSTREAM FACING DOWNSTREAM First Transect Last Transect SITE SKETCH (In overhead view, sketch all stream features, riparian vegetation, transects, and nearby permanent features including roads, bridges, paths, and buildings. Please use a legend and indicate North.) (UPSTREAM) DIRECTION OF FLOW f (DOWNSTREAM) LEGEND DATE: SITE CODE: GROUP CODE: GROUP LEADER INITIALS: VERIFIED BY:

29 27 ecospark.ca EcoSpark Data Sheet 3 GROUP MEMBERS PICKING THIS SUBSAMPLE (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY) IDENTIFICATION METHOD (PLEASE CIRCLE) FIELD / LAB LIVE / PRESERVED MICROSCOPE / HAND LENS START TIME FINISH TIME BMI Tally Sheet COELENTERATA (HYDRAS) TURBELLARIA (FLATWORMS) NEMATODA (ROUNDWORMS) OLIGOCHAETA (AQUATIC EARTH WORMS) HIRUDINEA (LEECHES) ISOPODA (SOW BUGS) PELECYPODA (CLAMS) AMPHIPODA (SCUDS) DECAPODA (CRAYFISH) TROMBIDIFORMES- HYDRACARINA (MITES) EPHEMEROPTERA (MAYFLIES) ANISOPTERA (DRAGONFLIES) ZYGOPTERA (DAMSELFLIES) PLECOPTERA (STONEFLIES) HEMIPTERA (TRUE BUGS) MEGALOPTERA (FISHFLIES, ALDERFLIES) TRICHOPTERA (CADDISFLIES) LEPIDOPTERA (AQUATIC MOTHS) COLEOPTERA (BEETLES) GASTROPODA (SNAILS, LIMPETS) CHIRONOMIDAE (MIDGES) TABANIDAE (HORSE AND DEER FLIES) CULICIDAE (MOSQUITOS) CERATOPOGONIDAE (NO-SEE-UMS) TIPULIDAE (CRANE FLIES) SIMULIIDAE (BLACK FLIES) MISC. DIPTERA (MISC. TRUE FLIES) UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN DATE: SITE CODE: GROUP CODE: GROUP LEADER INITIALS: VERIFIED BY:

30 28 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates Data Manual BENTHIC MACROINVERETBRATE DATA ANALYSIS With your data collection completed, you are now ready to analyze and interpret the data. In order to do this, you will use a series of indices that are commonly used for benthic macroinvertebrate data. Each index has a formula and three stream conditions with a specific range of values (i.e., criteria). These three stream conditions are unimpaired, possibly impaired and impaired. For example, % worms is one index where values for unimpaired, possibly impaired and impaired conditions are <10 %, % and >30%, respectively. This means that if <10 % of the sample you collected at a site consists of worms, then the site is unimpaired. In other words, a site with <10 % aquatic worms is considered healthy and would be expected when the site has not been impacted by, for example, organic pollution. In contrast, a site with aquatic worms of 10 % or greater suggests an unhealthy stream condition and therefore may be impacted. You will therefore be most concerned with values that fall outside of the unimpaired range for each index. The indices (ten in total) are listed below each with a brief background, formula for calculation, ranges for impaired, possibly impaired or unimpaired conditions and references. Within these indices, only coarse taxonomy (i.e., order/family) is needed. An aggregate assessment can also be employed to provide a more robust measurement of stream quality where all ten indices are considered together. While an aggregate assessment of one sampling session can provide a good indication of site conditions for that field season, additional sampling sessions in subsequent seasons and years are beneficial for a more accurate assessment of the general stream conditions.

31 29 ecospark.ca Benthic Macroinvertebrate Indices 1. % Worm (Oligochaeta, Nematoda and Turbellaria) Aquatic worms (mostly Oligochaetes) are most commonly found in soft sediments rich in organic matter and sites that receive organic pollution. Other taxa included in this index are Nematoda (ring worms) and Turbellaria (flatworms). The best known freshwater aquatic worms are tubificids and are probably the type that you will most frequently encounter in your work. Some tubificid species can tolerate anoxic (no oxygen) conditions. Therefore, worms are often found in relatively higher numbers than more oxygen sensitive groups (stoneflies) at sites receiving excessive organic inputs (e.g., untreated sewage). A high % worm suggests that the site is affected by high organic inputs and as a consequence, low oxygen levels. Worms also have multiple reproductive periods per year, are relatively smaller and faster growing than many other benthic macroinveretbrates (e.g., caddisflies and crayfish) and therefore have a competitive advantage in stream environments. The formula and criteria for impaired, possibly impaired and unimpaired stream conditions are listed below. A value of 10% or greater with this index is of concern. index explanation impaired possibly impaired unimpaired source(s) % worm =100x (O+Nem+Tur) > to 30 < 10 Griffiths (1998) (Oligochaeta, N David et al. Nematoda, (1998) Turbellaria) where, O = # of Oligochaeta Nem = # of Nematoda Tur = # Turbellaria and N = total # of individuals Source: Jacques Whitford Report, 2001

32 30 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates 2. % Midge (Chironomidae) Midges (or Chironomids, some of which are blood worms) account for most of the macroinvertebrates in many freshwater environments. In streams, they are found in nearly every type of habitat, from small substrates, such as silt/sand, to large substrates, such as cobble. Therefore, their complete absence from a site would be unexpected and provides a clue to potential stream impacts. By comparison, a predominance of midges at a site generally indicates poor water quality. However, it is important to note that there is a wide tolerance range for changes in water quality within the midge family. Nonetheless, a high % midge value at a site suggests that stream conditions do not support a healthy benthic macroinvertebrate community. Like aquatic worms, midges have a competitive advantage in stream environments versus many other benthic macroinveretbrates (e.g., caddisflies and crayfish) due to their multiple reproductive periods per year, relatively smaller size and faster growth rates. The formula and criteria for impaired, possibly impaired and unimpaired stream quality are listed below. A value of 10% or greater with this index is of concern. index explanation impaired possibly impaired unimpaired source(s) % midge (Chironomidae) =100 x Chir > to 40 < 10 Griffiths (1998) N where, Chir = # of Chironomidae and N = total # of individuals Source: Jacques Whitford Report, 2001

33 31 ecospark.ca 3. % Aquatic Sowbug (Isopoda) Aquatic sowbugs (or Isopods) are scavengers on dead animal and plant material. Species that are associated with organic material are used as indicators of the recovery zone of streams with sewage pollution. They are abundant where nutrient enrichment is moderate. The formula and criteria for impaired, possibly impaired and unimpaired stream quality are listed below. Since they are only moderately common in stream samples (Jacques Whitford Report, 2001), aquatic sowbug values of 1% or greater (relatively low versus other indices) indicates an unhealthy stream condition. However, site specific conditions may also be important when using this index. Careful interpretation of the results using this index is recommended. index explanation impaired possibly impaired unimpaired source(s) % aquatic sowbug (Isopoda) =100 x Isop N where, Isop = # of Isopoda and N = total # of individuals Source: Jacques Whitford Report, 2001 > 5 1 to 5 < 1 in part from Griffiths (1998)

34 32 Water Quality Monitoring with Benthic Macroinvertebrates 4. % Snail (Gastropoda) Snails (or Gastropods) feed by scraping algae and organic debris from leaves, stones and other types of substrates. There are two general types of snails that can be found in freshwater environments, namely prosobranchs and pulmonates. Since the prosobranchs are derived from marine ancestors, the pulmonates are the type that you will likely encounter in your work. The pulmonates are descended from terrestrial snails and therefore have lungs and can breathe air by coming to the water s surface to breathe (Pecharsky et al. 1990). This enables them to tolerate low dissolved oxygen levels in the water relative to other benthic macroinvertebrates (some pulmonates inhabit grossly polluted sites, i.e., organic enrichment). Also, many pulmonates are short-lived and are able to complete their life cycles in a year or less. This gives them a competitive advantage versus many other members of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Although snails are generally present at most stream sites in southern Ontario, they are not found in large numbers except when the water velocity is very slow and there is heavy enrichment (i.e., organic). Also, snails have specific habitat requirements (i.e., substrate for attachment), which may also be important. A value of concern with this index is 0% or greater than 10%. The formula and criteria for possibly impaired and unimpaired stream quality is listed below. Careful interpretation of the results using this index is recommended as site specific conditions may also be important. index explanation impaired possibly impaired unimpaired source(s) % snails (Gastropoda) =100 x Snail 0 or >10 1 to 10 Griffiths (1998) N where, Snail = # of Gastropoda and N = total # of individuals Source: Jacques Whitford Report, 2001

35 33 ecospark.ca 5. Number of Groups If your site has a high number of groups (i.e., major taxa) present, this suggests that habitat and water quality conditions are sufficiently variable to support the life requirements of benthic macroinvertebrates. From ecological principles, a greater range (i.e., variety) of habitats in a particular area is associated with a greater range of species in that same area. In terms of water pollution, a stream environment loses its habitat variability when, for example, sewage pollutes the stream. The sewage dominates the steam environment and therefore limits the habitat and water quality conditions for benthic macroinvertbrate life. As a result, you would expect to find a low number of groups at a site impacted by sewage. The criteria and formula for impaired and unimpaired stream quality are listed below. A value less than 11 is of concern with this index. In some situations, moderate organic enrichment (e.g., partially treated sewage) may result in an increase in the number of groups (Jacques Whitford Report, 2001; Culp and Halliwell, 1998). Therefore, careful interpretation of the results using this index is recommended. index explanation impaired possibly impaired unimpaired source(s) Number of Taxonomic groups Total number of different major taxonomic groups found Source: Jacques Whitford Report, 2001 <11 >11 Adapted from David et al. (1998)