Artificial Substrate Samplers Research Articles

Species Composition and Diversity of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Greasy Creek, Red Rock Creek and the Arkansas River

One hundred taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected on artificial substrate samplers at seven stations in three streams between March 1975 and January 1976. Two-thirds of the taxa were Diptera, Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera. Sixty-two were collected in Greasy Creek, 64 in Red Rock Creek and 63 in the Arkansas River. Numbers of taxa and density were generally low in late autumn and winter, probably reflecting the low temperatures. Maximum density occurred at most stations in early autumn, resulting in low values of species diversity. Numbers of taxa and species diversity did not reflect high conductivity or low oxygen concentration in Greasy Creek. Although numbers of taxa and values of diversity were generally similar in the creeks and the river, density was considerably greater in the river.

An evaluation of artificial substrates for sampling macrobenthos in reservoirs

Artificial substrates were compared with a Ponar grab for sampling benthic macroinvertebrates in Lake Anna, Louisa Co., Virginia. The objective was t0 find which technique was best for assessment 0f thermal effluent effects using the following criteria: 1) provide reliable data on density and composition 0f the macrobenthos with a reasonable number 0f replicates; 2) collect the most taxa; and, 3) require the least amount 0f time. Leaves, 3M Corporation's #200 conservation web, and limestone rocks were compared. Each material was tested separately in chicken wire baskets placed 0n the bottom at several depths. Three replicates of each type were retrieved monthly from each depth using SCUBA and cloth flour sacks and compared with grab samples taken from the same depths. Lesser amounts of these materials were tested separately in smaller plastic containers. All large artificial substrate samplers collected significantly more individuals (P = 0.05) and taxa than the Ponar grab. Small web and leaf samplers best met all three 0f the established criteria. The SCUBA system developed in the study is a fast and reliable sampling method.

The Use of Artificial Substrates in Sampling Estuarine Benthos

A comparison was made between density estimates of estuarine benthos based on artificial substrate sampling and direct observation by divers. Differences suggest that artificial substrates may preferentially sample certain portions of the fauna, leading to erroneous estimates of population size.

Placement and Retrieval of Artificial Substrate Samplers by Scuba

Placement and Retrieval of Artificial Substrate Samplers by Scuba

A comparative study between two different artificial substrate samplers and regular sampling techniques

One of the major problems confronting aquatic biologists in locating and sampling ecologically comparable habitats both exposed and not exposed to the variable one wishes to study (e.g. pollutional stress). This not only entails finding areas with comparable physico-chemical characteristics, but should also include samplibility and proximity of sites to each other to provide valid comparative data for proper evaluation of the similarities and differences. One solution to this problem is the use of artificial substrate devices which insure habitat similarity and may be placed where one wishes.

Design and Preliminary Evaluation of an Improved Artificial Substrate Sampler for Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Design and Preliminary Evaluation of an Improved Artificial Substrate Sampler for Aquatic Macroinvertebrates