Biological Assessment Of Water Quality Research Articles

A saprobic index for biological assessment of river water quality in Brazil (Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states)

Based upon several years of experience in investigations with macrozoobenthos in rivers in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, a biological assessment system has been developed to indicate pollution levels caused by easily degradable organic substances from sewers. The biotic index presented here is aimed at determining water's saprobic levels and was, therefore, named the "Saprobic Index for Brazilian Rivers in Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states" (ISMR). For this purpose, saprobic valences and weights have been established for 122 taxa of tropical macrozoobenthos. Investigations were carried out in little, medium sized and big rivers in mountains and plains. Through ISMR, a classification of water quality and the respective cartographic representation can be obtained. Data collection and treatment methods, as well as the limitations of the biotic index, are thoroughly described. ISMR can also be used as an element to establish complex multimetric indexes intended for an ecological integrity assessment, where it is essential to indicate organic pollution.

The usefulness of various indices in the assessment of water quality of a lowland river

In the studies carried out at the upper stretch of the Liwiec River (the Bug River tributary) the following aspects were analyzed: chosen chemical parameters of water, the content of N, P and Corg in bottom sediments, the taxonomic composition of invertebrate macrofauna, the taxonomic composition of macrophytes and the coverage of the bottom with hydrophytes. Chemical and biological water quality assessment (BMWP-PL and MIR indices) was performed. Correlations between chosen chemical water parameters and bottom sediments parameters and the values of biological indices were established. Our results confirmed that the macrophyte index is an appropriate indicator for assessing the degree of river eutrophication. It seems that the values of MIR index used to asses water quality of a lowland river should be revised. Thus, the index based on macroinvertabrates is currently more suitable for the assessment of a lowland river water quality.

Order Trichoptera Kirby, 1813 (Insecta), Caddisflies*

The taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of the aquatic insect order Trichoptera, caddisflies, are reviewed. The order is among the most important and diverse of all aquatic taxa. Larvae are vital participants in aquatic food webs and their presence and relative abundance are used in the biological assessment and monitoring of water quality. The species described by Linnaeus are listed. The morphology of all life history stages (adults, larvae, and pupae) is diagnosed and major features of the anatomy are illustrated. Major components of life history and biology are summarized. A discussion of phylogenetic studies within the order is presented, including higher classification of the suborders and superfamilies, based on recent literature. Synopses of each of 45 families are presented, including the taxonomic history of the family, a list of all known genera in each family, their general distribution and relative species diversity, and a short overview of family-level biological features. The order contains 600 genera, and approximately 13,000 species.

A multimetric index based on benthic macroinvertebrates for evaluation of Atlantic Forest streams at Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

This study describes the application of a protocol for biological assessment of water quality at first to third order streams at Serra dos Orgaos, an area covered by Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Major impacts in the region are domestic effluents and deforestation. Our main objective is to establish biocriteria for the establishment of the Serra dos Orgaos Multimetric Index (SOMI) based on benthic macroinvertebrates. We used data from previous studies, sampled by experienced biologists, from 1999 through 2002. The benthic macroinvertebrate community was sampled in 12 reference sites and seven impaired sites in three river basins: Guapimirim, Macae and Grande, all from the same bioregion. From the 22 tested metrics, 6 were included in the SOMI (% Diptera, % Coleoptera, Family Taxa, EPT Taxa, BMWP-CETEC and % Shredders). Scores (5, 3 or 1) were developed for these metrics to allow for aggregation into the index. Seven intermediately impaired sites were used for evaluating the applicability of the multimetric index. We concluded that the SOMI is a robust easy-to-apply tool for biomonitoring programs in the Serra dos Orgaos region, south-east Brazil.

Characterization of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in a restored stream by using self-organizing map

The Self-Organizing Map (SOM) was used for revealing the ecological states of streams in recovery through patterning of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. SOM was capable of showing different clusters of the sample sites in a small scale according to changes in environmental variables such as water velocity, depth, substrate roughness and the amount of silt. Community abundance correspondingly varied in different clusters of the sample sites. Within each cluster, data for community abundance were further grouped according to temporal changes in water quality. The patterns of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the trained SOM were efficient in assessing recovery processes in the polluted sample sites, revealing the effects of river restoration projects in stream ecosystems. The study showed that spatial heterogeneity at the local level plays an important role in characterizing community patterns and consequently biological water quality assessment.

Towards harmonization of water quality classification in the Danube River Basin: Overview of biological assessment methods for running waters

Based on a survey by means of questionnaires 37 methods were compiled that are used for the biological water quality assessment in running waters of the Danube River Basin. The assessment methods of the countries are described and analysed in terms of their approaches and possible steps towards harmonization are discussed. While some countries have based their water quality classification on different kinds of biotic indices other countries are developing integrated ecological assessment systems in line with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Until now the focus of biological water quality assessment has been on the assessment of organic pollution. In 13 out of 18 countries the Saprobic System is being used, but different modifications have evolved. Differences are due to the use of different indicator groups (benthic invertebrates, phytobenthos, and plankton), different saprobic indicator lists as well as different calculation methods. Besides adaptation to the requirements of the WFD a detailed approach for harmonization needs to be developed. This study constitutes preliminary steps towards harmonization of ecological quality assessment in the Danube River Basin.

Implications of taxonomic modifications and alien species on biological waterquality assessment as exemplified by the Belgian Biotic Index method

Implications of taxonomic modifications and alien species on biological waterquality assessment as exemplified by the Belgian Biotic Index method

Impacts of a small dam on macroinvertebrates: A case study in the Tinau River, Nepal

Macroinvertebrate composition, eco-morphological habitat descriptions and substrate composition were assessed above and below a small dam in the Tinau River, Nepal to explore the impact of the dam on biotic conditions. Four sites, one about 1.5 km above, one just above the dam site, one just below, and one about 2.5 km below the dam, were selected for qualitative and quantitative samplings of macroinvertebrates. The Nepalese Biotic Score method was used for the biological water quality assessment. The most abundant groups of macroinvertebrates among the total collection were of the family Chironomidae (53.5 percent) followed by Ephemeroptera (36 percent) and Trichoptera (5 percent). Only one of the dominant families, Baetidae, showed significant variability with substrate composition. The dam building had significant impacts on the macroinvertebrate composition just above the dam site, probably as a result of deposition of inorganic material within the small reservoir and changes in water speed. Damming of the Tinau River thus seems only to have a relatively minor impact on the river biota downstream of the dam site. The water quality of the river was assigned as Class II in all the stations, indicating its suitability for drinking after treatment.

Ecotoxicological approach to water quality assessment

Comparative analysis of approaches and methods of biological assessment of water quality is presented. A method of ecotoxicological diagnostic of aquatic ecosystem “health” and water quality evaluation based on the physiological state of fish are substantiated. Characteristics of the main symptoms of diseases in fish inhabiting freshwater bodies and pathologic disturbances in their organs and tissues, caused by water bodies’ contamination with toxic substances, are presented. The method of ecotoxicological assessment of water quality is shown to be both highly informative and easy-to-use in practical monitoring.

Neural Network Simulation of the Chemical Oxygen Demand Reduction in a Biological Activated‐Carbon Filter

AbstractThis paper is primarily aimed at encouraging further use of neural networks by the water‐ and wastewater treatment industry. The study demonstrates the principle of using a network method of simulating the performance of a biological activated‐carbon filter based on a biological water‐quality assessment and measurements of pH and dissolved oxygen during the bio‐regeneration mode with untreated river water. Protozoa, worms, rotifers, bacteria, fungi and algae were used as biological parameters. The neural network model could reasonably estimate the chemical oxygen demand reduction in an exhausted filter. The neural network model gave much better results than a second‐order polynomial regression model; however, a much larger database is required than is currently available.

Biological assessment of water quality: simple methods and guidelines

Modern methods of water-quality testing such as physico-chemical, biological and microbiological are not always accessible to those in the developing world. This article offers an alternative method for those working and living in areas of unsafe water, both tropical and subtropical.

Research Article: Biological Water Quality Assessment of Macroinvertebrates Inhabiting Small Streams in the Sasyk Reservoir Region of Ukraine

A study of the benthic invertebrates that inhabit three small streams draining into the Sasyk Reservoir located in southwestern Ukraine was made in the summer of 1995 to assess water quality of the streams. Biotic indices of water quality were compared to chemical analyses of water samples to determine the extent of agreement between biological and chemical water quality assessment. Results of the study indicated that water from the Kogilnik, Fontanka, and Drakula Rivers is highly saline, reflecting high rates of evaporation and leaching of salts from highly saline soils. Runoff from intense agricultural activity in the region enriches the water in ammonia and other forms of nitrogen. Among the chemical variables measured, total salinity appears to be most indicative of water quality. Total salinity in the Fontanka River (2600 mg per liter) was approximately 900 and 2300 mg per liter higher than that of the Kogilnik and Drakula Rivers, respectively. Similarly, the biotic indices obtained for the Fontanka River were lower than those for the other two rivers. The biotic indices suggest that water from all three rivers should not be used for direct human consumption without prior treatment. The use of benthic invertebrates for assessment of water quality is discussed.

The effect of habitat‐specific sampling on biological assessment of water quality using a predictive model

1. Detection of impairment in macroinvertebrate communities using rapid biological assessment depends on the ability to compare sites, with confidence that differences obtained result from water quality. However, collections from more than one habitat type may introduce variation that can potentially mask water quality differences among sites. Data were collected from the riffle, edge, pool‐rock and macrophyte habitats at reference (minimally disturbed) and test (disturbed) stream sites throughout the Australian Capital Territory. The effect of habitat‐specific sampling on predictive models for detecting impairment in macroinvertebrate communities was determined. Four models were used: riffle only, edge only, each habitat as an individual object, and all habitats sampled at a site considered as a composite sample.2. Macroinvertebrates from individual habitats generally clustered into separate groups because collections from the same habitat at different sites were more similar than collections from different habitats within a site. Thus, in the habitats as individual objects model, the taxa predicted to occur at a test site may be an indication of habitat type rather than water quality. The outputs of the composite habitats and riffle and edge models were similar. However, the variable number of habitats included at each site in the composite model may confound the detection of biological impairment because of unequal sampling effort. The riffle and edge models were the most robust because they were less confounded by inter‐habitat variation and were based on comparisons made between equivalent environmental units.3. Comparison of observed/expected taxa ratios for test sites showed that each model could detect biological impairment, indicating considerable data redundancy was introduced by sampling several habitats. In particular, the pool‐rock and macrophyte habitats contributed no information with regard to macroinvertebrate taxon occurrence or detection of biological impairment that could not be obtained from either the riffle or edge habitats within the study area.

Ecological characteristics of scale‐bearing chrysophytes in a small eutrophic pond in The Netherlands

In a pool near Nijmegen (The Netherlands) a study was carried out regarding the ecological characteristics of scale‐bearing chrysophytes (species and groups of species). The results confirm the relatively new thought, that chrysophytes are not indicating oligotrophic waters only, but the wider range of oligotrophic to eutrophic water. In this pool ammonia and nitrate appeared to be the most important chemical variables, determinatting the development of chrysophyte species. Total and ortho‐phosphorus were important variables in the second place. From the physical factors, pH‐value here had less influence, while conductivity and alkalinity had none at all. However, some species of Mallomonas are able to develop at higher levels of conductivity than usually assumed. In high concentrations, ammonia could be toxic. Confirming the knowledge from literature, temperature variation is an important factor for the quantitative development of species. In particular, high abundancies occur at temperatures below around 12–14°C, which explains the decrease of chrysophytes in summertime. The presence of organic matter complicates the results and must be taken into account in future studies. For biological assessment of water quality, the results underline the necessity of having knowledge of the ecological characteristics of the individual species.

The need for biological assessment of water quality: Australian perspective

Abstract Biological assessment of water quality in Australia is entering a stage of rapid development largely because of the inclusion of biological indicators in water quality guidelines and growing concern for ecological values. Approaches to water quality assessment include toxicity testing, use of biomarkers and several methods using community structure. For assessment diverse organisms such as fish, algae and (the most commonly used) macro‐invertebrates are used. Interaction of data analysis with methods of data collection requires co‐ordinated research on both fronts. Recent developments in the use of multivariate statistics to produce models for predicting water quality are likely to be useful in Australia. Much innovative work is still needed in Australia on the use of algae and fish, defining tolerance categories and establishing monitoring programmes performed in time‐frames equivalent to those in use for physical and chemical methods.

Rapid assessment of rivers using macroinvertebrates: A procedure based on habitat‐specific sampling, family level identification and a biotic index

Abstract This paper describes a simple and inexpensive procedure for the rapid biological assessment of water quality in rivers and streams in eastern Australia. The procedure involves the standardized collection of samples of 100 macroinvertebrates from defined habitat types within a water body. Specimens are identified to family level only and a biotic index is calculated. Proposed future testing and evaluation are described, and the limitations of the rapid approach are discussed.

A new methodology for biological water quality assessment

A new methodology for biological water quality assessment

Biological assessment of water quality in northern Portugal using a method combining species tolerance and diversity along the longitudinal axis

Biological assessment of water quality in northern Portugal using a method combining species tolerance and diversity along the longitudinal axis

A proposal for modification of the Belgian biotic index method

Modifications to a standard biological water quality assessment method, used in Belgium since 1979, were studied. As a result, we recommend the following: - samples should be processed live - samples should not be washed through a series of sieves - systematic units represented by only one individual should be included in the calculation of the biotic index. Using this modification, the biotic index can be calculated more rapidly and shows a higher correlation with a chemical water quality assessment index.

Biological water quality assessment of running waters based on macroinvertebrate communities: History and present status in Europe

This paper reviews the history and development of biological water quality assessment using macroinvertebrates in Europe, and critically evaluates each of the principal approaches used. As the biotic approach incorporates the most highly regarded features of the saprobic and diversity approaches, it has received the most attention in recent years. Most modern biotic index and score systems have evolved from the Trent Biotic Index, through a series of refinements and adaptations (i.e. the Extended Biotic Index, Chandler's Score, Indice Biotique) into the two modern systems. These methods are the Biological Monitoring Working Party System, used mainly in Great Britain, and the Belgian Biotic Index Method. The results of these techniques are now influencing policy decisions concerning surface water management in Europe, where macroinvertebrate community assessment are being used as a planning tool for managing water uses, for ambient monitoring, and for evaluating the effectiveness of pollution control measures. New research directions aimed at improving the performance of bioassessment techniques are being explored. These include defining reference communities based on stream typology which can then be used to set water quality objectives, and applying these methods to the assessment of toxic pollution.