Benthic Macroinvertebrate Analysis/ Biomonitoring

Background Benthic Macroinvertebrate Services Pricing

Many regulatory agencies require inclusion of biological surveys in ecological assessments, environmental risk assessments, pollution remediation studies, and other water quality surveys. Sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates is relatively inexpensive, simple, and provides valuable information about water quality. Bioassessments can be useful for:

• Determining the presence and degree of impaired water quality
• Assessing the effectiveness of mitigation actions
• Evaluating point and nonpoint pollution sources
• Providing baseline information about invertebrate community structure
• Prioritizing water bodies for future mitigation activities
• Monitoring water quality over time

Information about benthic macroinvertebrate community structure may also be used to help determine water quality characteristics for TMDL determinations and to provide additional data for NPDES permit modifications.

Changes in the benthic macroinvertebrate community structure may indicate

• Organic pollution
• Chemical pollution
• Substrate alteration

Basic information, such as the count of the number of individuals per species, can be used to calculate a number of different measures of water quality, including

• Community structure
• Density
• Diversity
• Community metrics
• Pollution indices

 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Services

Because most metrics are based on the types of organisms present, it is important that genus and species-level identifications be performed by trained biologists familiar with taxonomy of the organisms involved. At Water's Edge Scientific LLC, all identifications are performed by a master�s-level aquatic ecologist with a thorough knowledge of both algal and invertebrate taxonomy. Accuracy is our goal, and our clients may have confidence in the defensibility of our results. We can prepare reference collections for taxonomic verifications at the client's request.

Facilities

Our laboratory features modern, state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to performing identifications and digital photomicroscopy , we are capable of determining benthic macroinvertebrate dry weight biomass to a resolution of
1 µg. We have an extensive collection of taxonomic reference materials on hand, and easy access to additional resources available from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Water�s Edge Scientific LLC performs analysis of semi-quantitative, quantitative, and qualitative benthic macroinvertebrate samples. We are able to calculate a variety of biotic index values depending on client needs and study objectives. Data may be used to meet the requirements of EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol III, specific state regulatory agency protocols, or client-specified study objectives. We accept preserved invertebrate samples from anywhere in the United States. Water's Edge Scientific LLC will also perform field sampling for invertebrates in the Wisconsin area.  We can assist with any or all stages of sample analysis including sorting, identifications, and data analysis.

Pricing

Due to the variability of project specifications, please contact us with your project details and we will be happy to provide a custom price quote.