USGS-NAWQA: BS0335: Benthic Macroinvertebrates: Taxonomic Identification
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Official Method Name
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Taxonomic Identification of Benthic Macroinvertebrates |
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Current Revision
| 2011 |
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Media
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Biological (Waterbody type - Wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Acoustic Velocity Meter |
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Method Subcategory
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Population/Community |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Moulton II, S.R., Carter, J.L., Grotheer, S.A., Cuffney, T.F., and Short, T.M., 2000, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory-- Processing, taxonomy, and quality control of benthic macroinvertebrate samples: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-212. |
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Protocol
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USGS NAWQA 2002 Eco Protocols - Revised Protocols for Sampling Algal, Invertebrate, and Fish Communities as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Brief Method Summary
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The goal of this method is to standardize procedures used for the taxonomic identification of benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs). These procedures can be applied to any BMI sample submitted to the National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) for analysis. Taxonomic identification of BMIs requires experienced personnel trained in zoological taxonomic principles and possessing a broad knowledge of all aquatic macroinvertebrate groups. Typically, dichotomous keys, which are used to identify specimens, offer a formal, stepwise method for arriving at the name of a specimen based primarily on its morphological characteristics. Progression through the dichotomous key results in classification of the specimen according to a nomenclatural hierarchy (for example, order→family→genus→species) of increasing morphological similarity. Identifying BMIs can require viewing the whole specimen at the low magnification of a dissecting microscope or clearing and mounting the entire specimen (or its parts) on a microscope slide for the viewing at higher magnification of a compound microscope. |
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Scope and Application
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These procedures can be applied to any benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) sample submitted to the National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) for analysis. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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1.5.1. Identification to a recommended level (for example, genus or species) may not be possible if the specimen is immature or damaged. In this case, identify the specimen to the most reliable level, usually family or order, and note why the recommended level could not be achieved (see Attachment 4). 1.5.2. Dirt and debris can obscure diagnostic morphological structures (for example, setae), which are necessary for identification. Using a sable brush, forceps, or sonicator can often remove debris from specimens. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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Sample Handling
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Refer to NWQL SOP No. BS0332.x and NWQL SOP no. BS0333.x. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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Relative Cost
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Unknown |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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see method documentation PDF |
