Freshwater monitoring systems

Macroinvertebrates such as chironomid larvae have been used as integral parts of freshwater monitoring systems by the Ohio EPA since 1973 (7). The principal chironomid-based measurement of macroinvertebrate integrity is the Invertebrate Community Index (ICI) 8). The ICI considers the status of a total of 150 different chironomid species commonly found in North American streams and was developed in a fashion similar to that used for the more broadly based Index of Biotic Integrity (IBl) (P). These standardized systems have avoided many of the complications encountered with more subjective approaches (i). 

Weber, C.1.1991. Methods for measuring the acute toxicity of effluents and receiving waters to freshwater and marine organisms. EPA-600/4-90-027. Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH. 

Aquaculture in ponds and other enclosures, and mariculture in enclosures in seawater, produce shellfish, crustaceans and fish for human consumption. It is therefore of vital importance (for the organisms and for the consumers) that the water quality is optimal, and regular testing is essential to prove that pollution is absent. BEWS are very suitable to carry out this task, as several test organisms belong to the same group as the cultured species mussels, oysters, clams and fish. There seems no reason why other BEWS could not perform in freshwater aquaculture systems as well. BEWS not only monitor the quality of the ambient water in aquaculture farms, but may also be used to optimize production. Stressed animals are less productive in terms of e.g. growth... 

All freshwater monitoring programs must clearly identify the end users needs, with the reporting system efficiently and accurately transmitting the analyzed data. Time frames to submit the data should be established in advance and allow for any unforeseen complications. In addition, defining the type of transmission or presentation appropriate for each end user is paramount. 

Many human activities interfere with the normal conditions of the upper crust, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Geochemistry can monitor and possibly direct the development of more environment-conscious attitudes. For decades geochemists have been busy collecting data on sediment cover, soil, and the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere of our planet. Early observations demonstrated an almost perfect equilibrium system today atmosphere, hydrosphere, and soil in many places are far out of balance (cf. Banar, Forstner and Muller, 1972 a, b, a report on river waters and sediments in Germany with a good reference list). All biological activity is seriously affected (cf. Muller and Forstner, 1973), not only in freshwater systems but also in parts of the oceans, where disequilibrium conditions have been observed locally. The German Science... 

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