The document discusses the use of Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies) to assess water quality. It notes that these orders were identified in the 1800s and 1900s as being sensitive to pollution. Researchers in North Carolina in the 1970s compiled baseline data on these organisms. Their monitoring program was standardized in 1981. The document outlines physical, chemical, and biotic metrics used to evaluate water quality and lists taxa that indicate clean or polluted conditions. It also describes the benefits of using EPT taxa, including low cost and the ability of volunteers to assist with sample collection.

1. The Use of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera In the Bioassessment of Water Quality. Bill Hickman Fall 2005

2. History 1848: Scientists identify the absence of caddisfly larva as the result of a city located upstream 1909: European Scientists provided the first comprehensive system of biological water assessment 1928: Study of the Illinois River reveals that most members of the three orders (EPT) are highly sensitive to a variety of pollutants 1970s North Carolina researchers had compiled enough information on the state’s water ways to develop a base line data set. 1981: Annual monitoring of North Carolina’s waterways was initiated by the NCDENR in 1981. Within a year, this practice became standardized.

3. Physical Characteristics Temperature Turbidity Habitat Buffers Bank slope Land use

4. Chemical Analysis TEST Ph Dissolved O 2 Nitrogen Phosphorus Toxicity

5. Chemical DISADVANTAGES Requires expensive lab equipment Wide variation in concentrations of pollutants from one time to another Can only show substances that are in the sample "Chemical measurements are like taking snapshots of the ecosystem, whereas biological measurements are like making a videotape" (Prof. David M. Rosenberg PhD, Univ. of Manitoba and the Freshwater Institute , DFO, Winnipeg. cf. Bull. Entomol. Soc. Can. 1998. 30(4):144-152).

6. Biotic Indices Total Taxa Richness Simplest measure of diversity Decreases with decrease in water quality As less tolerant spp. die out NC Biotic Index (NCBI) NCDEHNR Reflects general level of pollution regardless of source

7. Biotic Indices Ratio of EPT/chironomidae abundance Even distribution=good water quality Dominance of chironomidea=poor water quality >50% suggest eutrophic conditions Percent contribution of dominant species >35% poor 35-25% fair <25% good

8. Biological Assessment Bio Recon Identify locations in need of further study Show effects of long term exposure Many spp. Live a year or more Most can not escape the effects of pollution

9. Biological Assessment Ease of collection Volunteers can be quickly trained to collect samples, with supervision Aquatic insects generally abundant Inexpensive Requires no high tech tools Only simple tools, man power, and taxonomic expertise required

10. Sampling: Field Equipment/Supplies Needed for Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling: Multi-habitat Approach standard D-frame dip net, 500 opening mesh, 0.3 m width (~ 1.0 ft frame width) sieve bucket, with 500 opening mesh 95% ethanol sample containers, sample container labels forceps pencils, clipboard Benthic Macroinvertebrate Field Data Sheet* first aid kit waders (chest-high or hip boots) rubber gloves (arm-length) camera Global Positioning System (GPS) Unit * It is helpful to copy fieldsheets onto water-resistant paper for use in wet weather conditions

11. Benefits of the EPT Taxa Metric Saves…..lab time, field time, & money Bio-Recon Emergency Environmental Assessments Early Alert- time to take action

12. Indicators of clean water Ephemeroptera : Baetidae Caenidae SIPHLONURIDAE HEPTAGENIIDAE Baetiscidae EPHEMERIADE ISONYCHIIDAE POLYMITARCYIDAE Mayflies

13. Indicators of clean water Plecoptera : Stoneflies Perlidae Taeniopterygidae Nemouridae Pteronarcyidae

14. Indicators of clean water Trichoptera : Caddisflies HYDROPSYCHIDAE LEPTOCERIDAE LEPIDOSTOMATIDAE GOERIDAE PHILOPOTAMIDAE RHYACOPHILIDAE

15. Indicators of bad water quality Chironomidae

16. Works Cited Lenat David and David Penrose. “History of the EPT Taxa Richness Metric.” Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society . Vol 13. 1996. “ Standard Operating Procedures for Benthic Macroinvertebrates- Biological Assessment Unit.” North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. NC:Division of Water Quality, 2003. “ Why Study the Stream-Bottom Macroinvertebrates?” <retrieved on 15 November from www.people.virginia.edu/~sos - iwla/Stream-StudyHomePage/WhyStu ...” Williams Dudley and Blair Feltmate. Aquatic Insects. UK: Cab International, 1992. Yandora Kimberly. “Rapid Bioassessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates Illustrates Water Quality in Small Oder Urban Streams in a North Carolina Piedmont City” Greensboro: City of Greensboro, 1997. <retrieved on 15 November from www.nwqmc.org/98proceedings/Papers/40-YAnd.html >