USGS-NAWQA: NAWQA Invert QMH 2002 (Wade): Invertebrate Sample Collection at Qualitiative Multiple Habitat (QMH) in wadeable streams by D-net
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Official Method Name
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Revised Protocols for Sampling Algal, Invertebrate, and Fish Communities as Part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Current Revision
| 2002 |
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Media
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Biological (Waterbody type - Wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Invertebrate Net (w/ handle) |
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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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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 Invertebrate Qualitiative Multiple Habitat (IQMH) samples is one of two types of instream invertebrate samples collected in the NAWQA Program. An IQMH sample is collected to document the invertebrate taxa that are present throughout the sampling reach. A discrete IQMH collection is taken from each of the different instream habitats that are present in the reach. Sampling begins by identifying and documenting the types of instream habitats present in the reach. This information is then used to determine where RTH (Richest Targeted Habitat) and QMH (Qualitative Multihabitat) sampling is conducted in the stream reach. Samples are collected with a D-frame net (500um screen) for QMH samples using the disturbance-removal technique. Fine grained sediments are typically sampled using a grab sampler (500um screening). Both types of samples are composites of samples from different locations within the stream reach or riffle. Samples are then processed and preserved (10% formalin) in the field for transport. |
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Scope and Application
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This method describes the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) protocol for invertebrate sampling, specifically Invertebrate Multiple Habitat (IQMH). It is one protocol of the larger USGS Open-File Report 02-150. Invertebrate sampling protocols are described in section 5 of the report. All habitats in selected reach QMH sample. The full report summarizes the protocols report provides revised protocols for sampling algal, invertebrate, and fish communities as part of the NAWQA Program. The protocols describe required methods for collecting and processing biological samples. This report revises the original NAWQA protocols for algae (Porter and others, 1993), invertebrates (Cuffney and others, 1993), and fish (Meador and others, 1993; Walsh and Meador, 1998). |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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None provided |
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Quality Control Requirements
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All identifications done by qualified experts at certified lab. Remove large debris and organisms. Sieve discrete sample. Reduce volume. Preserve with 10% buffered formalin. Elutriates, if done, are lab processed. |
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Sample Handling
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- Field splits conducted when sample volume is >0.75 L. - Field processing can result in 4 sample components: large-rare, main-body, elutriate, and split-sample. - Samples are split until composite volume is LTE 0.75 L. - Preserve in 10% buffered formalin; tightly sealed in dark at room temperature with sample label. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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Indefinite with proper preservation. |
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Relative Cost
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3 - 6 hrs. per site/sample |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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Remove large debris from each discrete collection and inspect for attached invertebrates. |
