USGS-NAWQA: BS0331: Benthic Macroinvertebrates: Preparing Samples for Processing
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Official Method Name
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Preparing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Samples for Processing |
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Current Revision
| 2011 |
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Media
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Biological (Waterbody type - Non-wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Standard metal sieve |
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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 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. The below steps summarize the sample processing steps. See method for complete details. 1. Sample washing and sieving 2. Swirl and pour sample flotation 3. Sample preservation |
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Scope and Application
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These procedures are used by anyone responsible for the laboratory processing of BMI samples. General Scope of Procedures—Laboratory preparation of a benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) sample involves washing and sieving procedures to clean the sample prior to sorting organisms from the sample matrix. Preparation procedures described herein can be applied to BMI samples collected in the field using quantitative, semiquantitative, or qualitative sampling methods. These procedures do not include some method-specific preparation steps (for example, size-fractionation in qualitatively processed samples). |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Sample washing is ineffective when too much material is washed at one time, especially if the sample matrix consists of fine detritus or silt. Wash smaller portions of the sample separately and then recombine in a wash basin or another sieve. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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Sample Handling
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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 |
