Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling and Taxonomic Identification
Freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates are small aquatic animals and the aquatic larval stages of insects living among the sediments and stones on the bottom of streams, rivers, and lakes and include dragonfly and stonefly larvae, snails, worms, and beetles. The sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to changes in environmental quality make them reliable indicators of water quality. Benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring is a requirement of many permitted activities, including stream restoration projects.
The Passarella & Associates Macroinvertebrate Team consists of ecologists and biologists who are skilled at utilizing a variety of methods to collect and identify freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates from aquatic habitats. Our staff also provides comprehensive data analysis to meet your project’s needs.
Passarella & Associates is a South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) certified lab capable of sampling for freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates as well as field measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and specific conductance.
We are the only certified lab in the Lowcountry to offer these services.
Macroinvertebrate Sample Collection
Benthic macroinvertebrate collection consists of samples from targeted locations. Our trained ecologist/biologist moves through a reach of river, stream, or lake collecting samples with specialized nets or sieves to sort the macroinvertebrates from sediment and debris. The samples are then taken back to the Passarella & Associates lab for identification.
Macroinvertebrate Taxonomic Identification
Once in the lab, the sample will undergo subsampling, sorting, and identification of organisms. Our team uses a variety of reputable taxonomic references to identify organisms to the taxonomic level required. Our lab has a detailed Quality Assurance/Quality Control program that meets the SC DHEC standards.
Physicochemical Monitoring
Physicochemical indicators are the traditional 'water quality' indicators more commonly recognized, including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, etc. Physicochemical indicators provide information on the health of the ecosystem. Passarella & Associates Macroinvertebrate Lab is certified in testing Thermometer Verification/Temperature Measurement, Specific Conductance, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration (pH), and Dissolved Oxygen.
Need help with your project?
Our Macroinvertebrate Team is here to discuss your project’s needs. For more information on our services or to request a quote, please email us at lab@passarella.net or call us at (843) 971-8520.
Most images provided and copyrighted by Sr. Ecologist and nature photographer William R. Cox. To order prints, please visit www.williamrcoxphotography.com
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