Stream Sampling Assessing water quality through the collecting of macro-invertebrates found on woody debris

Sample Sites This method will work in any stream shallow enough to wade in safely Areas without trees near the stream may lack sticks. It may be possible to create “artificial” samples by placing suitable (see next slide) sticks in the stream a few weeks in advance of sampling

Procedure: In the field From each site used, two samples of woody debris are collected, each consisting of two to three pieces Each piece should be about inches long and 0.25 to 1.5 inches (5- 35 mm) diameter Sticks selected should be in the current, neither on the bottom nor above the surface

Sampling 2. Cut the samples under the water if possible, using pruning shears (or a pruning saw for very thick pieces) Place the sticks in a two- gallon zipper seal plastic bag, one bag for each sample of 2-3 sticks Place a label in the bag

Label for sample in the field GREAT EGG HARBOR RIVER SITE # __________________ DATE: ___________ SAMPLE # __________ SUBSTRATE:___________ These can be made in advance, printed on a laser printer. Otherwise, use #2 pencil Size: 1.25 x 2.25 inches

Procedure: In the field Specific conductance (  S) and pH are measured in the field The most accurate readings are made using electronic meters

Procedure: In the Lab Take stick samples back to the lab and wash with a soft scrub, nylon bristle brush into a bucket Keep samples separate throughout the preparation and analysis

Lab sample preparation 2 Pour washed off material through an 0.5 mm sieve Transfer contents to 80% ethanol and place a label in the container

Label for washed sample NJ: ATL. CO. NACOTE CREEK Morses Mill below Lake Fred 25 OCTOBER 2004 SAMPLE # __________ SUBSTRATE:___________ These can be made in advance, printed on a laser printer. Otherwise, use #2 pencil Size: 1 x 1.75 inches

Procedure: In the lab After scrubbing, examine the cleaned sticks under a stereo microscope for any remaining invertebrates Place these in a separate, labeled container in 70% ethanol with 5% glycerin.

Sample sorting: In the lab Place small amounts of debris from sample in 0.75 x 0.75 x 18 inch tray in ethanol Examine under stereo microscope, removing all invertebrates Preserve invertebrates in a separate, labeled container in 70% ethanol with 5% glycerin. Discard plant debris, sediment, etc.

Sorting and labeling taxa After macro-invertebrates have been sorted from debris, sort each sample into taxa as indicated on the data sheet Make label for each taxon from each sample Place each taxon and label in a separate vial of 70% ethanol with 5% glycerin TRICHOPTERA DATE: Aug 2004 GREAT EGG HARBOR RIVER SITE__________SAMPLE #___ SUBSTRATE: wood These can be made in advance, printed on a laser printer. Otherwise, use #2 pencil Size: 1.25 x 2.25 inches