Macroinvertebrate Sampling for Community Scientists!

Macroinvertebrates are a great and simple way to test the water quality of any given stream, river, lake or other water body!

One easy way we can check the water quality of a stream we are interested in is to sample macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates, or aquatic insects, are either adult or larval insects that live in the stream. Some may bury in the streambed, some might hide under rocks, some might even skate across the water’s surface. Different macroinvertebrates have different tolerances to water pollution. Because of this we can use macroinvertebrate surveys to quickly check the water quality in a stream.

Guest UserFebruary 28, 2022macroinvertebrates, Water Quality, community science

Bugspot Mural on the River Walk

Guest UserAugust 20, 2021art, bugs, macroinvertebrates, entomology, mural

Macroinvertebrate Sampling for Water Quality

Macroinvertebrates are a great and simple way to test the water quality of any given stream, river, lake or other water body!

One easy way we can check the water quality of a stream we are interested in is to sample macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates, or aquatic insects, are either adult or larval insects that live in the stream. Some may bury in the streambed, some might hide under rocks, some might even skate across the water’s surface. Different macroinvertebrates have different tolerances to water pollution. Because of this we can use macroinvertebrate surveys to quickly check the water quality in a stream.