Invertebrate Animals as Indicators of Acidity in Upland Streams

Studies show that acid freshwater habitats have different floras and faunas and fewer species in most taxonomic groups, when compared with near-neutral waters. Analyzing this can be used to assess the prevailing chemistry of a water body, the method for which is described in this book.

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Studies have shown that acid freshwater habitats have different floras and faunas and fewer species in most taxonomic groups, when compared with near-neutral waters. The presence or absence of certain common species that are sensitive to acid waters can be used to assess the prevailing chemistry of a water body. The method described in this pocket-sized Field Book enables managers to do this for forest streams in upland areas using a limited number of readily recognized invertebrate animals. It may also be used for streams outside woodland, and is suitable for qualitative monitoring over a number of years.