Biological Field And Laboratory Methods For Measuring The Quality Of Surface Waters And Effluents
Date
1973-07
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Abstract
Description
The role of aquatic biology in the water
pollution control program of the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency includes field
and laboratory studies carried out to establish
water quality criteria for the recognized
beneficial uses of water resources and to
monitor water quality.
Field studies are employed to: measure the
toxicity of specific pollutants or effluents to
individual species or communities of aquatic
organisms under natural conditions; detect
violations of water quality standards ; evaluate
the trophic status of waters ; and determine
long-term trends in water quality.
Laboratory studies are employed to : measure
the effects of known or potentially deleterious
substances on aquatic organisms to estimate
“safe” concentrations ; and determine environmental
requirements (such as temperature, pH,
dissolved oxygen, etc.) of the more important
and sensitive species of aquatic organisms. Field
surveys and water quality monitoring are
conducted principally by the regional
surveillance and analysis and national enforcement
programs. Laboratory studies of water
quality requirements, toxicity testing, and
methods development are conducted principally
by the national research programs.
Keywords
Biological Field, Laboratory Methods, Surface Waters, Effluents