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V
WATER POLLOTION SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
APPLICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Number 25
A Comparison of Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Collected by Dredge and Limestone Substrate Sampler
J» 3. Anderson
and
William T. Mason, Jr.
Water Quality Activities
Division of Pollution Surveillance
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Department of the Interior
lQlU Broadway
Cincinnati, Ohio >5202
March 19&J
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QttlQHkl. FORM NO. 10
MAY 1M3 fDI1IOH
GSA ftM* Ut CPU 101-11.4
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Memorandum F£D£RAL
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
See Below
date: March 30, 1967
Acting Chief
Division of Pollution Surveillance
Applications ana Development Report Wo. 25
The attached A&D Report No. 25 , titled r,A Comparison of Benthic
Macroinvertebrates Collected by Dredge and Limestone Substrate
Sampler", was prepared by members of our laboratory staff in
Cincinnati.
This copy is being sent to you for your information and files.
K ,
i
j
fV{ ?
James H* McDermott
Attachment
Addressees
/
Regional Directors
Project Directors
Laboratory Directors
cc w/attachment:
Mr. Anderson
Mr. Rademacher
Mr, Price
Mr, Rainwater
Dr. Vfeinberger
Mr. Reid
Mr. Tebo
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
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A Comparison of Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Collected by Dredge and Limestone Substrate Sampler
J. B. Anderson
and
*
William T. Mason, Jr.
Benthic sampling of large streams is difficult due, in part,
to the variety of natural substrates encountered. It is usually
impossible to obtain a representative fauna, even within a limited
area, because of shifting substrates, variable or high stream flow,
and a host of other physical factors. Dredges or similar devices,
which cut or scrape the bottom, frequently yield samples with a poor
variety of aquatic insects and quite often a relatively small number
of individuals.
A number of artificial substrate samplers have been built by
investigators to facilitate or improve benthic sampling. Scott (1)
developed a "brush box" consisting of a cube of l/^-inch mesh,
hardware cloth which was filled with sticks, stones, and other stable
substrates. Hester and Dendy (2) constructed a "multiple-plate
sampler" with eight, 3-inch square, l/8-lnch thick, hardboard plates.
Cauthron (3) used a sampler in which weathered sticks and Spanish
*J. B. Anderson and William T. Mason, Jr. are respectively, Chief,
Aquatic Biology, and Aquatic Biologist, Water Quality Activities,
Division of Pollution Surveillance, Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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-2-
moss were enclosed with ordinary window screen* The Division of
Pollution Surveillance, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration,
needed a simple and effective method to sample macroinvertebrate pop-
ulations in large streams. A device was needed which would provide a
place for the organisms to attach or dwell and be easily installed
and serviced by persons with different backgrounds of training and
experience. Henson (4) described a limestone-filled, cubical
sampler initially used by the Water Pollution Surveillance System.
Mason et. al. (5) described the limestone-filled, cylindrical sampler-
float unit which is presently in use.
This paper presents data on the organisms collected by means of
the limestone substrate sampler and by Petersen dredge at Cincinnati
and Louisville, Ohio River, and New Harmony, Indiana, Wabash River.
Description of the Limestone
Substrate Sampler
The limestone substrate sampler (LSS) is a cylindrical, spot-
welded, chrome-plated, Bar-B-Q basket manufactured by the Hewitt
Manufacturing Company,1 National City, California, which can be pur-
chased for less than $2.00 each (Figures 1 and 2). its overall length
is 11 inches (28 cm) and diameter 7 inches (17.8 cm). The cylindrical
shape of the basket is formed by 2 mm diameter wires spot welded at
right angles forming a mesh vith openings 11 vm X 2k mm. The two
"'"Mention of commercial sources or products does not constitute
endorsement by the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration.
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Figure X. Sampler basket empty.
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ends of the basket consist of 3 nun diameter wire spiraled so that a
10 mm space is between each winding. Four, 4 mm diameter wires,
equally spaced around the basket, serve as braces. The sampler con-
tains approximately 0.2 cubic foot (566k cm ) of limestone and weighs
17 pounds (7.7 kg). A quarter section of the circular side is hinged
and opens its entire length for easy placement or removal of limestone
rocks which are approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5«0 cm) in diameter.
Methods
The limestone substrate samplers were suspended by l/8" wire
cable from stationary structures to a water depth of approximately
five feet. The cable was passed through the longitudinal axis of the
sampler and secured at the lower end by a cable clamp.
After the samplers had been in the water for six weeks, the
following procedure was used to collect the organisms:
1. The sampler was removed and placed in a tub
containing a small amount of water.
2. The rocks were emptied into the tub.
3. The sampler was rinsed to remove any clinging organisms.
k. Each rock was brushed with a stiff-bristled bruBh.
(The clean rocks were replaced in the sampler.)
5. The sample was concentrated in a U. S. No. 30 sieve.
6. The organisms were transferred to a container and
preserved in 70$ ethanol.
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In the laboratory the sample vas washed in a U. S. No. Uo sieve.
The organisms were placed in a white pan and sorted by hand under 2X
magnification. They were counted and identified as to genus or species
with except!on of the Oligochaeta which were not identified more de-
finitively. Because tfriere was a large number of organisms in same of
the Wabash River samples, aliquots were counted and an appropriate
factor applied to estimate the number of organisms/sampler.
2 2
A series of six, 100 in (6k5 cms ) Petersen dredge samples was
collected at each sampling location. The samples were washed in a
U. S. No. 30 sieve and preserved in 70$ ethanol. In the laboratory,
the organisms were sorted, identified, and the organisms expressed as
individuals/ft2.
Organisms Collected at Cincinnati and Louisville, Ohio River
Samples from the LSS at Cincinnati were collected four times
during the period July 8 to November 16, A total of 13 species,
numbering kk-5 organisms, was present (Tables I and IV). In the four
samples, 11*+ Chironomidae were represented by six species. There
were 320 larvae of the caddisfly Cyrnellus fraternus described by
Flint (6). Ninety-seven percent of the organisms collected in the
LSS at Cincinnati were Chironomidae and Trlchoptera.
Four samples were collected from the LSS at Louisville during
the summer and fall. A total of 28 species numbering 57^ organisms
was obtained (Tables II and IV). Chironomidae numbered 171 and were
represented by 1^ species. There were 2$k Trichoptera, 21 Ephemeroptera,
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and 76 Mollusca. These four groups represented 91$ of the organisms
collected.
Cordylophora sp., on epiphytic coelenterate, was usually found
on the rocks and framevork of the LSS. Chironomid larvae frequently
collected In. the LSS during 1965 at Cincinnati and Louisville,
included Ablabesmyia sp., Chironomua (Dicrotendipes) nervosus, Chiron-
onxus (Cryptochironomus) pectlnatellae and Psectrocladius sp. Those
collected occasionally were Procladius (Procladius) exiliciformis,
Glyptotendipes (Glyptotendipes) senilis, Polypediluxa spp., and Coelotanypus
coneInnus. Caddisfly larvae of Cyrnellus fraternus were collected in most
samples. The most common mayfly nymphs were Caenis sp. and Stenonema sp.
The clams elfly Argia sp. was found only occasionally.
Generally, mollusks occurred irregularly in the LSS. However, a
sample collected at Louisville on August 10 contained 62 Corbicula
measuring from 1-10 mm.
Oligocbaetes were collected only with dredge. The number of midge
species collected by dredge was much less than the number with the LSS.
Mollusks were also obtained by dredge but practically no Trichoptera,
Ephemeroptera, or Odonata.
Although the total number of organisms collected in the LSS was
slightly greater at Louisville than at Cincinnati, over twice as many
species of Chironamidae were collected from the sampler during the year.
The total number of species collected by both dredge and LSS at Louisville
was 28, compared to 13 at Cincinnati.
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Organlsms Collected at New Harmony, Wabash River
The Wabash River has different stream characteristics than the
Ohio River. During the time of sampling the Ohio River was approx-
imately 20 feet deep at the Cincinnati sampling location and 12 feet
deep at, th^ Louisville location. The Wabash has many shallow, sandy
areas and at the sampling location it was scarcely six feet deep. It
receives considerable organic enrichment that is conducive to the
establishment of .large populations of omnivorous and filter-feeding
macroinvertebrates.
The potential of the L3S for collecting benthlc macroinvertebrates
in this type of stream was demonstrated by three samples collected at
New Harmony (Tables III and IV). These samples, collected in the late
fall and early winter months, contained a total of 1605 organisms and
38 species. Over "J00 of the organisms were midges, nearly 500 caddis-
flies, approximate1y 150 mayflies, and 100 odonates. Nine stoneflies
were present. Approximately 91$ of the organisms collected in the
three samples belonged in the five insect groups mentioned above.
Eight species, excluding oligochaetes, were collected by dredge
from the sandy bottom. Seven of these species were midges and one a
burrowing mayfly. About 80$ of the 6l organisms collected were
oligochaetes and nearly 20$ Chironomidae.
Characteristics of Samples from the Limestone Substrate Sampler and
Petersen Dredge
The LSS's were in the river as early as May and as late as November
1965. Petersen dredge samples were collected in the late summer of
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1962 and 1963- Although the samples vere collected in different years,
some general comparisons can "be made as to the benthic organisms
collected l>y each sampling device.
An inspection of the tables indicates that the LSS is a better
collecting device than the Petersen dredge for certain Chironomidae,
Trichoptera, Sphemeroptera, Odonata, and other aquatic insects. Oli-
gochaeta, Turbellaria, Hirudlnea, Mollusca, Bryozoa, and Coelenterata
occur irregularly in the LSS.
The Petersen dredge collects a larger number of those organisms
which normally inhabit the bottom sediments such as the bloodworm
Chironomus (ChironomuB) attenuatus, the burrowing mayfly Ifexagenla sp.,
worms, and mollusks.
Before the effects of pollution on aquatic life are evaluated,
it is best to have as many different organisms as possible upon which
to draw conclusions. For this reason the Water Pollution Surveillance
System utilizes both the LSS and dredge for collecting benthos.
Conclusions
The limestone substrate sampler is a practical device for
collecting benthic macroinvertebrates in large streams. It is easy
to install and the collections can be made by persons of varying
experience and training. The sampler is durable, corrosion resistant,
and inexpensive.
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LSS samples obtained during the period of vartner water contained
many more organisms than samples collected during the period of colder
water.
A major advantage of the sampler is that a uniform, attractive
f
substrate is provided for the attachment of bottom fauna. The LSS
collects a larger number and variety of immature aquatic insects than
the Petersen dredge. It is particularly effective in collecting certain
midges, caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, coelenterates, and bryozoans.
However, relatively few oligochaetes, mollusks, and some of the sediment
inhabiting midges and mayflies are collected.
The capability of the LSS to collect a more complete representation
of benthic macroinvertebrates is of great value in water pollution
investigations.
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Table I. Macroinvertebrates Collected at Cincinnati, Ohio River
2
Individuals-Limestone Substrate Sampler No./ft
1965 Petersen Dredge
Sampling
Interval
June 8
to
July 15
July 15
to
Aug 25
Aug 25
to
Oct 6
Oct 6
to
Nov 16
Aug 8
1963
Oct 11
1962
Diptera
Chironomidae
35
60
15
k
16
7
Other
1
Trichoptera
lU
107
62
7
ELecoptera
Epheme r opte ra
2
1
1
<1
Odonata
Anisoptera
E
Zygoptera
2
2
Coleoptera
Crustacea
Decapoda
Amphipoda
<1
Isopoda
Oligochaeta
99
1
Hirudinea
<1
Turbellaria
3
Mollusca
Belecypoda
1
56
Gastropoda
<1
Bryozoa
X
X
Coelenterata
X
X
X
X
Total Individuals
151
165
50
16
117
64-
Total *Species
6
9
a
6
9
5
X = Present
E = EXUVj
La * = Excluding
the Oligoc
iaeta
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Table II. Macroinvertebrates Collected from the Ohio River at Louisville, Kentucky
Numbe-
May 7 to
June 15
r of Individ
Substrate S
June 15 to
Aug 10
u&ls per Lii
ampler - 19
Aug 10 to
Sept 28
mestone 0 Av. No. Indiv
65 I ft in Peters
1 Sampl
Sept 28 to | 6 samples
Nov 12 | Aug 12, 1963
idu&ls/
en Dredge
es
6 samples
Oct 18, 1962
Diptera
Chironoraidae
Other
35
119
8
9
23
2
3
<1
Trichoptera
5
152
91
6
Epheweroptera
21
Anisoptera
^ygoptera
1
Decapoda
1
Amphipoda
1
6
Oligochaeta
62
156
Turbellaria
37
2
*
Hirudinea
5
Mollusca
pelecypoda
Gastropoda
62
6
2
k
2
7
k
19
1
Bryozoa
X
S
S
Coelenterata
X
X
X
Total Number
Individuals
62
371
110
31
103
179
Total Number
«Specie8
13
16
8
10
Ik
6
X ¦ Present but not counted
S ¦ Statoblasts
* = Excluding the Oligochaeta
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Table III. M&acroinvertebrates Collected from the Wabash River
at New Harmony, Indiana
Number of
stone Subt
Aug 10 to
Sept 29
Individuals ]
strate Sample
Sept 29 to
Nov 17
oer Lime-
ir - 1965
Nov 17 to
Dec 20
Av. No. Individuals/
ft2 in Petersen Jredge
Samples
6 Samples
Aug Ik, 1963
Diptera
Chiron amidae
Other
217
1
492
54
12
Trichoptera
300
66
77
piecoptera
k
5
Epheme ropte ra
46
80
13
<1
Odonata
Anisoptera
Zygoptera
7
32
32
36
2
Coleoptera
7
8
2
Crustacea
Decapoda
Isopoda
1
6
2
Oligochaeta
16
35
J+9
Hirudinea
1
Turbe liaria
5
12
17
Mollusca
Pelecypoda
Gastropoda
9
1
12
1
Bryozoa
X
X
X
s
Total Number
Individuals
(ho
758
207
61
Total Number
*Species
31
23
18
8
X a Present but not counted
S « Statoblasta
* = Excluding the Oligochaeta
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Table IV. Macroinvertebrates Collected at Cincinnati (C) and Louisville (l)
on the Ohio River, and New Harmony (n) on the Wabash River by the
Limestone Substrate Sampler and by Petersen Dredge Samplers
1955
Limestone Substrate
C L N
19S3
Petersen Dredge
N
Organism
Diptera
Ch i ronomi doe
Tanypodinae
Tanypus sp. B (Rob.)
Ablabesrayia 3p. X
Coelotanypus conclnms (Coq.)
Procladius c'uliciformls (L.)
P. (P3llotanypus )~"adimbratus Joh.
Ort hocladiinae
Orthocladius 9p.
Psectrocladius sp. X
Cricotopus bicinctus (Meigen)
Chiroiiominae
Chironoiaus (Dicrotendipes) sp.
C. (Dicrotendlpes) nervosua Staeger X
C. (Dicrotendipes) modestus Say
C. (Chlronomusj attenuatus Wali.
(Cryptochironamus) dlgitatuB Mall. X
C. (Cryptochironomus) pectinatellae X
f
(Dendy and Sublette.
C. (Cryptochironomus) abortlvua Mall.
C. (Tribelos) jucundus Walk.
Stenochironomus taeniapennis (Coq.)
Polyped i Ima (PolypedilumJ illinoense
""(Mail.}
P. (Polypedil\jm) ophioides Townes
Glyptotendipes (Glyptotendlpes)
senilis (Joh.)
G. (Phytotendipes) lobiferus (Say)
Tanytarsus (Temytaraiis) sp.
Ceratopogonidae (l sp.)
Culicidae
Chaoborus (Sayomyla) punctipennls (Say)
Trichoprfcera
Cyrnellus fraternus (Banks)
Hydropsyche orris "Ross
Potamyia flava (Hagen)
Leptocella sp.
Macronemum sp.
Arthrlpsodes sp.
Agraylea sp.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Epher.ieroptera
Stetr-• ;;na sp.
Caenis sp.
Tricorythodes sp.
HExagenia sp.
Plecoptera
Perlidae
Acroneuria sp.
Odonata
Zygoptera
Argla ep.
Anisoptera
Gomphus oragaujs
G. -vastus
ifeurocordulia sp.
Erpe togomphus sp.
Coleoptera
Stenelmis sp.
Crustacea
AjupMpoda
Gatmnarus sp.
Isopoda
Asellus sp.
Decapoda
Orconectes obseurus (Hagen)
Cambarus sp.
Oltgochaeta
Turbellarla
Ktrudinea
Mollusca
Gastropoda
Bulimidae (1 sp,)
Viviparidae
Viviparous sp.
Lioplax sp.
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Table IV. Continuation
1955 1953
Organism Limestone Substrate Petersen Dredge
c
L
N C
L
N
continuation of
Mollusea
Gastropoda
Physi&ae
Physa
X
Amricolidae
A»!u:'.«'.oXa ap.
X
Somatogyrus sp.
X
Pleuroceridae
Plt'urocrra sp.
X
Pelec/poda
Corbirnla f'hrminea Mailer
X
X
X
Spiverium sp.
X
X
Proptera sp.
X
Leptudaa sp.
X
b.-vozoa
Pectiriatella sp. X
X
s
Plxnnatella rejpens (L.)
X
s
Lopaopodella" sp.
X
s
Ooelenteratn
Cordya.ophora sp. X
X
Total *Species 13
28
38 9
14
8
E - J3*
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References
1. Scott, D. C., "Biological Balance in Streams," Sewage and
Industrial Wastes, 30(9):ll69-1173 (1958).
2. Hester, F. E., and J. S. Dendy, "A Multiple-Plate Sampler for
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates," Trans. Amer. Fisheries Soc.,
91(10:420-421 (1962).
3. Cauthron, F. F., "A Survey of Invertebrate Forms of the Mississippi
River in the Vicinity of Baton Rouge, Louisiana." Master's
Thesis, Unpublished, Louisiana State University (1961).
k. Henson, E. B., "A Cage Sampler for Collecting Aquatic Fauna."
Turtox News, 43(12)5298-299 (1965).
5. Mason, William T., Jr., J. B. Anderson, and George E. Morrison,
"A Limestone-Filled Artificial Substrate Sampler for the
Collection of Macroinvertebrate3 from Large Streams." (Prog.
Fish Cult. (1967). In Press)
6. Flint, Oliver S., "Notes on Some Nearctic Psychomyiidae with
Special Reference to Their Larvae." Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.,
115:467-48l.
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