Invertebrate Animals as Indicators of Acidity in Upland Streams

by Great Britain: Forestry Commission, Gordon Patterson

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.

28 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993