There are many biotic indexes to assess water quality based on the macroinvertebrates in lotic systems. Macroinvertebrate communities of wetlands are strongly influenced by their hydroperiod, therefore it is possible to develop these indexes?
Seguro, es muy probable que se puedan desarrollar indices mientras se conozca cual es el propósito del mismo, si hay una especie indicadora, si se conoce porque la especie es indicadora, y si es factible obtener los datos para el montaje del índice. De hecho en ecología hay muchos indices, y casi todos los días aparece uno nuevo. Lo importante no si es posible desarrollarlo, sino si este es aplicable y aceptado por la comunidad científica, o por lo menos los estudiosos de los humedales (hay que tener en cuenta a que humedales te refieres, porque definiciones como las de RAMSAR incluyen muchos tipos y de diferentes naturalezas).
Good question!
Yes, indexing of macro-invertebrates(M-I) in lotic systems is possible. However, a battery of indexes must be used, sometimes independently, or jointly. Examples given of parameters to include: M-I species prevalent, invading, or almost absent, water table level, water temperature, seasonality,M-I free-swimming, attached to botanical elements, or within the top silt layer...
The parameters must be documented for at least 2 years at various times(water table levels temperature, mating cycle...), to establish your indexing database.
I recommend you choose 1 relatively small wetland or pond to establish your parameters, and then test your index in another, bigger system.
It should be noted that an macro-invertebrate index is valid regionally only, and that your index may not be valid or will need editing 10 years from now, due to global warming trends. In fact, here in Nova Scotia, we have determined that 2 species of M-I are in such decline that they are facing extinction.
Hope it helps,
S
I think it is definitely possible. Like Sebastien said, you would need to document the parameters as well as sample for macroinvertebrates using a variety of collection gear types. You would then need to analyze the life histories of the macroinvertebrates to determine their tolerance for different pollutants and water chemistries. I do think it would be more difficult, because many of the animals you encounter in lentic and temporary systems are adults and therefore more mobile, moving in and out of the system constantly. Also, in lentic systems, you have many more animals that use surface air for respiration (plastron, siphon, etc.), and I'm not sure how those would be analyzed. Having said that, I do think it needs to be done and wish you luck!
Este es un índice experimental publicado en dos revistas, una correspondiente a enseñanza secundaria, otra en una revista científica local. Se presentaron varios resultados del mismo en diferentes congresos de la Asociación Ibérica de Limnología y seguimos investigando. Esta basado en el modo nutricional de los macroinvertebrados en diferentes medios continentales. Los estoy utilizando en todo tipo de medios continentales, inclusive los humedales costeros. Sujeto a cualquier tipo de sugerencia se puede poner en contacto en [email protected]
The previous respondents are spot on. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a manual of how they suggest to develop a wetland IBI (attached). They also have developed "preliminary" indices for Prairie Wetlands and Great Lakes coastal wetlands in the United States. These are probably different systems than you want, but they may be useful examples. Like all 4 said, it's almost as "easy" as using known indicator species and parameters that have been previously documented to affect inverts, measure as many as you can, then create an index for your system. Then, as Luis said, your index needs to be used and vetted by members of the scientific community.
Yes, I agree with other responders, particularly Robert Hamilton (below). Benthic invertebrate indices are regularly used in lentic systems, including wetlands. In addition, macrobenthic indices are commonly used in coastal systems. Tidally influenced wetlands are more challenging because the regularly varying salinity and temperature patterns favor habitat generalists and tolerant spp as opposed to the sensitive or specialists spp that often are important for discerning stress to the system
Absolutely, US EPA completes a national wetlands assessment once every five years, they are working to analyze that data and are developing assessment metrics for wetlands. Other researchers in the US have also done this, it really is about having good quality reference wetlands and then sites across a disturbance gradient to allow you to develop the response metrics and possibly an index. I focus on rivers and streams so don't have the literature references immediately but if you visit EPA's National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) website and review their wetlands assessment it should be a good place to start. Good luck Ian
Tmbien existen en los estados de Wisconsin (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wetlands/documents/RefinementExpansionBioIndices.pdf) y New Jersey (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/wetlands/report-2006.pdf).
Oh, and the New Jersey document shows how the index was derived (similar to other protocols to develop biotic indices). I hope you can find a good data set for developing one! It always seems like the biggest challenge!
Stef
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