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TECHNIQUES USED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF NEAR-COASTAL AREAS
Citation:
Lewis, M A. TECHNIQUES USED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF NEAR-COASTAL AREAS. Presented at Southern Citizen Environmental Resource Center, Pensacola, FL, March 16, 2000.
Description:
A variety of laboratory and field assessment techniques are used to evaluate the environmental condition of estuaries. Acute and chronic toxicity tests have been conducted with as many as 25 species to evaluate the effects of water and sediment on algae, invertebrates and fish. Effects monitored have included lethality, growth and reproduction. The focus of most field studies is on determining the chemical quality of the water and sediment and analyzing the condition of the benthic and planktonic biota inhabiting near shore areas. Techniques used include those determining tissue quality and the taxonomic and non-taxonomic structural and functional characteristics of the flora and fauna. A variety of manuals are available describing methodologies for chemicals analysis, toxicity assessment and biomonitoring of estuaries. In addition, water quality criteria to protect aquatic life are also available for saltwater and freshwater areas.