Benthic (or bottom-dwelling) communities are made up of species that live on or within the sediment. These organisms play a significant role in their environment by breaking down detritus, building ecosystems, serving as a food source for larger animals, and acting as indicators for ecological health. They also have a higher site fidelity and can provide an overall picture of temporal and spatial impacts. Organisms within these communities respond to all stressors that might not be otherwise captured in chemical analysis of the sediment.
Biological effects in sediments can be assessed either by (1) introducing organisms to sediment samples in a controlled laboratory environment and observing their response, or (2) collecting representative samples of the benthic community from a natural environment and identifying the organisms present to the lowest practical taxonomic level. Below are two recent examples of work that Spheros scientists have completed at ǹ that illustrate each of these approaches.
Ecotoxicology Assessments for Mining Operations
ǴԲٲ� scientists helped a client complete ecotoxicological assessments required by regulations in Washington State at a remote, former mining site located adjacent to a creek that discharges into a lake 8 miles away. Remedial actions to prevent effects from mine-impacted groundwater were successfully completed in 2018. However, in 2020, an external laboratory’s biological assay tests (bioassays) conducted on sediments from the site indicated impacts were present and produced results that were inconsistent with other lines of evidence. Comparisons were also complicated by reference samples that failed to meet performance criteria for organism growth. ǴԲٲ� scientists suspected environmental toxicity impacts were caused by low total organic content (TOC) in the sediments instead of chemically driven effects, and suggested adaptations to the bioassays that would produce results that control for site-specific challenges.
Following national standard test method updates, bioassay feeding regimens were increased in the 2024 assessment to support test organism growth, and additional coarse-grained, low TOC control treatments were added to each test to tease out potential effects due to low TOC alone. The client consulted with ǴԲٲ� scientists to ensure reference sample locations were appropriate for the study and additional sites were added to produce robust comparisons with site samples. State regulators requested a third bioassay test for the 2024 program that had been deemed obsolete by national standard test methods. As such, ǹ worked with the regulators to adapt the test as much as possible to meet the State’s requirements while also following current method guidance.
Results from the 2024 assessment indicated sediment quality at the project site is protective of aquatic life and any observed toxicity was likely unrelated to contaminants from mining operations. Close collaboration between ǴԲٲ� scientists, regulators, and the client ensured a robust, representative assessment was conducted that overcame challenges resulting from broadly standardized testing methods and complex site conditions.
Freshwater sediments undergo toxicity testing with organisms to evaluate biological effects, such as survival and growth.
Chironomus dilutus is a standard test species for freshwater sediments.
A benthic community sample waiting for processing in which organisms will be pulled out by hand under a microscope, sorted, and identified to the lowest practical level.
Ophiura sarsi is a common species of brittle star found in marine benthic communities of the Arctic.
Benthic Community Baseline Studies
Ecological baseline studies for oil and gas industries occur before operations at a site are established to determine potential environmental impacts. Benthic community assessments play a critical role in establishing these baselines. Samples are collected and sent to the taxonomy laboratory, which then processes them by removing and identifying the organisms present to the genus or species level, if possible. A detailed catalogue of the collected species identified can provide information about what organisms are present, their habitat, food preferences, and position within the trophic food web. Benthic community samples are then collected and analyzed repeatedly over time to evaluate whether there are measurable impacts on the benthos that could be attributed to drilling activities, the scope and spatial range of impacts on the community structure, and the recovery potential that could be expected at affected locations.
These assessments are often necessary to comply with regulations, such as those established by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
Key Takeaways
Analyzing benthic organisms presents a cost-effective and representative opportunity to assess potential anthropogenic impacts to the natural environment. Impacts can be evaluated either by introducing organisms to sediment samples from a site and evaluating their response within a controlled laboratory environment or by identifying the organisms that are present in these natural environments and monitoring how they respond over time. These assessments are required by a range of national and state-level regulations, and as methods evolve, comparing current results to past ones becomes more challenging and requires specialized scientific knowledge.
Meet our Sediment Experts
Michelle Knowlen is a Senior Project Manager of Toxicology and Ecology at the ǹ Port Gamble Environmental Lab, with a background in environmental science and marine ecology. As a toxicologist and ecologist, her focus is on management and execution of sediment characterization studies for potential biological impacts, including evaluation of dredged material and cleanup sites, implementing investigative bioassays, and performing benthic community risk assessments. Ms. Knowlen routinely assists in field operations for sediment projects as a Biological Lead and is skilled in sediment sample collection and processing. With more than 11 years of experience in both private and public sectors, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to a variety of ecological monitoring and aquatic toxicology projects. If you have a need related to sediment toxicology and ecological assessments, email Ms. Knowlen at [email protected].
Megan Payne currently provides Technical Sales for ǴԲٲ� Taxonomic Laboratory. Before joining ǹ, Ms. Payne worked at the Lake Superior Research Institute where she conducted sediment toxicology testing and water quality collections. Ms. Payne has a background in aquatic biology and has conducted fieldwork in wetlands, lakes, and rivers. At ǹ, she has served as primary analyst for any invasive mussel veliger projects, project coordinator, and laboratory manager. Ms. Payne has served as field lead for numerous projects throughout the Lake Superior, Columbia, and Missouri River Basins. If you have a need related to benthic community taxonomy and analysis, email Ms. Payne at [email protected].
]]>Founded in 1995, ǹ has established itself as a trusted leader in aquatic and terrestrial biological consulting services, providing data-driven insights to help clients navigate complex environmental challenges. The company’s services, which include biological monitoring, ecological impact analysis, ecological risk assessment, ecotoxicity and taxonomic identification services, align seamlessly with Spheros Environmental’s mission to deliver comprehensive, science-based solutions and sustainability consulting for our clients and our communities.
“The addition of ǹ reinforces Spheros Environmental’s commitment to delivering innovative, integrated solutions across the spectrum of our natural resources,� said Andra Kidd, CEO, Spheros Environmental. “Their exceptional reputation in aquatic ecology consulting and their commitment to building a supportive work culture for their people make them a natural fit for our growing organization.�
ǹ will operate as a part of Spheros Environmental, maintaining its offices in Moscow, ID; Port Gamble, WA; and Alachua, FL, while collaborating across the broader organization to leverage enhanced resources and technical expertise.
“ǹ� is excited to join Spheros Environmental and contribute to its mission of advancing environmental science and sustainability,� said Gary Lester, CEO, ǹ. “Our 30 plus year history has positioned us for this opportunity to team with Spheros Environmental and grow our services and client base as part of a larger team of experienced environmental professionals, with a shared vision to deliver innovative environmental solutions to all of our clients.�
This acquisition underscores Spheros Environmental’s commitment to building a premier environmental consulting organization. By bringing together leading expertise across disciplines, Spheros is positioned as a trusted advisor to clients navigating today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
For more information about Spheros Environmental, visit .
To learn more about ǹ, Inc., visit www.ecoanalysts.com.
About Spheros Environmental:
Spheros Environmental is redefining excellence in environmental consulting. Backed by Union Park Capital, the company integrates air, water, digital services, permitting, climate services, and ecological sciences to deliver sustainable, science-based solutions for clients nationwide. Since its founding in 2021, Spheros has expanded its expertise through strategic acquisitions, including Sonoma Technology, LRE Water, HydroGeoLogica, Timberline Aquatics, and now ǹ, creating a multidisciplinary powerhouse in environmental innovation.
Media Contact:
Brandy Crawford
Director of Marketing
Spheros Environmental
720-343-7276
[email protected]
ǹ, a leading provider of ecological consulting services, will be represented at the conference by our CEO, Gary Lester, and our Florida Laboratory Manager, Peter Meyer.
We invite all conference attendees to visit the ǹ booth to learn more about our services, projects, and how we can collaborate to further environmental conservation efforts. We eagerly anticipate this opportunity to connect with colleagues and contribute to the advancement of water quality initiatives at the 2024 FAWQC Annual Conference.
]]>Jay Word, ǹ Senior Aquatic Toxicologist, will be presenting on Bioaccumulation Test Species Update: Marine Clams. Also in attendance from our Port Gamble lab, will be Senior Aquatic Toxicologist and Benthic Ecologist, Michelle Knowlen as well as Operations Manager and Project Coordinator, Regina Edwards.
The 36th annual SMARM will be held at the USACE Seattle District Headquarters at Federal Center South in Seattle, WA on May 8th, 2024 from 9 am - 4:30 pm.
Read more about the SMARM meeting here:
]]>In addition to plenary presentations and cutting-edge workshops from public officials and industry leaders, IPF offers registrants a wide array of networking opportunities to grow your business, including the popular WindMatch� program. With the rapid expansion of offshore wind, IPF attendance helps secure your place as a leader in the industry.
2024 IPF will take place April 22-25, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
ǴԲٲ� Megan Payne will be in attendance this year—if you are attending and would like to schedule a meet with Megan, contact us here.
]]>EA co-founder and CEO Gary Lester commented, “We are very excited to join forces with HRES, as we now firmly plant the ǹ flag in the Southeast and can increase our broader ecological service offerings to HRES clients regionally. Combining forces with our aquatic ecotoxicity team in Port Gamble, WA we now have an impressive team of nearly 20 ecotoxicity specialists and can apply these services to NPDES permits, product toxicity testing, and soil/sediment toxicity testing across the country. Our company cultures are a great match, as both teams are science-focused and emphasize providing our clients with unbiased data and analysis to support environmentally responsible solutions.�
Mr. Craig Watts, CEO of HRES said of the transaction, "Hydrosphere needed help getting to the next level and ǹ has the experience and tools to help us do that. Just as important, ǹ' culture is a great fit with Hydrosphere's. We look forward to working with them to grow and find ways to better serve our clients."
Background on EA: Founded in 1995, ǹ has grown our company to over 70 employees with offices and laboratory operations in Idaho, Washington, Missouri, and now Florida. Our core services are ecological field sampling, laboratory, and consulting services, with emphasis on ecological assessments in freshwater, estuarine, marine, and terrestrial environments. ǹ has completed projects in every US state and Canadian province, and several countries internationally. Our strategic objectives and growth goals are centered around expanding our capabilities, services, and regional operations to better serve our customers.
For more information please contact:
Gary Lester: [email protected]
208-882-2588 x21
ǹ operates North America’s largest taxonomy services laboratory, with over 10,000 taxonomy samples being processed every year. When time allows, and with client permission, we enjoy publishing our findings in peer-reviewed journals to add to the body of scientific knowledge in the environmental assessment field.
Download Dr. Drumm’s paper: A new genus and species of Apseudidae, and a new species of Bunakenia (Crustacea: Tanaidacea: Apseudomorpha) from the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
ǹ operates North America’s largest taxonomy services laboratory, with over 10,000 taxonomy samples being processed every year. When time allows, and with client permission, we enjoy publishing our findings in peer-reviewed journals to add to the body of scientific knowledge in the environmental assessment field.
Please contact us for a copy of Dr. Drumm’s paper, or if you would like to learn more about our freshwater or marine ecological services.
]]>ǴԲٲ� Role:
ǹ performed the entire benthic macroinvertebrate identification component of this important national survey. In 2013-2014 we sorted and identified over 2,000 macroinvertebrate samples at our taxonomy laboratory in Moscow, Idaho. As part of acquiring high-quality taxonomy data, EPA required us to send 10% of the samples to be re-identified by an independent laboratory. Our taxonomists participated in conference calls to discuss the results and address any taxonomic differences. We incorporated the revisions into the final data set and delivered the data to EPA on time and on budget. ǹ is proud to have supported this very important EPA program every year through our taxonomic identification services.
Here is a recent release from the California Water Quality Monitoring Council, dated January 4, 2021:
California Water Quality Monitoring Council
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce the release of the second National Rivers and Streams Assessment report, one of four National Aquatic Resource Surveys. As you know, the NARS program is an EPA, state, and tribal partnership. Clean Water Act (CWA) sections 104(a) and (b) collectively grant the EPA Administrator authority to investigate and report on water quality across the country. Under this authority,
The report, technical support document, results dashboard, data files, and a pre-publication Federal Register notice are available at: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys Through the Federal Register Notice EPA is requesting comments on the methodologies for conducting the NRSA assessment, including approaches for setting benchmarks that interpret the data. Key findings from the report are presented below. Click here to access the
I want to thank state and tribal water quality managers and other NARS partners for the expertise and dedication to completing National Aquatic Resource surveys. In particular, the surveys could not be completed without state and tribal participation and invaluable support for these collaborative surveys.
Key Findings - National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013-14: A Collaborative Survey
Rivers and streams shape America’s landscape. They support fish and other aquatic life and provide food and habitat for birds and wildlife. Rivers and streams provide us with water for drinking, irrigation, hydropower, navigation, waste management, industrial use, and recreation. Indeed, rivers and streams are vital to our country’s history, culture and economy.
The National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) is one of the four National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) collectively designed to assess the quality of America’s water resources. The National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013�2014: A Collaborative Survey describes the results of a nationwide statistical survey that was conducted in the summers of 2013 and 2014 by EPA and its state, tribal, and federal partners. The report provides a snapshot of the quality of perennial rivers and streams across the U.S. during the sampling period. The report also includes information on the changes from the previous rivers and streams survey in 2008�09.
KEY FINDINGS
The results below represent the full population of river and stream miles assessed during the rivers and streams survey (i.e., 1.2 million perennial river and stream miles) for all indicators except contaminants in fish fillet tissue. Contaminants in fish fillet tissue were assessed in larger river systems (rivers that are 5th order or greater), and results are for this sampled population of river miles. For more information on benchmarks and indicators, see Chapters 2 through 4 and the .
Biological indicators
The survey looked at two types of biological indicators: 1) benthic (bottom dwelling) macroinvertebrates such as dragonfly and stonefly larvae, snails, worms, and beetles, and 2) fish. Of the nation’s river and stream miles, 30% (365,850 miles) were rated good based on benthic macroinvertebrate scores relative to the least-disturbed reference distribution, and 26% (319, 899 miles) were rated good based on fish community scores relative to the least-disturbed reference distribution.
Chemical indicators
NRSA reports on four chemical stressors: total phosphorus, total nitrogen, salinity and acidification. Fifty-eight percent (706,754 miles) of the nation’s rivers and streams were rated poor for phosphorus relative to the least-disturbed reference distribution, and 43% (522,796 miles) were rated poor for nitrogen relative to the least-disturbed reference distribution. The data collected for this report indicate that a finding of poor biological condition based on benthic macroinvertebrates was almost twice as likely in rivers and stream miles rated poor for nutrients.
Physical habitat indicators
Four indicators of physical habitat were assessed for NRSA 2013�14. Three were compared to least-disturbed reference sites� in‐stream fish habitat, streambed excess fine sediments, and riparian vegetative cover (vegetation in the land corridor surrounding the river or stream). Riparian disturbance (human activities near the river or stream) was scored based on number and proximity of features such as roads and buildings. Physical habitat indicator scores revealed that 64% (778,585 miles) of river and stream miles were rated good for in-stream fish habitat. In addition, 58% (701,763 miles) of river and stream miles had good ratings for riparian vegetation, and 52% (627,829 miles) scored good for streambed sediment levels. Benthic macroinvertebrate condition was almost twice as likely to be rated poor when sediment levels were rated poor than when they were rated fair or good.
Human health indicators
The survey evaluated river and stream quality compared to three indicators that provide insight into potential risks to human health: enterococci (bacteria that indicate fecal contamination), microcystins (naturally occurring algal toxins), and contaminants in fish tissue. The results for enterococci were below the EPA criteria recommendations for pathogens in 69% (833,529 miles) of river and stream miles. Cyanobacteria can produce a variety of toxins; the rivers and streams survey measured levels of one of these � microcystins. Only a small proportion of miles � 0.1% � had microcystins concentrations exceeding the EPA recommended recreational swimming advisory level (see Appendix A). Mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were present in fish tissue, with occurrence varying by contaminant. Mercury concentrations in fillet composite samples were above the EPA fish tissue-based water quality criterion recommendation for methylmercury in 24% (25,119 river miles) of the sampled population of river miles. For PCBs, 40% (24,583 river miles) of the sampled population of river miles had fish fillet PCB concentrations above the EPA human health fish tissue benchmark. Concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), one of the most dominant PFAS in freshwater fish tissue, were above the EPA human health fish tissue benchmark in fish fillets in 3% (3,490 river miles) of the sampled population of river miles.
Freshwater mussel conservation is a hot topic and our very own Heidi Dunn recently published an innovative assessment framework to evaluate freshwater mussel communities from a conservation status standpoint. Almost all multi-metric indices of biological integrity (IBI’s), including fish community IBI’s, benthic macroinvertebrate community IBI’s, or periphyton community IBI’s, evaluate attributes of community structure through the lens of water quality or habitat quality impairment. The Mussel Community Assessment Tool (MCAT) is designed to evaluate the health of freshwater mussel communities for conservation purposes.
Developing the Multi-Metric Index
Data from 25 sites within the Upper Mississippi River, spanning 925 river kilometers from Pool 2 to Pool 26, were used to develop the MCAT. These freshwater mussel survey data were collected in support of permit applications under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Most data were collected by Ecological Specialists, Inc. (now ǹ, Inc.). A suite of 46 candidate metrics was evaluated for potential inclusion into the MCAT. Metrics covered a variety of community attributes such as conservation status (percent species federally or state listed), environmental sensitivity (percent tolerant), taxonomic composition (e.g. percent Lampsilini), population processes (age structure, live vs. recently dead shells, etc.), abundance, and diversity.
Metrics having strong correlations within the same group were eliminated and those metrics least influenced by sample size or distribution were prioritized to be retained. A final list of 10 metrics was included in the MCAT. To validate the results, a workgroup of 10 natural resources managers was convened to evaluate MCAT performance on additional data sets. Agencies present at the workshop included Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, National Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Evaluating Freshwater Mussel Community Health
The MCAT can be used to compare the health of freshwater mussel assemblages between sites, or over time at same sites. It can also be used to evaluate the impact of management decisions, such as dam removal, construction of in-river habitat features, reservoir drawdown, etc. Although developed specifically for the Upper Mississippi River, the authors encourage mussel researchers and resource managers to experiment with its application in other systems to provide feedback and improve the MCAT over time.
FOR A PDF OF THE FULL REPORT, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW
Citation
Dunn, H. L., S. Zigler and T. Newton. 2020. Mussel Community Assessment Tool for the Upper Mississippi River System. Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation 23: 109-123.
Heidi Dunn is a senior aquatic ecologist at ǹ in O’Fallon, MO. Co-authors Steve Zigler (retired) and Teresa Newton are biologists at the US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in LaCrosse, WI.
]]>The new species is part of a complex made up of cryptic species. Uncovering cryptic diversity is crucial in taxa used in biomonitoring and has important implications for conservation. Distinct species may have different tolerance ranges towards a variety of factors.
The new species was named after the river in which it was found (Wakulla River in northern Florida), and has been published in the journal, Zootaxa.
For more information on the 2015 NCCA please go to:
]]>For more information on the 2015 NCCA please go to:
For a PDF of the article Click Here
]]>GOLD: ǹ Inc. (Moscow, ID) for growing revenue from $2.6 million in 2016 to $5.9 million in 2017; the firm also took operating profits from breakeven to 10.7% and expanded its employee base from 40 to 75. ǹ is an ecology and natural resource consulting company which operates North America’s largest taxonomy laboratory and an ecotoxicology laboratory. During 2014-2016 total revenue dropped from $4.7 million to $2.6 million and operating profit went from 16% to breakeven due to softer markets and increased competition. In August 2015 the company leadership determined that strategic diversification into closely related services was an absolute necessity to further distinguish ǹ from its competitors. In 2016-2017 ǹ embarked on an aggressive growth strategy that included three initiatives: First, it acquired Ecological Specialists, a 12-person niche firm located in O’Fallon, Mo. specializing in freshwater mussel ecology and conservation biology. Second, in January 2017 Ramboll Environ divested its ecotoxicology laboratory operation on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, and ǹ initiated a group hire of 10 people. Third, in March 2017 ǹ made a strategic hire and two support hires to develop a natural resources consulting service that provides environmental and social impact analyses internationally.
]]>Quad Cities � The Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other project contributors are recipients of the Federal Highway Administration’s 2017 Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Research. The award recognizes the work that went into relocating several species of mussels prior to the start of the Interstate 74 Mississippi River Bridge project.
Approximately 1.2 million mussels occupied the bridge footprint between Bettendorf and Moline, including several endangered species. As part of the reconstruction of the bridge, the departments of transportation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collaborated over a three–year period to assess impacts to the threatened and endangered mussels, document the potential impacts, develop a conservation plan for affected mussel species, and safely relocate one of the largest population of mussels in the country. This extensive relocation effort was completed within a tight time frame of only three months last year. Data from this study will allow interested agencies to track impacts of the bridge project and support future mussel conservation efforts.
Mussels are an important part of the Mississippi River ecosystem because they help to improve water quality. Iowa and Illinois have made it a priority to mitigate impacts on the environment while also providing the Quad Cities a safer and more efficient travel experience.
For updates on the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge project and to get the most up-to-date construction news, visit the project website at . Follow the project on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube @I74RiverBridge.
CONTACTS:
IA DOT: Mary Kay Solberg (515) 239-1741
[email protected]
IL DOT: Rebecca Marruffo (815) 284-5351
[email protected]
The basics of bioassessment
Comprehensive techniques for this method of evaluation have been around since the 1980s - while the U.K. implemented the River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification System, the U.S. steered toward the Index of Biotic Integrity. The IBI system assesses ecosystem health through a comparison of observed values along the index. No matter which method of bioassessment, the process requires that health condition be determined from samples collected at appropriate points in the environment being assessed and then evaluated in bioassessment laboratories.
"Bioassessment results are utilized to answer questions about the ecosystem's ability to support survival and the reproduction of aquatic species."
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains, the results from such projects are utilized to answer questions concerning the ecosystem's ability to support survival and the reproduction of aquatic species. In essence, bioassessment aims to determine how well the ecosystem allows flora and fauna to fulfill their functions and uses in the larger scheme of the biological community.
Exploring different methodologies of bioassessment
Within this field are many different approaches to bioassessment. For example, the number and breadths of sampling sites may vary according to the specific needs of each organization. As the Western Center for Monitoring & Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems explains, three main decisions must be made when it comes to :
Multivariate versus multi-metric: These are the main approaches to data analysis. Multi-metric analysis techniques involve several measurable characteristics and classifies reference sites (ecoregions) that are predefined according to physical and geographic attributes, such as soils, vegetation and climate. Multivariate, on the other hand, categorizes sites according to taxonomic composition, making no assumptions about ecosystem similarities.
Inclusion versus exclusion of rare taxa: Some projects exclude rare taxa with low abundance or small distribution in order to avoid skewed results and obtain the most overall accurate assessment of biological conditions. However, doing so comes with potential complications. For example, excluding rare taxa from a sample may introduce bias into an assessment by affecting the characterization of the assemblage structure.
Low versus high taxonomic resolution: High taxonomic resolution allows for the most exhaustive and accurate bioassessment of an ecosystem; however, it takes much more time and money to complete than low taxonomic resolution.
A bioassessment plan is made up of several steps, including the collection of samples and analysis in a laboratory.
Why choose bioassessment?
Determining biological integrity is essential for the development of public policies aimed at maintaining the health and beauty of earth's natural environments and resources. Bioassessment is a particularly effective assessment tool, as it provides physical, chemical and biological measurements necessary to determine the health of an ecosystem. These measurements can incorporate a wide variety of species, from fish to algae to phytoplankton and other microscopic organisms.
"ǹ comprises more than one dozen expert taxonomists with nearly 200 years of combined experience."
Understanding the bioassessment process
Bioassessment projects begin with the design of the study. The aim in this initial phase is to determine precisely what the project should accomplish and clarify those objectives so that researchers know what they're looking for when they're out in the field collecting samples.
ǹ, which comprises more than one dozen expert taxonomists with nearly 200 years of experience, will provide recommendations so that you use the biological indicators that best suit your specific goals and fit within budgetary constraints. Other study components that ǹ will design include:
A strategy for sampling that meets the regulations and requirements specific to the region, implementing protocols for sample collection that are both efficient and scientifically sound
Instructions for the proper handling of samples of biological specimens
Information regarding raw data requirements and taxonomic effort levels
A list of indices and metrics that can help you get the most from the collected data
ǹ will also execute the final step in the project - the data analysis. The collected information will be thoroughly evaluated by consulting ecologists who have expertise in calculating metrics and indices, quantitative methods and applied ecological theory. Even after providing a detailed report, ǹ' experts are available to provide explanations, interpretations and further analysis.
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