Biological Field And Laboratory Methods For Measuring The Quality Of Surface Waters And Effluents

The role of aquatic biology in the water \npollution control program of the U. S. \nEnvironmental Protection Agency includes field \nand laboratory studies carried out to establish \nwater quality criteria for the recognized \nbeneficial uses of water resources and to \nmonitor water quality. \nField studies are employed to: measure the \ntoxicity of specific pollutants or effluents to \nindividual species or communities of aquatic \norganisms under natural conditions; detect \nviolations of water quality standards ; evaluate \nthe trophic status of waters ; and determine \nlong-term trends in water quality. \nLaboratory studies are employed to : measure \nthe effects of known or potentially deleterious \nsubstances on aquatic organisms to estimate \n“safe” concentrations ; and determine environmental \nrequirements (such as temperature, pH, \ndissolved oxygen, etc.) of the more important \nand sensitive species of aquatic organisms. Field \nsurveys and water quality monitoring are \nconducted principally by the regional \nsurveillance and analysis and national enforcement \nprograms. Laboratory studies of water \nquality requirements, toxicity testing, and \nmethods development are conducted principally \nby the national research programs.