POBBLEBONK
- PANEL 7
WATER QUALITY
In the last few decades a method for measuring fresh water quality and
habitat has been developed overseas and in Australia using macroinvertebrates
or the small creatures that live in rivers, streams and ponds like mayfly
and dragonfly nymphs, beetles, snails, worms, shrimp etc.
This method, known as bioassessment, is useful because macroinvertebrates
are widespread and consistent in behaviour in their response to a variety
of factors. Furthermore it is a method that can be understood by members
of the community who can also participate in the assessment.
One basic principle for example is that water bodies with a high level
of diversity are generally in good health while in polluted habitats sensitive
species are eliminated and less sensitive species show an increase in
numbers. However this system is not so well developed for estuarine and
marine systems.
Click on the image to find out more about each of the animals in this panel.
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