Title: An audit of performance in the primary analysis of standard biological macro-invertebrate samples in 2001 : Environment Agency CEH Report Ref: COO 158/23
Author: R.J.M. Gunn
Author: J.H. Blackburn
Author: N.T. Kneebone
Author: J.F. Murphy
Author: J.M. Winder
Author: J. Davy-Bowker
Author: H.M. Vincent
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
This report focuses on the analysis of standard biological macro-invertebrate samples taken by the EA and the CEH. The collection of standard macro-invertebrate samples and their analysis to the level required for the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) system is the most widely used biological technique for evaluating river quality in the water industry in the United Kingdom. Used with the computer model RIVPACS (River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification System) developed by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), they are the basis for the Agency's biological classification of water quality. This is used for national General Quality Assessment (GQA) river quality surveys and one of the governments Headline Indicators of environmental quality, as well as for purely operational purposes including Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies, drought orders and drought permits, and determining appropriate discharge consents. These samples are also used for assessing pollution and setting priorities for capital investment. Data from these samples are made available to the public. An independent audit of these biological samples is required to ensure that a high and consistent standard of sorting and identification is maintained; to assess the proficiency of the internal laboratory analytical quality control (AQC) inspection and to demonstrate the quality of the data to its users.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 2002
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Rivers; Water quality; Macroinvertebrates; Methodology; Biological monitoring techniques; Quality controls; Auditing
Geographic Keywords: England; Wales
Extent: 90
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:1666
Total file downloads: 296
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