Minnesota Water Science Center
UMIS NAWQAUSGS IN YOUR STATEUSGS Water Science Centers are located in each state. |
Surface Water StudiesStream quality was assessed through physical, chemical, and biological measurements. Nutrients, suspended sediment, major ions, organic carbon, pesticides, trace metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, and volatile organic compounds were monitored. In addition, instream and riparian habitat and aquatic communities (fish invertebrates and algae) were characterized. Aquatic community surveys take into account a range of species that represent various pathways. Fish are indicators of water quality over large areas and longtime periods (years to decades). Invertebrates live on or near the sediment and have life cycles from months to years. Algae have life cycles from hours to days and integrate water quality over a relatively short period of time. Trace metal and organic compound contamination of fish tissues is also monitored.
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