Senior Student Booklet
Version 7
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Upper Nerang Catchment Land Use Pollution Source Notes Impact Contaminants Nutrients Sedimentation
+ + +
- 0
- - - stream -
Fuels/Oils Chemicals Debris Nitrate Phosphate Clearing Compaction Runoff Erosion bank, gully, in
Numinbah Valley EEC
National Park
Roads & Bridges
Residential
Agriculture: horse/cattle
Correctional Facility
Tourism - Recreation
Tourism - Accom.
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Geological and Geomorphological History of the Region
The Gold Coast hinterland is on the Indo-Australian crustal plate which is moving 7cm north each year. The Gold Coast hinterland was over a ‘hot spot’ between 24 - 23 million years ago. Hot spots are weaknesses in the Earth’s crust that periodically force basaltic magma to the surface and erupt to form broad volcanoes. Two large volcanoes were created at that time; the Focal Peak Volcano near Mount Barney, and the Tweed Volcano. The Tweed Volcano area stretched north to south from Tamborine (QLD) to Lismore (NSW), and west to east from Mt Lindesay (QLD) to 14 kilometres off the east coast.
The Tweed Volcano built up broad, shield-shaped mountains (approximately 100km in diameter) predominantly from great piles of highly fluid basalt lava that flowed long distances. Towards the end of their activity, the magma deep below distilled into other types of lava, mainly rhyolite. The viscous (sticky) rhyolite erupted explosively and plugged vents on the northeastern flank of the shield volcano. The rhyolite flows covered a much more limited area than the basalt flows. Some rhyolite magma formed tall bodies of rock that can still be seen today as Egg Rock and Page’s Pinacle.
The central summit of the Tweed Volcano was located over the present Mount Warning and is estimated to have reached about 2000m above sea level (Mt Warning is 1156m above sea level). After the Tweed Volcano became extinct 10 million years ago, the tall mountain attracted heavy rainfall (orographic rain). The igneous rock gradually weathered to form rich soils that supported thick rainforests and many streams began to flow from the peak. The streams slowly cut deep gorges into the sides of the mountain (erosion), and over time the gorges widened into valleys.
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Figure 1. Progressive Erosion of the Tweed Volcano (vertical scale exaggerated)
Erosion of the Tweed Volcano has occurred in part due to the streams radiating out from it: Tallebudgera Ck and Currumbin Ck (east); Nerang R, Coomera R, and Canungra R (north); and Albert R, Christmas Ck, and Running Ck (north, north-west). Erosion is occurring at an average .03mm/year (6.9km2 in 10 million years). The Tweed R has eroded the headwaters of the Nerang R and will continue to remove material. Most erosion occurs in the valleys. The ridges of the volcano are now flat plateaus and include Mt Tamborine and Beechmont. The streams on the eastern side of the volcano are more active because they receive increased rainfall (orographic rain). The Tweed Valley is now an erosion caldera with only the remnant plug of the volcano, Mt Warning, remaining.
5 History of Numinbah Valley
Figure 2: History of Numinbah Valley
For thousands of years prior to the European settlement, the Aborigines freely roamed Nerang River Valley and the adjacent land. The Kombumerri People visited the Numinbah Valley and the high plateau in summer searching for and gathering food and medicines. In winter they moved closer to the coast, gathering fish and seafood. In Bushranger’s Cave, Aboriginal artifacts have been discovered by the Anthropology Department of the University of Queensland and these have been estimated to be 10,000 years old. The original forests of the Numinbah Valley were thick, lush rainforests or towering schlerophyll forests in the drier sections. The lowland sub-tropical rainforest was extremely rich in biodiversity and these towering giant trees attracted the pioneering wood cutters in the 1860s. Red Cedar, Hoop Pine, Silky Oak, Crow’s Ash, Black Bean and Booyongs promised wealth to these early loggers. For the next 100 years, the woodcutter’s axe dominated the landscape as the valley was stripped of its timber with the clearing often reaching high up into the hills. Five sawmills were kept busy supporting this industry. Farming, mainly dairying, beef cattle, pig raising and banana plantations became the main industries after the land was cleared. In recent times, tourist visitation in the area has increased.
Notes:
6 Stop 1 – Border Gate
The Border Gate is in the vicinity of the headwaters of the Nerang River. From this site you can see the source where it begins as two tiny streams which tumble down the steep slopes of Mt Hobwee before joining together to flow through the farmland, over rapids and waterfalls, and through the narrow V- shaped valley.
Clearing of the land high up into the hills is very obvious at this point. By observing closely you will note there is slumping of the soil on the steep slopes, dead trees, lack of vegetation protecting the river, and evidence of landslides. In the past, the lack of trees to hold the soil together on the steep slopes, combined with regular rainfall have caused large landslides that have washed a lot of sediment into the river.
Maintaining water quality is essential for the health of the catchment. Yet even at the start of the catchment, people have begun to pollute the river. Pollution enters the river in three forms: nutrient pollution, other contaminants, and sedimentation. Even small increases of these can have a detrimental effect on delicate freshwater ecosystems.
Weeds
Weeds are a widespread problem in Numinbah Valley. Invasive weeds quickly establish themselves in cleared areas. Weeds can spread in a variety of ways: wind and water, livestock, birds, vehicles, and people (such as dumping garden waste). Weeds restrict the growth of native plants, provide limited habitat for wildlife, and contribute to poor soil stability. Weed management and removal costs the Queensland economy $600 million per year. Species such as Parthenium and Lantana have an impact on human health and many species are toxic to cattle.
Control Description Example Measure The use of legislation, quarantine and Limits on the species that can be Prevention education to prevent the introduction of sold. Fines for illegally dumping weeds. garden waste. Machinery – appropriate for large accessible areas Physical The use of machinery or removal by hand. Hand – sensitive environments Removal where minimal disruption is important Use of targeted herbicides which kill the Foliar spray is effective for large weed. Herbicides can be delivered by foliar Chemical areas of lantana. Must be followed spray, paint, or injection. Cost effective but Control by revegetation or large-scale may have unintended environmental erosion will result. impacts. Use of insects or pathogens (diseases) that affect the health of the weed. Usually found Lantana Beetle - since 1914, 31 in country of origin. Strict measures are in agents have been introduced to Biological place to minimise negative effects on native control lantana. Some have been Control species. effective. e.g. Sap-sucking bug Biological control rarely gets rid of weeds Teleanemia scrupulosa but can control growth and spread.
Table 1: Information on control measures for weeds.
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1. Suggest some strategies that could be used to prevent sedimentation in Numinbah Valley from slumping, landslides, and erosion.
Turn to River Assessment Data Sheet and Sources of Pollution Sheet Complete Field Sketch on page 17
Stop 2 - Natural Bridge
The sub-tropical rainforest at Natural Bridge remains largely unchanged over the last 100 million years since Australia was part of Gondwana. Natural Bridge has been named as a national geological feature and is a World Heritage Listed site. The area was set aside as a Recreational and Scenic Reserve in 1892 and managed by the Forestry Department until it became a National Park in 1959.
Cave Creek runs through Natural Bridge and then joins the Nerang River. It is an example of a pristine environment due to minimal human impacts. The banks of the creek are forested, providing filtration of runoff and stabilisation of the sediments. Dense growth stabilises soil and shades water. Aquatic and terrestrial fauna have habitat in the vegetation.
Natural Bridge is home to rare and endangered species including Fine Leaved Tuckeroos, Red Cedars, Angle-headed Dragons, the Paradise Rifle Bird, the Richmond Birdwing butterfly, and the largest glow worm colony in Australia (Hall, 1990). Without careful management, this area could easily be damaged.
Natural Bridge has an extremely high visitation rate both during the day and at night. People visit the site for its natural beauty, unique geological structures, and the glowworms. National Parks maintain the site and closely monitors visitor numbers to ensure a minimal impact. National Park Rangers have installed fencing, removed picnic tables, banned swimming, and limited tour group size in order to protect the area.
2. Despite the undisturbed environment at Natural Bridge, contamination of the waterway could have already occurred. Explain how this might happen.
3. Outline some measures taken by National Parks to minimise / manage the impacts of visitors to this site.
Turn to River Assessment Data Sheet and Sources of Pollution Sheet
8 Stop 3 – Bochow Park
There is a large perlite mine near Bochow Park that was established in 1953. Perlite is a volcanic rock that is mined to produce a light-weight concrete aggregate for fire proofing, insulation, a hydroponic medium, paint filler, and for use in potting mix. Queensland is the only state in Australia that is mining perlite. The Park is run by the Gold Coast City Council and provides rubbish bins, gas BBQs, a playground, and open grassy areas for recreation that are mowed regularly.
4. What type of impacts could a mine be capable of causing on the area?
5. Explain the importance of riparian vegetation along waterways. Use the diagram on page 2 to help you with the answer.
Turn to River Assessment Data Sheet and Sources of Pollution Sheet
Stop 4 – Numinbah Hall
The Numinbah Valley School of Arts was built in 1925 on the bank of the Nerang River. The Hall has recently become the site of a revegetation program in the gully to the north.
6. What does the revegetation program aim to achieve?
9 Stop 5 – Forest Park
Forest Park is park is maintained by National Parks and therefore has limited facilities in order to maintain habitat for wildlife (e.g no bins, play equipment, or open grassed areas). In contrast to Bochow Park, Forest Park has wood-fired BBQs and toilet facilities far away from the river. Many people frequent this area on weekends and holidays. In recent times, the area has been subject to weed invasion followed by eradication and revegetation activities.
The eucalypt forest here has been logged in the past and now there are many weeds on the banks of the river. This area is subject to flooding after heavy rainfall. Forest Park is home to a large variety of wildlife including platypus, goannas, koalas, and lots of native birds.
7. What is the main environmental issue affecting the river environment at this site? Explain the significance of the issue and propose a management strategy.
8. An event occurred here in 2014 which resulted in a change to the State Fisheries Legislation. Explain the key points of the event and its environmental outcomes..
Turn to River Assessment Data Sheet and Sources of Pollution Sheet
10 Stop 6 - Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre
Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre (NVEEC) is situated between the Nerang River and Waterfall Creek in Numinbah State Forest. From the 1860s–1970s, the forest was heavily logged for eucalyptus, mahogany, bloodwoods, tallowwoods, and turpentines. After logging ceased, weeds (particularly lantana) invaded the area. In 1989, the Centre began a rejuvenation program whereby the lantana was laboriously removed and local endemic species were planted. These projects are still ongoing today. The Centre is sustainable in energy and water, and all efforts are made tominimise environmental impacts at the site..
9. NVEEC is now surrounded by water when the Dam is at full capacity. List the consequences that the raised level of water has had on the environment. What further consequences will occur when the dam water recedes?
10 The activities at NVEEC could be a source of pollution similar to that already identified throughout the valley. In the table below, identify the types of pollutants, potential impacts and best practice
control measures used at this site.
Type of Pollutant Pollutant Possible Impact Control Measure Major Pollutants in the Upper Catchment
Nutrient
Contaminants
Sedimentation
11 Stop 7 - Hinze Dam
Hinze Dam is located 15 km south-west of Nerang and is fed by the Nerang River and Little Nerang Creek. Within the Hinze Dam catchment and located on Little Nerang Creek is the Little Nerang Dam, which has a storage capacity of 9,300 million litres. The Hinze Dam was designed for construction in three stages. The first stage was built in 1976 with a storage capacity of 42,400 million litres. The second stage (1989) increased the holding capacity to 161,070 million litres. Stage three (finished 2011) was designed to increase the capacity to 286,500 million litres by raising the dam wall 12.5 metres. The Hinze Dam, the Little Nerang Dam, and some water from the Brisbane water supply provide the water requirements for the Gold Coast population.
The water entering the dam is maintained at the best possible quality by placing the majority (over 75%) of the catchment area within National Park and State Forest boundaries. People are restricted from entering the majority of this catchment area. Commercial businesses, factories and golf courses are prohibited from being built in the catchment area, and recreational boats are restricted to only electric powered motors.
11. Why was it necessary to build Stage 3 of Hinze Dam?
12. Building the dam has had numerous environmental impacts which have had to be addressed. Describe the mitigation strategy put in place for each of the impacts in the table below.
Issue Impact Mitigation / Solution
River flow below dam Loss of habitat due to reduced volume of water. As a result, salt water has moved altered further upstream. Migration and breeding cycle interrupted by the dam wall. Some Fish migration species cannot breed due to limited access to breeding sites.
Loss of important plant species and Habitat loss – plants riparian vegetation. Terrestrial and aquatic species have Habitat loss – animals been negatively affected such as koalas and platypus.
13. Throughout the catchment, you have identified sources of pollution which have affected the water quality of Hinze Dam. What longterm protective measures could be put in place to achieve the highest possible water quality for the Gold Coast and protect biodiversity?
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Stop 8 - Nerang Residential Area – Weedons Crossing
14. The Nerang River at this site has changed dramatically since settlement of the area in 1865. Try to identify the physical features that have changed in/around the river over time. You may list or illustrate the features.
Turn to River Assessment Data Sheet and Sources of Pollution Sheet
Stop 7 - Gold Coast Arts Centre / Q1
This area of the Nerang River has changed significantly during the last 50 years. Large areas of mangroves, paperbark forest, and coastal wetland have been dredged, filled in, and altered to create the existing “reclaimed” land and canal system to house the people of the Gold Coast.
Present environmental management strategies prohibit such development of coastal wetland with an existing policy of “no net loss” of mangroves being in force.
15. What has caused the change in stance regarding the importance of coastal wetlands?
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16. Examine the list of issues and identify the control measure for each.
Issue Source/Example Impact Control Measure
Soils containing pyrite Low pH and heavy metals Acid sulphate (FeS2) form H2SO4 when cause fish kills, disease in soil exposed to O2 and may marine organisms, and release heavy metals. affect aquatic plants.
Results in increased As silt builds up in the turbidity and release of waterways, it must be Dredging contaminants which affect removed by scooping or plants and animals (e.g. suction. seagrass beds smothered)
Nursery habitat, loss of Mostly from residential and flood control, erosion, and Loss of wetlands marina development. exposure of pyrite acid sulphate soils.
Built up areas have Water cannot soak into soil Flood problems compacted soils and large so it runs downhill, causing areas of concrete. flooding and erosion.
Limited plant life and water flow in canals. Water Low oxygen levels and little Poor water doesn’t get flushed food for animals. Levels of quality contaminants in water regularly and becomes begin to rise. stagnant.
Mangroves on the Tweed River
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17. List some the advantages and disadvantages of altering the natural landscape to create the canal systems, residential areas, and tourist facilities in this area of the Gold Coast.
Assessment Aspect Advantage Disadvantage ++ + 0 - --
Created different habitat Environmental Raises awareness for future education
Tourism brings in $$$ People pay money to live in and Economic build waterfront estates Development and investment
Waterfront living/visiting More activities available, Social especially on water, land, sky Parks, sporting grounds Tourism brings in money Development brings in money Political Good for economy High taxes on waterfront properties
Overall Assessment
18. Recommend some guidelines for the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) to enact that would ensure all the above aspects are taken into consideration for future land development and land use in the Gold Coast.
Turn to River Assessment Data Sheet and Sources of Pollution Sheet
15 Stop 8 - Seaway - Nerang River Mouth
For millions of years, the mouth of the Nerang River has meandered up and down the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast. In 1840, the Nerang River joined the Pacific Ocean in the area where Jupiters Casino is now located. In 1930, the river met the ocean further north where Seaworld now stands. The mouth of the river was moving northward at a rate of 60m per year due to long shore drift, and would burst through further south after large storms. In 1986, the completion of the Seaway ended the constant movement of the Nerang River and stabilised the river mouth entrance.
400m North Wall Sand Pumping Pipe 600m South Wall Sand Pumping Jetty
19. List the advantages and disadvantages constucting the Seaway and altering the Nerang River mouth.
Assessment Aspect Advantage Disadvantage ++ + 0 - -- Dredging – acid sulfate soil No flushing of the river system Environmental Development Habitat destroyed
Cost of maintenance (dredging) Economic Mangroves destroyed – negative impacts on fisheries
Loss of natural environment Community development proposals Social create conflict as there are many opinions about what to do/how to do it
Political Destruction of natural habitat
Overall Assessment
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Field Sketching
Follow these steps to draw a successful field sketch: 1. Select a suitable observation point 2. Discuss why you are drawing the sketch and what you are hoping to highlight 3. Determine the boundaries of your sketch area and what to draw in the foreground, middle ground, and background 4. Pencil in features and use shading to highlight changes of slope and vegetation 5. Name important features on sketch 6. Give your sketch a title, record the data, and the location in latitude and longitude 7. Your sketch can be redrawn, or tidied up, and colour can be added to distinguish between features 8. Your sketch can also be accompanied by photographs of the site
Background
Middle ground
Foreground
Background
Middle ground
Foreground
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Field Sketch 1 Title: Start of watershed of Nerang River catchment Date: Location: 28o15’41.11” S 153o14’03.99” E Notes:
18 Field Sketch 2 Title: Date: Location: ______S ______E Notes:
19 Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of the water. Water resources are of major environmental, social, and economic importance. Water quality is important not only to protect public health, but it also provides ecosystem habitats, is used for farming, fishing and mining, and contributes to recreation and tourism.
Water quality is closely linked to the surrounding environment health and land use. Communities along a waterway have an impact on water quality through their agricultural, residential, industrial, and recreational activities.
Main Factors affecting Water Quality
Nutrient Pollution Contaminants Sedimentation Excessive input of nutrients (usually A chemical or biological substance, Particles too large to dissolve in nitrate and/or phosphate) into a which are harmful to aquatic plants water cause turbidity and waterway resulting in excessive and animals. eventually settle causing silt to build algal growth (eutrophication). up, blocking the waterway. Example: Example: Example: Fuels and oils, herbicides and Erosion of soil from: Detergents/soaps, fertilisers, pesticides, domestic and industral Land clearing, runoff, heavy sewage, manure. waste, heavy metals, biological machinery, slumping, land slips, (bacteria, viruses, etc). land slides, and gully erosion.
Testing of Water Quality A variety of water quality parameters can be tested to find out information on the quality of a waterway. The below information is a basic guide only. For further details, research your own water quality guidelines.
Recommended Temperature Levels Temperature affects the amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in the water at any given time. The higher the temperature, the less the dissolved oxygen (DO) the water can hold, and the fewer the number of aquatic organisms that can survive. The rate at Seasonal which plants can photosynthesise is also affected by water temperature, the metabolic rate at which aquatic animals can function, and how much plants are affected by disease, Ideal temperature is poison, and parasites. dependent upon climatic conditions Changes in water temperature can be caused by warm urban runoff from streets/car parks/footpaths, clearing of riparian vegetation that shades watercourse, discharges from industrial cooling plants, and the discharge of cool water from reservoirs. Nitrates and Phosphates Nitrates and phosphates are nutrients that promote plant growth and are present Phosphates naturally in soils and waterways. However, fertilisers, soaps/ detergents, sewage, and manure contain large amounts of nitrates and phosphates and lead to excessive plant Good < 0.03 mg/L growth (eutrophication). These materials mainly enter waterways through runoff from Poor > 0.03 mg/L farms, golf courses, and suburban areas.
Eutrophication initially results in increased oxygen levels through photosynthesis. Nitrates However, as plants die, bacteria begins the decomposition process. These bacteria use large amounts of oxygen and can deplete the oxygen levels in a body of water which Good < 0.25 mg/L leads to fish suffocation and the death of many other aquatic animals. Some algae Poor > 0.25 mg/L release toxins into the waterway. Blue-green algae may ‘bloom’ resulting in a waterway becoming toxic.
20 Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the amount of oxygen carried in the water and is a very good indicator of the general health of a waterway. Oxygen levels are affected by photosynthesis, water temperature, turbulence (waterfalls and rapids), water depth, and surface area. Dissolved Oxygen
Plants photosynthesising during the daylight hours will release oxygen into the Poor < 90% water. Excessive decomposition of plant material results in low oxygen levels due Good 90 – 110% to bacteria using available oxygen for metabolism. Temperature affects how Poor > 110% much oxygen can be carried (dissolved) in water. The colder the water is, the higher the oxygen levels.
Turbidity Turbidity refers to the amount of suspended material in the water. This can be brought about by soils and organic matter being washed off the land, turbulent water flow, and industrial/urban wastes. As water becomes increasingly turbid, the penetration of sunlight is reduced. This in turn will reduce plant photosynthesis and growth which can lead to decreased food sources and oxygen Good < 25 NTU levels. Poor > 25 NTU
NTU – nephelometric turbidity unit (measure of turbidity)
Salinity and Conductivity As the level of dissolved substances (salts and other chemicals) increases, water is able to conduct more electricity. Salts are essential to life and occur naturally and originate in rocks and soils. Raised salinity levels can occur through sedimentation, the water table rising, and residential/industrial discharge. High Good < 200 mg/L salinity levels can reduce or eliminate plant and animal life that is adapted to live Poor > 200 mg/L in low salt (fresh) water environments. High salinity levels are normal in coastal areas. pH pH is the measure of the level of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A pH reading of 7 is neutral, and is generally related to good water quality.
A pH reading of 6.9-0 is acidic. Water becomes acidic due to large amounts of rotting organic material, exposure of acid sediments from excavation, or discharge Poor < 6.5 of acids from industry. Good 6.5 – 8.2 Poor > 8.2 A pH reading of and 7.1-14 is alkaline. Alkalinity of water is dependent on the type of rock in the area and is important for neutralising acids. Rapid changes in pH can result in large reductions in aquatic life and major fish kills.
21 Habitat Assessment
A habitat assessment is a description of the quality of the health of various types of habitat within, and adjacent to a waterway. It incorporates visual observations of various factors including: riparian vegetation, bank stability, and erosion. The condition of these habitats can influence the physical and chemical parameters within the water, which in turn can alter the structure of biological communities that form an integral part of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Riparian Vegetation Assessment - Stream Frontage and Banks Vegetation present with Native vegetation Native vegetation is Vegetation is cleared for intact canopy. present with canopy clearly disturbed or with grassland and vegetation Introduced species are intact. Minor many introduced species. is mainly introduced. absent or insignificant. disturbance with few Soil is exposed or Bank is steep and No evidence of outside introduced species. disturbed by livestock or exposed. interference. clearing. Representative of natural vegetation in excellent condition
Bank Stability and Erosion Assessment No erosion or Only localised erosion Moderate erosion Extensive active erosion sedimentation evident. occurring, little evident. A relatively good evident, especially during No undercutting of undercutting of banks, vegetation cover. Bank high flows. Unstable, banks, usually gentle good vegetation cover, structure and vegetation excessive areas of bare slopes, lower banks usually gentle bank is damaged in places. Less banks, little vegetation covered with root mats slopes, no significant than 80% bare soil. cover. More than 80% or vegetation. Less that change to bank bare soil. 10% bare soil. structure. Less than 40% bare soil.
Bare Soil %
0 – 10% 10 – 40% 40 – 80% 80 – 100%
None Excellent Excellent Good Fair
Bank Localised Excellent Good Good Fair Erosion Moderate Good Good Fair Poor
Extensive Fair Fair Poor Poor
22 River Assessment Data Sheet School: Riparian Bank Stability Weeds Date: River Description Vegetation & Erosion Control Measure Species Present ()
Bank Vine Wild Wild Pegs Flow Daisy Slope Width Depth Salinity Balloon Balloon Physical Lantana Tobacco Madiera Chemical Left Left Bank Left Cobbler's Cobbler's Biological Paspalum Dot Polka Singapore Singapore Right Bank Right Bank Right Site Name Grass Bana 1. Description: 2. Description: 3. Description: 4. Description: 5. Description: 6. Description: 7. Description: 8. Description: 9. Description: 10. Description:
23 Notes – Data, calculations, ideas
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Sources of Pollution Date: Nutrient Pollution Contaminants Sedimentation
Erosion Soaps Heavy Heavy Waste Runoff Erosion Sewage Manure Domestic Domestic Fertilisers Pesticides Chemicals stream/Bank stream/Bank Herbicides Site Machinery - Compaction Compaction Detergents / / Detergents Construction Gully Gully Land Clearing Land Heavy Metals Heavy Fuels and Oils and Fuels Landfill Runoff Landfill Rubbish / Litter / Rubbish In Land Slips/Slide Land Treated Sewage Treated Details Waste Industrial 1. Name: Site Description
() 2. Name: Site Description
3. Name: Site Description
4. Name: Site Description
5. Name: Site Description
6. Name: Site Description
7. Name: Site Description
8. Name: Site Description
9. Name: Site Description
10. Name: Site Description
25 Notes – Data, calculations, ideas
26 Date : Biological Testing Data Sheet Invertebrates Vertebrates Assessment
ug
Taxa Richness Taxa Pollution Index Pollution
Mayfly Nymph Mayfly Larvae Caddisfly Nymph Stonefly Adult Beatle Riffle Larvae Beatle Riffle Toebiter Mite Water Red Spider Jawed Long Flea Water Beetle Whirligig Larvae Beetle Whirligig Larvae Fly Black Measurer Water Nymph Damselfly Nymph Dragonfly Yabby Freshwater Shrimp Freshwater Strider Water Mussel Freshwater Scud Water Larvae Mosquito Scorpion Water Beetle Diving Scavenging Larvae Beetle Diving Scavenging Beetle Diving Predacious Larvae Beetle Diving Predacious B Water Creeping Boatman Leech Snail Backswimmer Bug Water Giant Tadpole Gudgeon Cox's Smelt Perchlet Glass Tail Gudgeon Fire Gambusia Sensitivity Number
V Sensitive Tolerent Very Tolerent S T T Score Score Rating Rating 10 10 9 8 8 8 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 7 7 5 5 5 1 1. Location: Description:
2. Location: Description:
3. Location: Description:
4. Location: Description:
5. Location: Description:
6. Location: Description:
Pollution Index Taxa Richness
Score Rating Score Rating How healthy is the site's environment. To calculate the 0-40 Poor 0 - 5 This site is a very poor environment for aquatic macrinvertebrates. Pollution Index, Poor
41-51 Fair add the Fair 6 - 10 This site provides and environment for only a few species of aquatic macroinvertebrate.
52-69 Good sensitivity Good 11 - 15 This site provides a moderately healthy environment for many aquatic macroinvertebrates. V. numbers for 70-106 each species 15 + This site provides a healthy environment for many aquatic macroinvertebrates to live. Good Excellent 107+ Excell. caught. To calculate the Taxa Richness, count how many different species were caught.
(not the total number of organisms) 27
Notes – Data, calculations, ideas
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Chemical & Physical Data Sheet Temperature Nitrates (NO4) Phosphates Dissolved Turbidity (NTU) Salinity (mg/L) pH (scale 1-14) Air ( oC ) Water ( oC ) (mg/L) (PO4) (mg/L) Oxygen (mg/L)
Overall Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement
Site 1: Notes:
Site 2: Notes:
Site 3: Notes:
Site 4: Notes:
Site 5: Notes:
Site 6: Notes:
Temperature Nitrates Phosphates Dissolved Salinity / Parameter Turbidity pH Air Water (NO4) (PO4) Oxygen Conductivity Good < 0.25 < 0.03 90% - 110% 0 -25 NTU < 200 mg/L 6.5 – 8.2 Rating Seasonal Seasonal < 90% & < 6.5 & Poor > 0.25 > 0.03 > 25 NTU > 200 mg/L > 110% > 8.2 *These values are a guide only. For further details, research your own water quality guidelines.
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Notes – Data, calculations, ideas
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