Interpreting Invertebrate Data

Large numbers of caddisfly larvae may indicate poor water quality

A survey of invertebrate populations can reveal information about the health of a river. However, the data may have limited value if collected on only one day of one season in one year. Data is more useful if it can reveal trends spanning an entire season, an entire year, several years or along the length of an entire river.

Click below to learn more about pollution and how to interpret invertebrate data!

• Types of Pollution
  
  
• Invertebrate Pollution Tolerance
  
  
• Pollution Tolerance Index
  
  
• Seasonal Considerations
  
  
• River Characteristics
  
  
• Drawing Conclusions
  
  
• Review Questions and Quiz