biological analysis

Sampling and analysis of aquatic fauna and flora is integral to the biological monitoring and classification of waterbodies required by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). In addition to the use of such analysis for the determination of ecological status, there is also a growing demand for high quality, audited data to inform environmental impact assessments on aquatic systems.

Specialists within our ecology team combine excellent taxonomic skills with the rigorous approach to quality control necessary to produce robust data on which sound ecological assessments can be based.

Macroinvertebrate analysis

ECUS specialists can identify and enumerate macroinvertebrate samples from rivers, lakes canals and ponds to family or species level as required. In-house QA procedures are teamed with external AQC to ensure high levels of accuracy.

With our links to the University of Sheffield, ECUS has the capacity and facilities to service any size of project from small surveys to processing hundreds of samples.

Recent projects include:

• macroinvertebrate sample analysis for the EA and SEPA to inform WFD monitoring
• Collection and identification of macroinvertebrate samples from Grantham canal to provide baseline data for ecological assessment of the proposed canal restoration.

Benthic diatom analysis

ECUS staff have experience of benthic diatom analysis using the latest protocols. High quality analysis is ensured through participation in the nationwide Diatom Ring Test Scheme.

Experience includes:

• DARES analysis of diatom samples from across Scotland for SEPA for WFD monitoring
• TDI analysis of samples from a range of rivers throughout England for the EA and water companies to inform assessments of impacts of discharges from water treatment works and storage reservoirs
• Collection and analysis of estuarine diatom samples to provide baseline data for an EIA of a major construction project.

Phytoplankton analysis

Expert identification and analysis of lake, reservoir, river and coastal phytoplankton samples are undertaken according to the latest EU protocols. ECUS staff have extensive experience of monitoring of phytoplankton populations from a wide range of waterbodies.

In addition to routine phytoplankton analysis, the ECUS ecology team can provide assessment, monitoring and tailored solutions to problems posed by blue-green algal blooms.

Experience includes:

• Monitoring of amenity waterbodies such as watersports centres for toxic blue-green algae
• Monitoring of phytoplankton populations as part of whole aquatic ecosystem management in order to provide early warning of shifts in ecological condition
• Collection of baseline data on phytoplankton populations to inform Environmental Assessments.

Field survey and sample collection

ECUS ecologists operate UK wide and are experienced in using standard protocols to collect samples of macroinvertebrates, diatoms and phytoplankton from a wide range of freshwater habitats.

• Macrophyte Ecology
• Biological Analysis
• Water Resources
• Water Quality & Eco-System management
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