An assessment of water health in the western basin of Lake Erie and Detroit River through a survey of aquatic macroinvertebrate bioindicators
Abstract
Water quality near the mouth of the Detroit River/western basin of Lake Erie was
assessed through a survey of aquatic macroinvertebrate bioindicators. The survey was
conducted from mid-June to early July, 2005. The macroinvertebrates were collected and
preserved in alcohol. Using EPA guidelines for bioindicator characteristics, the results of
the survey indicated that the locations contained mainly pollution-tolerant to moderately
pollution-tolerant bioindicators with some pollution-sensitive ones present. Thereby
indicating that the water is moderately clean. One location had a relatively large number
of Gastropoda Physidae, evidence of a relatively large amount of nutrient enrichment at
that location.