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.