Stream biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates around the globe: a comparison of large-scale programs.

Water quality agencies and scientists are increasingly adopting standardized sampling methodologies because of the challenges associated with interpreting data derived from dissimilar protocols. Here, we compare 13 protocols for monitoring streams from different regions and countries around the globe. Despite the spatially diverse range of countries assessed, many aspects of bioassessment structure and protocols were similar, thereby providing evidence of key characteristics that might be incorporated in a global sampling methodology.

Comparison of bioassessment results and costs between preserved and unpreserved macroinvertebrate samples from streams.

The choice to use or not use a preservative before sorting macroinvertebrate samples (i.e., dead specimens vs.