![Page 1: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
1
How to Use Stream Algae
for Bioassessment
Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept. 2012 Symposium
![Page 2: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2
Goals of Session
California is moving forward with incorporating
algae into monitoring programs… What’s involved?
• Walk through steps of stream bioassessment using
algae
• Introduce users to tools that are available, or under
development, to support algae-based
bioassessment
• Foster an open forum for discussion about the process
and tools
![Page 3: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
Session Outline
• Field sampling of stream algae
• Laboratory analyses
• Data processing, analysis, &
interpretation
• User-support resources
![Page 4: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Why add Algae to the
State’s Bioassessment Toolkit?
• Weight of evidence
• Provides complementary information to
bugs in terms of different
• stressors
• time frames
• ranges of response
![Page 5: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Applications of Algae Data
Taxonomic
composition
(“quality”)
Biomass (“quantity”)
– algal cover
– chlorophyll a
– ash-free dry mass
– algal biovolume
algal nuisance/eutrophication
ambient assessment
compliance monitoring
NNE framework
stream condition/water quality
ambient assessment
compliance monitoring
bio-objectives
![Page 6: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6 6
How do we sample
stream algae for
community composition
and biomass?
![Page 7: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
SWAMP
Algae
Field SOP
June 2009
(updated
May 2010)
SWAMP Algae Sampling Protocol
• Designed to fit well
into existing field
bioassessment
practices (bugs,
PHab)
• Modular
construction
sccwrp.org
Technical Report #602
![Page 8: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
diatoms
soft-bodied algae
(& cyanobacteria)
We Look at two Algal Assemblages
![Page 9: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
9 9
Reachwide Benthos Sampling • as with bugs… multiple habitat types, as opposed to
targeted substrata (cobbles)
• diatoms and soft algae are co-collected within a
single sampling effort
![Page 10: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10
Algae Sampling Co-occurs with Bug Sampling
![Page 11: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
11 11
Sampling Devices
![Page 12: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12 12
Sampling Devices
![Page 13: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13
4) chlorophyll a
5) ash-free dry mass
1) diatom 2) soft
taxonomic IDs,
3) biovolume
Collection of Algae Samples
…e.g., cobbles
![Page 14: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
Preparation of Biomass Samples
for Storage • Filter measured
amount on glass-
fiber filter
• Same procedure
for chlorophyll a &
ash-free dry mass
• Store frozen
![Page 15: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15
Planning Algae Field Sampling
• Get crews trained: State Board Training Academy
has been offering several each summer (J.
Harrington)
• Full SWAMP bioassessment protocol can be
carried out by crews of 3-5
• Construct sampling devices (syringe plus supplies
that can be purchased at Home Depot; instructions
in SOP)
• Train crews for safe handling of fixatives
![Page 16: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16 16
What happens
to the algae samples?:
Summary of
laboratory processing
![Page 17: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
17
Diatom Sample Processing
for Taxonomic ID
![Page 18: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18
![Page 19: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
19
![Page 20: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
20
![Page 21: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21
![Page 22: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
22
![Page 23: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
10 µm
20 µm
Soft-bodied Algae Come in a
Variety of Shapes/Sizes…
same scale!
![Page 24: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
24
Soft-algae Sample
Processing
for Taxonomic ID
• Separate analysis of
microalgae and
macroalgae
• Determine absolute
biovolumes of taxa
present in both
fractions
![Page 25: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
25
Quantitative Analysis
of Algal Biomass
chlorophyll a
ash-free dry mass
concentration results
are interpreted in light
of “composite volume”
and area of stream
bottom sampled
![Page 26: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
26
• Holding times apply (next slide)
• Set up contract laboratories (see handout for
some possibilities)
• Have contractors use California Master Taxa
Lists for diatoms and soft-algae (see
handout)
• May want to have soft-algae taxonomy lab
add the fixative (notify them in advance)
Planning Algae Lab Analyses
![Page 27: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
27
![Page 28: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
28 28
Cost-effective field method
for assessing algal
abundance in streams
![Page 29: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
29
stream flow
wetted w
idth
Point-intercept Estimation
of Algal Cover
• record presence/absence of algae at each of
105 objectively determined points
• piggybacks on existing PHab protocol for bugs
![Page 30: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
30
Examples of Percent Cover Results
50%
15%
![Page 31: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
chlo
rop
hyll
a (m
g/m
2)
macroalgal % cover
Utility of Macroalgal % Cover Data
tau = 0.9
![Page 32: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
32
Addressing the Need for
Algae Taxonomic Resources for California
![Page 33: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
33
• Taxonomic keys
• 100s of taxa
represented
• Focus on So Cal
flora
Taxonomy
Websites
![Page 34: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
34
Multiple navigation routes
![Page 35: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
35
Species pages contain
• photo(s)
• detailed description
• So Cal geog. distribution
• selected environmental
variables
![Page 36: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
36
Analogous
format for soft-
bodied algae http://dbmuseblade.colorado.edu/Di
atomTwo/sbsac_site/index.php
![Page 37: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
37
![Page 38: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI)
• Measures aspects of a biological community to yield an
indication of water quality and/or ecological condition
• Comprised of set of “metrics” combined to form index
• Bugs, algae, amphibians, plants, fish…
![Page 39: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
![Page 40: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
1. proportion sedimentation tolerant (incl. highly
motile)
2. proportion low-nitrogen indicators (incl. N fixers)
3. proportion halobiontic
4. proportion nitrogen heterotrophs
5. proportion requiring > 50% saturation DO
6. proportion of organic-associated spp
7. proportion of copper-associated spp
8. proportion of low-phosphorus-associated spp
Component Metrics:
Draft Algae IBI for So Cal
![Page 41: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
R2 = 0.51 , p < 0.0001
IBI sc
ore
Draft IBI – Validation Data (So Cal)
![Page 42: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
BMI
algae
SMC
Demonstration
Project:
Integrating
Bioassessment
Results from
Different
Assemblages
![Page 43: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
43
Calculating Algae Metrics/IBIs
• Raw data processed to generate raw metrics
• Raw metrics standardized by rescaling from 0-10
• Scaled metrics summed into IBI
• Statistical boundaries are available for
comparison of test site score with distribution of
IBI scores realized in reference sites
![Page 44: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Algae Data Reporting Module
under development
will calculate algal biomass levels
and species-based metrics and IBIs
![Page 45: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
desired dataset is selected for reporting of results
![Page 46: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
desired results exported to spreadsheet
![Page 47: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Summary of Resources
for Analysis of Algae Data • Online taxonomic ID resources
• Master taxa lists for diatoms and soft
algae
• Taxon-specific indicator values for
calculating metrics
• Metric & IBI calculation information
– currently in the form of spreadsheets
– will eventually be available via automated
reporting modules
![Page 48: Betty Fetscher, Biology Dept.ftp.sccwrp.org/.../PRESENTATIONS/...Algae_Fetscher.pdf · Planning Algae Lab Analyses . 27 . 28 Cost-effective field method for assessing algal abundance](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022050309/5f710057c723da50b16845d9/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
48
California’s
“Algae Plan”
March 2008
Background Information on Algae in Bioassessment
sccwrp.org
Technical
Report # 563
• Recommendations
for application of
various algae-
based indicators
• Includes literature
review/interview
responses re: algae
monitoring practices
all over world