scope:

This standard gives guidance on the equipment and procedures for the quantitative sampling of benthic macro-invertebrates by quadrat samplers in water of depths less than 500 mm, although methods are described to permit sampling, under certain conditions, in a water depth of up to 1 m. The procedures are applicable to the sampling of all accessible aquatic habitats in rivers, streams and estuaries where current velocities in excess of 0,1 m/s would be expected, but the samplers, with modifications, may be used in locations of low current velocity, such as ponds and lakes. Sampling may be difficult or impossible where the substrate includes large stones and boulers or dense stands of macrophytes (rooted plants). The results of using the samplers provide quantitative data on the presence, diversity and relative abundance of taxa.