Limnologists collect and analyze samples of surface water, wastewater and groundwater throughout Iowa. They examine the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes of aquatic systems and their watersheds. The data from this work is used to assess long-term trends in water quality throughout the state.
The environmental specialists in the Limnology section are the foremost experts specializing in benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy and are among the very best fish taxonomy generalists in Iowa. They have developed a Top Five stream bioassessment program in the United States in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Their efforts have resulted in comprehensive records of the benthic macroinvertebrate and fish communities in Iowa, and the documentation of many species not previously recorded in the state.
HIGHLIGHTS