![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Rapid Bioassessment Protocols - Quick Contents
The purpose of the page is to facilitate access to the Revision to Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Use in Streams and Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic, Macroinvertebrates, and Fish (EPA 841-B-99-002).
The Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW) of the US Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) has revised the RBPs (Plafkin et al. 1989) based on refinements in the methods that have occurred from testing and implementation of the approach over the past several years. Methods for periphyton, and guidance for a performance-based methods system (PBMS) are additions to the RBPs. This revision of the RBPs features an orientation in an SOP format and methods that are more flexible to sampling aquatic habitat in proportion to its natural representation in the system. Also included are improved techniques for biological metric calibration, habitat assessment and benthic subsampling.
Follow the links below to specific chapters of the RBPs.
1. The Concept of Rapid Bioassessment
2. Application of Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs)
4. Performance-Based Methods System (PBMS)
5. Habitat Assessment and Physicochemical Characterization
7. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Protocols
10. Data Integration and Reporting
Appendix
A:
Sample Data Forms for the Protocols
Appendix
B:
Tolerance and Functional Feeding Group Assignments for Benthos
Appendix
C:
Tolerance and Trophic Guilds of Selected Fish Species
Appendix
D:
Questionnaire Survey for Listing Biosurvey Data and Bioassessment Information
Please send any comments regarding this document to Chris Faulkner, USEPA.