THE LEADING NETWORK OF LABORATORIES SPECIALISING IN BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES

Identification and counting of benthic macroinvertebrates

Benthic macroinvertebrates are relatively large invertebrate organisms (generally larger than 0.5 mm) that live on the bottom of aquatic ecosystems, both in inland waters (rivers, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs) and in marine and coastal waters.

This group includes a wide variety of taxa, notably aquatic insects (mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, flies, beetles and dragonflies), molluscs (gastropods and bivalves), annelids (oligochaetes, hirudinea and polychaetes), crustaceans (amphipods, isopods and decapods), as well as other benthic invertebrates such as flatworms, nematodes and sponges.

Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, benthic macroinvertebrates are widely used as bioindicators of water quality and the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems.


Types of benthic macroinvertebrates we analysed


Benthic macroinvertebrates in continental aquatic ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs


Marine, coastal and transitional water benthic macroinvertebrates: submerged areas, intertidal zones, coastal lagoons and salt marshes

Why are benthic macroinvertebrates analysed?

Impact detection and indicator species

It enables the identification of species that are sensitive to or tolerant of pollution, as well as the detection of environmental impacts caused by discharges, dredging or habitat alterations.

Assessment of ecological status

It analyses the composition and abundance of benthic communities to determine the quality of the ecosystem, taking into account both current conditions and the cumulative effects over time.

Environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance

It serves as a basis for the development of environmental monitoring programmes and for ensuring compliance with current legislation on environmental impact assessments, discharge controls and water body management.

Support for management and decision-making

It provides key information for the planning, restoration and sustainable management of the aquatic environment, facilitating the adoption of corrective and preventative measures.


Sampling and biological analysis services we offer

Benthic macroinvertebrates in continental aquatic ecosystems

Sampling.

In situ taxonomic analysis.

Identification and counting of taxa in the laboratory.

IBMWP and IASPT indices.

METI and MBf indices.

IMMi-T Index.

Sampling and identification of alien and invasive species.

Marine, coastal and transitional-water benthic macroinvertebrates

Sampling for analysis.

Taxonomic analysis. Composition and relative abundance.

BOPA Index.

M-AMBI Index.

MEDOCC Index.

AMBI Index.

BQI Index.

ABC Curves.

Detection of alien and invasive species.

Why choose us for the identification and counting of macroinvertebrates?

  • We have a network of laboratories specialising in the analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates, spread throughout the country, making us a leading provider of environmental analysis services.

  • Direct contact with our customers is our ‘hallmark’. We work hard every day to offer them the highest quality of service, which is why one of our main objectives is to ensure strict adherence to delivery deadlines. Furthermore, we provide a personalised response to urgent matters, unforeseen circumstances or specific requirements, so that our customers always receive the most efficient response possible.

  • Our accreditations attest to our commitment to providing a top-quality service in the analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates. We operate to stringent quality standards to ensure that our environmental laboratories can provide their services with the utmost rigour and reliability.

  • We hold a large number of accreditations from both ENAC and other bodies, which enable us to guarantee our clients the highest levels of reliability and quality in our results.

Would you like to find out more about the identification and counting of benthic macroinvertebrates carried out by Eurofins Environment Testing Spain?

Contact us