Thesis (MSc.) Zoology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / In South Africa, a high anthropogenic demand of water for domestic, recreational, agricultural, urbanisation and industrial purposes has placed enormous pressure on freshwater resources and has led to a decline in water quality. In addition to measuring water quality variables, the health assessment index (HAI) advocated by AvenantOldewage and Swanepoel (1993), and modified by Crafford and Avenant-Oldewage (2009) by incorporating the inverted parasite index (IPI), and adapted further by Madanire-Moyo et al. (2012) who excluded the white blood cells counts, has been used as a rapid and inexpensive means of assessing and monitoring fish health and, in turn, the state of aquatic ecosystems. However, few studies have evaluated the latter approach in conjunction with other biomonitoring indices to assess the water quality of impoundments. Thus, the aim of this study was twofold. The first was to evaluate the HAI adapted by Madanire-Moyo et al. (2012) as a means to establish the health status of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) sampled from various impoundments based on a once-off survey. The second was to establish if the adapted HAI, in conjunction with selected biomonitoring indices and environmental variables, could describe monthly and seasonal fluctuations of O. mossambicus health. Once-off surveys were conducted between April and May 2016 at five impoundments. The Luphephe-Nwanedi Dam located in the upper catchment of the Limpopo River System and Rhenosterkop Dam situated in the Elands River, a tributary of the Olifants River System, served as control sites due to little or no anthropogenic activities occurring in their catchment areas. In addition, surveys were conducted at Loskop and Flag Boshielo dams and Phalaborwa Barrage situated in the main stem of the Olifants River for comparison purposes. The latter three impoundments were selected because they vary in water quality and pollution levels. Monthly surveys were carried out at Flag Boshielo Dam from February 2016 to February 2017 to establish if the biomonitoring tools and the quantification of water and sediment quality variables, could describe and predict seasonal fluctuations in the health of O. mossambicus. To this end, water quality variables were measured during each survey. Water and sediment samples were collected for analysis of nutrients and metals. Oreochromis mossambicus were collected using gill nets. Fish health was assessed using the adapted HAI that was based on observing parasite burden, haematocrit determination and anomalies in body tissues and organs in conjunction with determining gonad and iv hepato-somatic indices, the condition factor, blood glucose levels, microscopy analyses of fish gills and metal concentrations in fish muscle tissues. Water quality in terms of pH, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity, nutrients and some aqueous and sediment metals exhibited significant differences (p ˂ 0.05) between impoundments surveyed with water quality from good to poor being in the order of: Luphephe-Nwanedi Dams ˂ Rhenosterkop Dam ˂ Loskop Dam ˂ Phalaborwa Barrage ˂ Flag Boshielo Dam. The HAI scores varied significantly (p ˂ 0.0001) between impoundments and substantiated water quality variables results during once off surveys, indicating that the health of fish from Flag Boshielo Dam were most affected when compared to the health of fish surveyed from the other impoundments. Findings from monthly surveys conducted at Flag Boshielo Dam indicated better conditions in terms of water quality variables during a period of high inflow as opposed to periods of low inflow. The HAI scores obtained for fish exhibited significant (p ˂ 0.0001) differences between the months surveyed and were found to be in agreement with the water quality findings, indicating that flow regimes and water quality of an impoundment have an impact on fish health. The condition and somatic indices findings did not seem to be sensitive enough to discriminate between the impoundments during the once off surveys. While during monthly surveys, these indices were significantly (p ˂ 0.0001) different between the months, showing to be affected by seasonal fluctuations. Knowledge of the HAI in conjunction with blood glucose levels, gill histopathology and the arithmetic mean thickness of gill epithelium (Har) best described the health of fish in both the once off and monthly surveys. In conclusion, the findings of this study emphasised the HAI premise that fish from more polluted sites would be more impacted as opposed to less impacted sites, making the HAI adapted by Madanire-Moyo et al. (2012) an effective and rapid biomonitoring tool that can be used in the field. Furthermore, this study proved that the HAI can be used either solely or in association with the parasite index (PI) or IPI depending on the objectives of the study, as no pronounced differences were evident when using HAI, HAI with PI and HAI with IPI. / National Research Foundation (NRF) and Water Research Commission (WRC)

Thesis (M.Sc. (Zoology)) --University of Limpopo, 2014 / Contamination of aquatic ecosystems by agricultural and mining activities, as well as by industrial discharges and urbanization in the catchment of the South African river systems has been the cause of increasing public concern. These activities may result in water pollution. One such river is the Olifants River System in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces which is highly impacted. The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of the water and sediment quality on the health of Clarias gariepinus and Labeo rosae and human risk when the fish is consumed at the Phalaborwa Barrage in the Lower Olifants River, Limpopo Province. This was achieved by assessing the water and sediment quality of the barrage at the three sampling sites; assessing the condition of the fish and the fish parasites by applying the fish HAI (Health Assessment Index) and PI (Parasite Index); determining the bioaccumulation of selected metals in the muscle tissue of the two fish species; and to determine the Human health risk factor upon consumption of fish contaminated with metals at the barrage. Ten fish from each fish species were collected seasonally at each site using gill nets of different mesh sizes. Standards methods were followed when testing selected water and sediment constituents. For water quality sampling, the water samples were collected over four seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) at three sites (inflow, wall and below wall) from April 2010 to January 2011. Sediment samples were also collected using a Friedlinger mudgrab (225cm3) at the three sites during winter and summer. Fish hosts were examined for mobile ectoparasites, weighed and measured. Blood samples were drawn and skin smears were made. Fish were killed, dissected and all external and internal organs were examined as prescribed in the fish health assessment index. The condition factor was determined for each fish population. All parasites were collected, fixed and preserved using standard methods. The highest water temperature (28.5 ºC) was in spring and lowest in winter (18 ºC). Overall pH was in an alkaline condition as it ranged from 7.4 to 8.7. Most water quality parameters were recorded at higher concentration in spring which includes; water temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, TDS, alkalinity, and turbidity. Major ions (cations and anions) recorded were all within the TWQR. Sulphates concentrations were all within the TWQR. Calcium concentration levels exceeded the typical concentration limit in spring but the levels were still within the TWQR for domestic use. Nutrients levels (nitrate, nitrite, sulphate) were very low which indicate oligotrophic conditions. Highest total nitrogen was recorded in spring which is an indicative of eutrophic conditions. Highest phosphorous concentrations were recorded in winter, spring and summer which are an indicative of eutrophic conditions. Noticeable elevated levels were recorded at the inflow in summer which is an indicative of hypertrophic conditions. The results of the metals concentrations analysed demonstrated that metals within the barrage are present in trace amounts in the water. Analysis of the metal concentrations in water, sediment and fish muscle tissue revealed that the sediment contained the highest concentrations of metals followed by fish tissue and then the water. Metals that were detected in the water column includes; aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, iron, manganese, selenium, strontium and tin. Metals that were detected at concentrations above the TWQR for aquatic ecosystem were; aluminium, antimony and selenium. Arsenic, cadmium and chromium were recorded at concentrations above the detection limit as suggested by CCME. Zinc concentrations were recorded at levels below suggested detection limit. Aluminium, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, manganese, selenium and strontium were all detected at elevated levels in water and above the TWQR. Among the metals recorded in the water column, significant seasonal variations in concentration were found for aluminium, barium, boron, lead selenium and strontium whereas only boron showed a significant variation between sites. In comparison to the metals concentrations accumulated in the muscle tissue of both fish species. It was noted that C.gariepinus accumulated more metals than L. rosae; however L. rosae accumulated more metals at elevated concentrations than C. gariepinus. The metals that were accumulated at elevated levels in C. gariepinus were barium, boron, zinc and selenium. In L. rosae, iron, aluminium, strontium, titanium, vanadium and arsenic accumulated at elevated levels. All these metals pose a high risk to fish and human’s health. The highest population HAI was recorded in summer for both fish species. The lowest HAI value was recorded in autumn for both fish species. Although a high HAI population value was recorded higher in summer for both fish species, in general both fish species from the barrage were in a normal condition. A high number of ectoparasites were recorded in L. rosae than in C. gariepinus while high numbers of endoparasites were recorded in C. gariepinus than L. rosae. The dominating ectoparasites for both species were from the class monogenea. Although the prevalence for Contracaecum sp. in C. gariepinus was 100% in all season, it did not influence the condition of the host. None of the parasites identified from both fish species neither reached alarmingly infection levels nor caused any visible damage to the host. In conclusion, the water quality at the Phalaborwa Barrage is slightly polluted based on the water quality parameter(phosphorous) presence and recorded of some metals at the inflow that were recorded at elevated levels above the TWQR. Further recommendations are refereed such as extension of this study to all tributaries and to include other fish species in addition to constant monitoring of the impoundment.

Non point source pollution (NPS) has long been the negated form of pollution within our natural systems. With an increase in the demand for quality crops and staple foods, there have been added pressures on water systems to cope with increasing NPS pollution (NPS-P). The effect and importance of scale on the assessment of NPS pollution has been identified as a pivotal component in the assessment of such pollutants, in particular the translation of processes from a field to a catchment scale. It has therefore become important to further investigate and research the processes involved in transporting and retaining pollutants at each measurement scale. A number of models have been developed for simulation catchments, however none of the suitably address the issue of NPS pollution and the translation of processes from the field through to the catchment scale. Each model researched fails to effectively address processes over varying scales, and tend to concentrate on a particular scale of observation. There is a distinct lack of a capable mechanism that assesses NPS pollution across varying scales within a catchment. The Water Research Commission (WRC) NPS-P project aims at eventually developing a successful model that addresses the issue of assessing NPS pollution across a number of different scales. This study aimed at assessing the loads of sediments and nutrients at different scales and included the establishment of a research catchment in the Mkabela Catchment outside Wartburg in KwaZulu-Natal, and the collection and interpretation of rainfall, runoff and nitrate data for a full year of sampling. The sampling provided valuable data for the calculation of pollutant masses and concentrations within the Mkabela Catchment. Non Point Sources are generally more dilute with suspended solids and nitrate in particular tending to have a high transport dependence upon summer events with a high intensity and low duration. A varying degree of scales were monitored during this study, ranging from plot to catchment scale in order to assess the varying influences on NPS Pollution (Nitrate and Suspended Solids). Monitoring was conducted through research mechanisms ranging from runoff plots at the plot scale to catchment scale flumes. It was found that scale has a varying influence on NPS pollution, with pollutant concentrations measured to be at a maximum at the field scale, with a value of 13.54mg/l of nitrate measured within the cane fields from event 3. Suspended solid values taken from within the water samples were most apparent at the plot scale, within the runoff plots, with a maximum of 2866.7mg/l measured during event 3 as well. It was evident from measurements and results obtained for each of the 10 sampled events that the main influencing factor of the nitrate concentrations and suspended solid values was the nature of the event. Summer rainfall events (high intensity and short duration) provided large overland flow volume that contributed largely towards the high concentrations of both nitrate and suspended solids, whereas the winter rainfall event (low intensity and long duration) contributed little to the concentrations of nitrate and suspended solids. In contrast to nitrate concentration, the largest nitrate loads by mass were measured during event 1 at the large catchment scale (Bridge 2), with a total cumulative load of 74.17kg nitrate estimated to have been yielded at the catchment outlet. The majority of nitrate are yielded from the agricultural lands where farming practices lead to the application of chemicals preplanting and post emergence. Suspended solids displayed a similar trend to that of nitrate, with an increasing cumulative yield measured throughout the catchment, resulting in a total 13414kg of sediment being measured at Bridge 2. It is interesting that Event 1 measured the largest cumulative loads for both nitrate and suspended solids; however it was recorded as an average intensity event (19.1mm/h) in comparison to the largest sampled intensity event of 165.9mm/h (Event 4) during the study. This may be attributed to the fact that the event coincided with the planting schedule of the sugarcane crops, and so the bare nature of the agricultural fields resulted in increased overland flow, and hence nitrate and suspended solid transportation. Data collected during all the events clearly show that the impoundment (a farm dam) acts as a water quality filter by retaining many of the nitrate pollutants when they enter the dam as channel flow. In summary, the controlling processes governing NPS-P movement varied through the differing scales, with crop size, artificial chemical application, nature of the event and timing during the year all contributing in varying manners at the differing scales. Future research within the WRC-NPS-P project should continue with sampling from the designated research points and add several more seasons of data to the already comprehensive first season of sampling. In addition, once a reasonable number of seasons have been sampled and analysed within the Mkabela Catchment, the initiation and development of an effective, representative scaled NPS-P model that addresses the movement and retardation of pollutants is necessary to be able to successfully model and predict the movement of NPS-P through catchment systems. In particular the effects of the controls afforded by such features as road crossings, wetlands and farm dams should be taken into account in the modelling of sediment and nutrient movement from field to catchment scale. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Three streams with watersheds of different land uses (urban, agricultural, and forested) were chosen for this study. A composite sample of diatoms was obtained from small rocks in a riffle of each stream and identified to genera. Water chemistry measurements included chloride, sulfate, nitrate, conductivity, pH, alkalinity and temperature.Conductivity, chloride, and sulfate were significantly higher in the urban watershed and lowest in the forested watershed. However, the forested watershed had the highest levels of nitrate, which may have come from groundwater or organic matter decomposition. Alkalinity, pH andtemperature did not vary among watersheds.Diatom diversity was significantly higher in the forested watershed. Several diatom genera, Amphora, Cymbella and Gyrosigma, were positively correlated with nitrate and negatively correlated with conductivity, chloride and sulfate, which indicate their potential use as indicators of water quality. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

The goal of this thesis was to examine the sources and ecological behaviour of genotoxic organics in the St. Lawrence river system. A rapid and effective version of the SOS Chromotest was developed to accomplish the task of genotoxicity assessment. The method, validated with standard reference materials, is particularly well suited to complex environmental extracts. The endpoint investigated throughout the thesis, SOS genotoxicity, is empirically related to more familiar endpoints such as mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Analyses of literature data confirmed correlations between SOS genotoxicity and both Ames/Salmonella mutagenicity and animal carcinogenicity. Analyses of industrial and municipal wastewaters revealed that organic and inorganic chemical production facilities, metal refining and founding facilities and petroleum refineries release high potency wastes. Loading values indicate that low potency sources (e.g. municipal wastewater and pulp & paper facilities) often have exceptionally high loadings. A substantial portion (2.3-99.8%) of industrial genotoxins are associated with suspended particulates. Sorption partition efficients (K$ sb{ rm d-genotox}$) indicate that municipal wastewater and pulp & paper facilities release particularly soluble genotoxins. Extracts of suspended particulate matter collected near industrial discharges are direct-acting. Bottom sediment extracts are less potent and usually require S9 metabolic activation. Genotoxicity of both bottom sediment and suspended particulates are empirically related to the genotoxicity of regional industrial emissions. Direct-acting substances in the water column appear to be less stable and may be converted to more stable pro-genotoxic substances present in the bottom sediments. A mass balance of genotoxicity for St. Lawrence surface waters revealed that domestic, rather than industrial sources make the largest contribution to observed genotoxicity. The importance of domestic wastes was confirmed

A qualidade da água é um fator importante para o bem-estar do ser humano, e equilíbrio dos ecossistemas naturais. Com o aumento populacional e a consequente industrialização, se intensificou a produção de esgoto doméstico e de efluentes industriais, os quais podem conter metais e acentuar a poluição ambiental. Alguns elementos-traço são considerados essenciais para o desenvolvimento e manutenção dos organismos, porém, se forem ingeridos em concentrações acima das recomendadas, podem ser tóxicos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o grau de contaminação de duas espécies de peixes (Poecilia reticulata e Hypostomus ancistroides) abundantes do Ribeirão Cafezal (Rolândia - PR) pelos elementos Zn, Cd, Cr e Pb. A coleta dos peixes foi realizada em três pontos ao longo do trecho superior da bacia do Ribeirão Cafezal, utilizando os métodos de pesca elétrica e manual, com esforço amostral de 40 min para cada método. Para a detecção dos elementos traço no material coletado, as amostras foram devidamente preparadas para emprego da técnica de Espectrometria de Emissão Óptica por Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado (ICP-OES). As concentrações apresentadas pelos indivíduos da espécie Poecilia reticulata (pontos 1 e 2) amostrados do ribeirão foram: Zn (107,63; 91,89 mg/kg) , Cd (0,12; 0,42 mg/kg), Cr (2,17; 4,96 mg/kg) e Pb (0,71; 0,44 mg/kg); enquanto que para a espécie Hypostomus ancistroides (pontos 2 e 3) foram: Zn (93,11; 76,97 mg/kg), Cd (2,22; 0,10 mg/kg), Cr (16,05; 2,23 mg/kg) e Pb (2,83; não determinado mg/kg). Todos os valores estão acima dos limites permitidos pela ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária). Não houve diferenças significativas nas concentrações dos metais entre os pontos de amostragem avaliados. Como se trata de um Ribeirão onde as pessoas utilizam a água para recreação e se alimentam dos peixes que colonizam o local, é preciso continuar a atividade de monitoramento, bem como realizar análises sistemáticas com diferentes espécies de peixes, água e sedimento. / Some trace elements are considered essential for the development and maintenance of living organisms. However, if those trace elements are ingested in higher concentrations than recommended can be toxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of contamination for two abundant species of fish from Ribeirão Cafezal (Poecilia reticulata and Hypostomus ancistroides) with Zn, Cd, Cr and Pb elements. The fish collection was performed at three points along the upper stretch of the basin of Ribeirão Cafezal using electric and manual fishing methods, with sampling effort of 40 minutes for each method. In order to detect the trace elements in the collected material, the samples were properly prepared to the Inductively Coupled Plasma by Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The concentrations presented by the species Poecilia reticulata in the two first points of the stream were: Zn (107.63; 91.89 mg / kg), Cd (0.12, 0.42 mg / kg), Cr (2.17; 4.96 mg / kg) and Pb (0.71, 0.44 mg / kg), sampled in 1 and 2 respectively. And individuals of Hypostomus ancistroides species sampled in points 2 and 3 had the following values: Zn (93.11; 76.97 mg / kg), Cd (2.22, 0.10 mg / kg), Cr (16.05; 2.23 mg / kg) and Pb (2.83; nd mg / kg). All values are higher than the limits allowed by ANVISA. There were no significant differences in the metals concentrations among the sampling points assessed. In consideration for Ribeirão Cafezal being a stream where people use water for recreation and feed on the existing fish, we need to continue monitoring it, as well as performing systematic analysis with different species of fish, sediment and water.

Ph.D. (Zoology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Sc. / The water quality monitoring project undertaken on the Blyde River in Pilgrim's Rest and surrounding area, provided information on various parameters. These included the macro variables (pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen saturation percentage and turbidity), micro variables (ionic and metal concentrations) and fauna (fish and invertebrates). Field and experimental data were integrated to form a realistic and representative picture of the general state of health of the Blyde River. The macro variables (pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen saturation percentage and turbidity) were all within the guideline limits as provided by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The ionic concentrations (calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride and nitrate) were acceptable and conformed to guideline values. The aquatic macro-invertebrate and habitat quality survey indicated that most of the sampling sites could be described as good. Sampling site 2 (next to reduction works) was classified as poor. This is the result of mining activity at this specific site situated at the rock dump at Peach Tree Creek. The extensive disturbance of the habitat is the result of 130 years of mining activities. The metal concentrations in the Blyde River exceeded the guideline limits, except for manganese. Aluminium toxicity is pH dependent, and increases with a decrease in the pH. The alkaline pH in the Blyde River acts as a buffer against the aluminium toxicity. The lead concentration in the Blyde River exceeded the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry guideline limit. Lead is hazardous to most forms of life. Zinc is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms at relatively low concentrations. Although nickel is a natural element of the earth and water, mining activities cause nickel emissions and an increase in the nickel concentrations in water systems. Copper is regarded as a highly toxic metal if present in high concentrations. Iron is not easily absorbed by aquatic organisms and because of its limited toxicity and bioavailability, described as a noncritical element. Chromium is biologically inert. Despite of a lack of information on the concentrations of metals in the Blyde River before the onset of mining activities at Pilgrim's Rest, it is clear that the extensive disturbance of the habitat at Peach Tree Creek and Vaalhoek, and to a lesser extent at Delvers' Creek exists. Present and past mining activities in the Pilgrim's Rest area resulted in the deterioration of the water quality in the Blyde River. Rehabilitation of the area around the rock dump at Peach Tree Creek will have to be done to prevent seepage from the rock dump and disturbed area to the river. Measures, such as the construction of paddocks and berm walls to collect seepage before it reaches the river, will have to be implemented. The water will then have to be treated before releasing it into the river. The acute, sub-lethal toxicity tests with nickel and lead were conducted based on the concentrations as derived from water samples taken from the Blyde River, during the monitoring phase of the project. The results of the blood physiological experimentation indicated that normal physiological functioning were disturbed when fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of lead and nickel. Results indicated that stimulation of the immune system, osmotic stress and hypoxic conditions arise after lead and nickel exposure. Hypoxia arises because of a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching bodily tissues. Osmotic stress is a result of affected gill and kidney functioning. The metabolic variables indicated that the metabolism of trout was affected, because of stress associated with metal exposure. The nervous system functioning was also, affected, as derived from the enzymatic variables. Taking these factors into consideration, the normal functioning and survival of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is hindered. The acute, lethal toxicity tests of nickel on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and chubby head barb (Barbus anoplus) were performed using nickel concentrations as determined in the Blyde River. The 100% mortalities recorded, when exposing the fish to these concentrations, indicated that the Blyde River provides a buffer action against the toxic effect of nickel on the aquatic organisms. Should this buffer action be disturbed, for instance a sudden drop in water pH, the toxicity of nickel will increase and have detrimental effects on the aquatic organisms. Further deterioration of the water quality in the Blyde River should be avoided at all cost. Large scale yellow fish (Barbus marequensis) were only found at sites below sampling site no 8, which is alarming and a further confirmation of habitat degradation. To prevent further degradation of the water quality in the Blyde River annual biomonitoring in conjunction with experimental studies are suggested to obtain information, which enables effective managerial decision making. Measurements should be taken to reduce the impacts of mining and agricultural activities, if future studies indicate further water quality degradation. Objectives regarding the health of the aquatic environment should be set and actions taken to prevent the impactors from doing further harm. The Pilgrim's Rest area can be developed for Eco-tourism, and therefore the aim should be to create awareness of the river and its surroundings and involve people in the conservation thereof.

A toxicological study was initiated because of concerns about allegations that the Texas Water Commission that effluent from the Dallas Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, which discharges into the Trinity River, was affecting downstream water quality. Monthly, flow-weighted composite effluent samples were collected. Grab samples were also collected upstream and downstream from the effluent from April 1989 to August 1991. Toxicity tests were conducted on these samples using Ceriodaphnia dubia as the test organism. Samples were collected four times during this study in which rainfall occurred prior to sampling. In every instance, this "first flush" of the watershed during a rising hydrograph was toxic to C. dubia upstream. Analyzing toxicity by season resulted in a statistically significantly lower neonate production in the effluent than in the river samples during the months of June, July, and August. This impact on neonate production was suspected of being caused by organic pesticides which are used for insect control on lawns. The effluent was never acutely toxic to C. dubia. Primarily, toxic occurrences in either the effluent or the river samples were primarily of a chronic nature. Overall, survival of C. dubia was affected more frequently at the upstream site than in the effluent or the downstream site. Because EPA's Phase I Acute Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs) methods were designed for identifying acute toxicity, two alternative strategies were attempted to identify chronic toxicity. The first attempt was the modification of the phase I acute TIE methodologies. This was done by processing more sample through the phase I characterization tests. This approach was inadequate due to toxicity that occurred during the last several days of the seven-day C. dubia reproduction test. The second strategy for identifying chronic toxicity within a TIE involved the use of freeze concentration. During this preliminary investigation ofthe efficiency of freeze concentration, four metals and two organic compounds were freeze concentrated.

This study conducts watershed analysis using biological and geo-spatial techniques. Incorporating landscape features with biological attributes has been shown to be an effective method of monitoring environmental quality within watersheds. In situ biomonitoring using the Asiatic Clam, Corbicula fluminea, habitat suitability, and water quality data were evaluated for their potential to describe ecological conditions in agricultural and urban areas within the Upper Trinity River watershed. These data were analyzed with GIS to identify effects of land use on ecological conditions. C. fluminea downstream of point source effluents was effective detecting in-stream toxicity. Ambient toxicity appears to have improved in the Trinity, although urban influences limit aspects of aquatic life. No association between habitat quality and land use was identified.