Macroinvertebrates are routinely used to monitor the healthof rivers, streams, wetlands and lakes. In Australia, national standardized rapid bioassessment techniques, based on the collection and subsequent family level identification of macroinvertebrates, are used to give an overall picture of the condition of aquatic systems. CESAR Consultants are EPA accredited to undertake rapid bioassessment techniques, but also in the family level identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and in conducting Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) assessments.

We specialize in the use of macroinvertebrate species to directly monitor and assess impacts from pollution, either in aquatic environments or in effluent generated from activities within catchments. Through a novel technique, we can develop indicator species to monitor specific pollutant types and test sediments (which accumulate pollutants) for ecological impairment. Our assessment methods are more sensitive than rapid bioassessment techniques and enable impacts from pollution to be more closely linked to human activities.