This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Biological Indicators for Assessing Aquatic Ecosystem Health

Concept of the Biological Indicator approach for assessing aquatic ecosystem health. Responses of fish to environmental stressors fall along gradients of response time and ecological relevance.

Can bioindicators be used to successfully evaluate the effects of environmental stressors such as contaminants on aquatic ecosystem health?

Bioindicators have been applied in a variety of aquatic systems (streams, reservoirs, rivers, estuaries) in the eastern United States to assess the nature and extent of environmental degradation. Applications of bioindicators in some systems have proven to be not only reliable indicators of ecosystem health but also potential sentinels of human health.

Bioindicators have also been successfully used to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial actions and to determine if industry is complying with environmental regulations.

Adams, S. M. 1990. Status and use of biological indicators for evaluating the effects of stress on fish. Amer. Fish. Sym. 8:1-8.

Adams, S. M. and M. G. Ryon. 1994. A comparison of health assessment approaches for evaluating the effects of contaminant-related stress on fish populations. J. Aquat. Ecosystem Health 3:15-25.

Where To?

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.