Abstract
We present an inexpensive, versatile, and robust mounting system for Hester-Dendy (HD) multiplate samplers that are useful in aquatic biological studies and freshwater biomonitoring programs. Detailed instructions are provided outlining the construction and deployment of a concrete block system featuring threaded anchors for screwing in HD columns in a vertical position. Additionally, eye bolts provide a central attachment point for cabling the block securely to the stream or river bank, and for attachment of a buoy or physiochemical data logger if desired. All the components of the block system are inexpensive, readily available, and assembled with no special skills required. The system offers superior ease-of-use and a more standardized sampling device compared to other methods.
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Acknowledgements
The Hester-Dendy block mounting system described here has been used for decades by aquatic entomologists at Florida A&M University, and in particular Manuel Pescador, Ralph (Wills) Flowers, and the late Michael Hubbard. We thank the editor, Dale Bruns, and two anonymous reviewers for their guidance to improve the manuscript.
Funding
This work was supported by funding from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Evans-Allen Project 1021621 and 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grant Project 1021805.
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Andrew Rasmussen conceived this project and, with input from Alexander Orfinger, created a poster presentation that formed the basis of this manuscript. Andrew Rasmussen and Alexander Orfinger both participated in the purchase of materials and the construction and deployment of the sampling device. Both authors took the photos and Alexander Orfinger was responsible for preparing the initial manuscript, including the layout of the figure and table. Both authors revised and approved the final manuscript.
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Rasmussen, A.K., Orfinger, A.B. A versatile and economical method for collecting macroinvertebrates using Hester-Dendy multiplate samplers. Environ Monit Assess 195, 1453 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-12058-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-12058-z