Name: a flow-through exposure system for evaluating suspended sediments effects on aquatic life
Uploaded: 2017-01-09T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life at JoVE.com

This research was funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dredging Operations and Environmental Research Program, Todd Bridges, Director. Permission was granted by the Chief of Engineers to publish this material.

All FLEES experiments with vertebrates were performed under the appropriate Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory Institutional Animal Care and Use Protocols.
1. FLEES Modules, Water Bath, and Aquaria
<ol>
	<li>Obtain wood posts, studs and plywood for building the module. Construct the modules (in number and size) similar to a basic workbench to meet research objectives.
	<ol>
		<li>Cut the plywood (0.127 cm) for the top and shelf. Cut the posts (10.16 x 10...

<ol>
	<li>National Research Council (NRC). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+process+for+setting,+managing,+and+monitoring+environmental+windows+for+dredging+projects.">A process for setting, managing, and monitoring environmental windows for dredging projects.</a> Marine Board, Transportation Research Board, Special Report 262. , (2001).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Kim, J., Clarke, D. G., Linkov, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+risk-informed+decision+framework+for+setting+environmental+windows+for+dredging+projects.">A risk-informed decision framework for setting environmental windows for dredging projects.</a> Sci Total Environ. 403, 1-11 (2008).</li><li>Reine, K. J., Dickerson, D. D., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Environmental+windows+associated+with+dredging+operations.">Environmental windows associated with dredging operations.</a> DOER Technical Notes Collection. ERDC TN DOER-E2. , (1998).</li><li>Wilber, D. H., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biological+effects+of+suspended+sediments:+A+review+of+suspended+sediment+impacts+on+fish+and+shellfish+with+relation+to+dredging+activities+in+estuaries.">Biological effects of suspended sediments: A review of suspended sediment impacts on fish and shellfish with relation to dredging activities in estuaries.</a> N Am J Fish Manag. 21, 855-875 (2001).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Lutz, C. H., Clarke, J. U., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+suspended+sediment+on+walleye+(Sander+vitreus)+eggs.">The effects of suspended sediment on walleye (Sander vitreus) eggs.</a> J. Soils Sediments. 12, 995-1003 (2012).</li><li>Travis, J., Kring, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> LabVIEW for Everyone: Graphical Programming Made Easy and Fun (National Instruments Virtual Instrumentation Series). , (2006).</li><li>Hazardous Waste Test Methods/SW-846 On-line. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-compendium">https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-compendium</a> (2016)</li><li>Plumb, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Procedure for handling and chemical analysis of sediment and water samples, EPA/CE-81-1. , (1981).</li><li>Clarke, D. G., Wilber, D. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Assessment of potential impacts of dredging operations due to sediment resuspension. , (2000).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Clarke, J. U., Lutz, C. H., Clarke, D. G., Godard-Codding, C., Maul, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Suspended+sediment+effects+on+walleye+(Sander+vitreus).">Suspended sediment effects on walleye (Sander vitreus).</a> J. Great Lakes Res. 40, 141-148 (2014).</li><li>Wilkens, J. L., Katzenmeyer, A. W., Hahn, N. M., Hoover, J. J., Suedel, B. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laboratory+test+of+suspended+sediment+effects+on+short-term+survival+and+swimming+performance+of+juvenile+Atlantic+Sturgeon+(Acipenser+oxyrinchus+oxyrinchus).">Laboratory test of suspended sediment effects on short-term survival and swimming performance of juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus).</a> J. Appl. Ichthy. 31, 984-990 (2015).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Clarke, J. U., Wilkens, J., Lutz, C. H., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+a+simulated+sediment+plume+on+eastern+oyster+(Crassostrea+virginica)+survival,+growth,+and+condition.">The effects of a simulated sediment plume on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) survival, growth, and condition.</a> Estuaries and Coasts. 38 (2), 578-589 (2015).</li><li>Bilotta, G. S., Brazier, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Understanding+the+influence+of+suspended+solids+on+water+chemistry+and+aquatic+biota.">Understanding the influence of suspended solids on water chemistry and aquatic biota.</a> Water Res. 42, 2849-2861 (2008).</li><li>Reine, K., Clarke, D., Dickerson, C., Pickard, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+potential+impacts+of+bucket+dredging+plumes+on+walleye+spawning+habitat+in+Maumee+Bay,+Ohio.">Assessment of potential impacts of bucket dredging plumes on walleye spawning habitat in Maumee Bay, Ohio.</a> Proceedings of the 18th World Dredging Congress (WODCON XVIII). , (2007).</li></ol>

The FLEES technology improves on existing methods4,9 by maintaining and controlling suspended sediments over a wide range of exposure times and suspended sediment concentrations using an automated, computer controlled system. The technology is flexible such that it can be used to evaluate the effects of suspended sediments to multiple aquatic species and life stages of varying sizes from eggs to adults depending on the species. In the future, the technology is capable of assessing suspended sediment effects to...

Dredging operations use mechanical methods to remove bottom sediments from harbors and navigation channels. During removal, some portion of the disturbed sediment is suspended into the water column, potentially making this a source of physical stress to aquatic species. In addition to being suspended, the sediment may be transported away from the dredge by ambient conditions before settling out of the water column. The combination of these two mechanisms means that an aquatic organism occurring near an operating dredge may be exposed to suspended sediments and suffer adverse effects. To address such concerns, environmental windows (seasonal dredging restrictions) are routinely used as a management practice to reduce or eliminate risk of potentially harmful impacts of suspended sediments from dredging activities on aquatic resources1,2.
Environmental windows are most commonly established to protect endangered, threatened or commercially valuable species such as the walleye (Sander vitreus) and eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)3. The supporting justification for imposing environmental windows often focuses on how dredge activities may potentially physically disturb (e.g., suspended sediment) an animal&#39;s ability to complete a specific part of its life history. The life stages commonly cited are eggs and larvae for keeping migration routes open for anadromous species3. However, there is limited information concerning species-specific biological effects relevant to suspended sediment4,5 available to inform using environmental windows as a risk management tool.
For these reasons, the FLEES was designed, built, and used to simulate the suspension of sediment, and to determine its effects on early life stages of aquatic organisms. FLEES studies use fine-grained sediment particles (i.e., predominantly silts, clays, and fine sands) which are most likely to remain in suspension and migrate furthest from the source. The FLEES is capable of testing fish eggs and larvae, but it can also be retrofitted to accommodate other aquatic organisms, making it a unique capability. The resulting biological response data can then be used to assess the effects of suspended sediments. The following procedures provide an overview of how the technology can be constructed and operated to yield repeatable suspended sediment concentrations and effects data using various aquatic species.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts List for one FLEES Module, Water Bath, and Aquarium</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>post, wood - used to build module (cut to 78 in)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 4 
			Size: 4 in x 4 in x 8 ft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plywood, marine grade - fastened to wooden posts about 18 in off ground - for holding water bath (60 in x 42 in)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 3/4 in x 4 ft x 8 ft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plywood - fastened on top of wooden posts - for holding pipes, solenoids and electrical (60 in x 42 in)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/4 in x 4 ft x 8 ft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stud, wood - used to brace plywood and wooden posts (cut to fit)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 4 
			Size: 2 in x 4 in x 96 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tank, fiberglass - water bath with two drains: 1) to supply chiller; and 2) to drain water</td>
			<td>Hydro Composites, LLC, Stockdale, TX, USA</td>
			<td>FBT-226</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 150-gal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>chiller, water with self contained pump - for water bath; chiller sits under module</td>
			<td>Remcor Products Co., Glendale Heights, IL, USA</td>
			<td>CFF-500</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/2 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tank, domed bottom - FLEES aquaria - sit inside water bath</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>5197</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 19 L</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tank, stand - acrylic stand, 12 in x 12 in x 6 in - to hold aquaria</td>
			<td>custom built by ERDC shops</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: custom</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>urethane, liquid- to seal carboy plug and prevent leaking</td>
			<td>Forsch Polymer Corporation, Englewood, CO</td>
			<td>60A Liquid Urethane</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: epoxy kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pump, magnetic drive - to suspend sediment in each aquarium</td>
			<td>March Manufacturing Inc., Glenview, IL, USA</td>
			<td>MDX-3-1/2 115 v</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 28 liter per min</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>light, LED - installed over water bath</td>
			<td>C2 Development, Inc., Ames, IA, USA</td>
			<td>Hydra 26</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: based on area to light</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, PVC schedule 40 - installed in drain of water bath to control water level</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: - 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, bulkhead - for aquaria/water bath connections to pumps, drains, water and slurry lines</td>
			<td>Lifegard Aquatics, Cerritos, CA, USA</td>
			<td>R270900</td>
			<td>Quantity: 20 
			Size: 1/2 in FPT x FPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, quick-disconnect, male pipe threaded inserts - insert in tank bulkhead</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer, Vernon Hills, IL, USA</td>
			<td>EW-31303-36</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 
			Size: 1/2 in MPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, quick-disconnect, valved hose barbs - connection between aquarium and insert in tank bulkhead</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer, Vernon Hills, IL, USA</td>
			<td>EW-31303-11</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE threaded elbow - for aquaria vinyl tube connections to slurry/water line and pump</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>62043</td>
			<td>Quantity: 20 
			Size: 1/2 NPT x 1/2 in Hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE threaded adapter - for connections between pump and tank bulkhead</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>62017</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 
			Size: 1/2 NPT x 1/2 in Hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tube, vinyl - connect slurry/water line to aquaria and to connect pumps to aquaria</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 25 ft 
			Size: 1/2 in ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tube, vinyl - connect to aquaria drains inserts and water bath drain</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 25 ft 
			Size: 5/8 in ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>clamp, hose, stainless steel - to clamp vinyl tube to hose barbs</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 40 
			Size: #8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts list for Slurry System</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td> 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>chiller, water with self contained pump - sits off to side of slurry tank</td>
			<td>Remcor Products Co., Glendale Heights, IL, USA</td>
			<td>CFF-500</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/2 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>125 gallon open top cone bottom tank w/Stand - 42 in x 35 in - contains the water and sediment to make slurry</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8586</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 125 gal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cover for 125 gallon tank</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8935</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 42 in x 35 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>valve, PVC - connect tank drain to pump - isolate for maintenance</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: 1-1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pump, double diaphragm mounted on stand - used to recirculate slurry</td>
			<td>Wilden-pumps.co.uk &#38; Air Pumping Ltd., Essex, UK</td>
			<td>P2/PPPP/WF/WF/PTV/400</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			 
			contact distributor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sensor, optical backscatter - measure NTU in slurry tank</td>
			<td>Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT, USA</td>
			<td>OBS-3+</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 0-1000 NTU</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, PVC Schedule 40 - to recirculate slurry</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 20 ft 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, flexible PVC - fitted with union and used to connect to next module</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 ft 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>union, PVC Schedle 80 Socket - connect slurry line with next module</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 8 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>solenoid, plastomatic (normally closed) - introduce slurry</td>
			<td>Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc., Cedar Grove, NJ, USA</td>
			<td>EASYMT4V12R24-PV</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in NPT threaded, 24 VAC 
			contact distributor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fitting, PVC tee - connect slurry pipe with solenoid</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1 in x 1 in x 1 in slip x slip x FIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, 1 in PVC ball valve threaded - shut off for slurry delivery to solenoid/water lines</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 7 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, 1 in PVC union threaded - connect slurry solenoid to shut off valve</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tube, vinyl - connection between water solenoid and slurry solenoid</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 50 ft 
			Size: 1/4&#34; ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts list for Water System</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td> 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>chiller, water with self contained pump - sits off to side of reservoir</td>
			<td>Remcor Products Co., Glendale Heights, IL, USA</td>
			<td>CFF-500</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/2 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>125 gallon open top cone bottom tank w/Stand - 42 in x 35 in - contains the water and sediment to make slurry</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8586</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 125 gal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cover for 125 gallon tank</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8935</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 42 in x 35 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>valve, PVC - connect tank drain to water pump</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pump, magnetic drive, in-line use - used to recirculate water to aquaria and chiller</td>
			<td>Little Giant, Fort Wayne, IN, USA</td>
			<td>3-MD-SC</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/12 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>solenoid, alco - introduce water</td>
			<td>discontinued; ASCO, Florham Park, NJ,USA for similar</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 24 v, 1/4 in NIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE reducer connector - connect 1/4 in hose water line from solenoid&#160; to 1/2 in hose</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in hose ID x 1/4 in hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE tee - connect 1/2 in hose water line and slurry to aquaria</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in NPT x 1/2 in hose ID x 1/2 in hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, street elbow</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in 90&#176; MIPT x FIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, PVC threaded pipe nipples - connect union fittings with solenoids and other connections</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 12 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, union threaded - connect slurry/water lines with next module</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 6 
			Size: 1 in PVC&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, reducer bushing - connect to reducer tee in water line</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in male by 1/4 in female FIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, threaded pipe nipples - connection between bushing and water solenoid</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size:&#160; 4 in long&#160; x 1/4 in&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, PVC&#160; - make connections between tank, pump and chiller</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 ft 
			Size: Schedule 40</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts list for Sensors, Data Acquisition Device, and Computer Software</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td> 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>software, LabView</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>LabView 2015 Base</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI-1001 12-Slot Chassis, U.S. 120 VAC</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776571-01</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1100 - 32-Channel, &#177;10 V Analog Input Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776572-00</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1303 - Terminal block designed for high-accuracy thermocouple measurements</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>777687-03</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1102B - 32-Channel Thermocouple/Voltage Input Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776572-02B</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1161 - General-Purpose Relay Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776572-61</td>
			<td>Quantity: 6 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1300 - General-Purpose Voltage Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>777687-00</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PCMCIA Card DAQCARD-AI-16E-4</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>N/A - legacy</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A 
			used cards available online</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sensor, optical backscatter - measure NTU in each aquarium</td>
			<td>Campbell Scientific Inc., Logan, UT, USA</td>
			<td>OBS-3+</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 0-1000 NTU</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a flow-through exposure system for evaluating suspended sediments effects on aquatic life

This paper describes the Fish Larvae and Egg Exposure System (FLEES). The flow-through exposure system is used to investigate the effects of suspended sediment on various aquatic species and life stages in the laboratory by using pumps and automating delivery of sediment and water to simulate suspension of sediment. FLEES data are used to develop exposure-response curves between the effects on aquatic organisms and suspended sediment concentrations at the desired exposure duration. The effects data are used to evaluate management practices used to reduce the interactions between aquatic organisms and anthropogenic causes of suspended sediments. The FLEES is capable of generating total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations as low as 30 to as high as 800 mg/L, making this system an ideal choice for evaluating the effects of TSS resulting from many activities including simulating low ambient levels of TSS to evaluating sources of suspended sediments from dredging operations, vessel traffic, freshets, and storms.

A series of operational runs is performed before beginning an experiment to ensure that the FLEES is delivering the appropriate concentrations of sediments to each aquarium (Sections 5.5 and 6.2). Figure 6 illustrates how NTU concentrations are maintained in experimental aquaria to achieve target suspended sediment concentrations. In this example, FLEES evaluated whether suspended sediment could be maintained over a three-day period with the proposed test sediment, a dura...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life at JoVE.com

A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life

A robust and flexible flow-through exposure system designed to maintain sediment in suspension is presented. The system is used to investigate the effects of suspended sediment on various aquatic species and life stages in the laboratory.

This paper describes the Fish Larvae and Egg Exposure System (FLEES). The flow-through exposure system is used to investigate the effects of suspended ...

Research

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Environment

A CO2 Concentration Gradient Facility for Testing CO2 Enrichment and Soil Effects on Grassland Ecosystem Function

A CO2 Concentration Gradient Facility for Testing CO2 Enrichment and Soil Effects on Grassland Ecosystem Function

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Alternative Method of Removing Otoliths from Sturgeon

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Methodology for Developing Life Tables for Sessile Insects in the Field Using the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Cotton As a Model System

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Bioindication Testing of Stream Environment Suitability for Young Freshwater Pearl Mussels Using In Situ Exposure Methods

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Knowledge of habitat suitability for freshwater mussels is an important step in the conservation of this endangered species group. We describe a protocol ...

Evaluating Dryocosmus Kuriphilus-induced Damage on Castanea Sativa

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Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu has become a major pest for Castaneasativa since its arrival in Europe. Its galling activity results in the formation of ...

Characterization of Aquatic Biofilms with Flow Cytometry

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Experimental Protocol for Examining Behavioral Response Profiles in Larval Fish: Application to the Neuro-stimulant Caffeine

Fish models and behaviors are increasingly used in the biomedical sciences; however, fish have long been the subject of ecological, physiological and ...

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

The ubiquitous presence of plastic debris in the ocean is widely recognized by the public, scientific communities, and government agencies. However, only ...