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 ...

The overall goal of this experimental technology is delivering a robust and flexible flow-through exposure system for maintaining sediment and suspension, to investigate the effects of suspended sediment on various aquatic species and life stages in the laboratory. This technology can help us answer key questions in the field of environmental toxicology to improve our understanding about the effects of physical stressors such as suspended sediments in aquatic environments. The main advantage of this technology is the ability to simulate sediment suspension for incoming management practices to reduce the interactions between aquatic organisms and suspended sediments.Though this method can provide insight into the effects of dredging, it can also be used to evaluate the effects of suspended sediments resulting from vessel traffic, freshets, and storms. Visual demonstration of this technology is critical, as steps in its construction combined with its calibration are critical to successful application. Begin building and assembly of the module and water bath as described in the text protocol.To construct an overflow drain, use a hole saw to cut a 2.54 centimeter diameter hole five centimeters from the top of a 19 liter domed bottom polyethylene tank. Install a bulkhead fitting and an insert on the exterior of the bulkhead to serve as the overflow drain. To construct the slurry water inlet, use a hole saw to cut another 2.54 centimeter diameter hole five centimeters from the top of the aquarium.Install another bulkhead fitting and a threaded elbow hose barb. For constructing the pump outlet, cut the same type of hole through the middle of the tank bottom and install a bulkhead fitting. Thread the exterior side of the bulkhead with an elbow hose fitting.To construct the pump inlet, cut another hole located off-center of the tank bottom and install a bulkhead fitting. Thread the exterior side of the bulkhead with an elbow hose fitting. On the exterior side of the water bath tank, measure nine centimeters from the bottom and draw a line along the length of the tank.Following the line, cut a pair of 2.54 centimeter diameter holes along the length of the water bath for each aquarium and install bulkhead fittings. Mount magnetic drive pumps to a stand that will fit under the water bath along the side containing the holes and bulkhead fittings for connecting to the aquaria. Install an inline cord switch for each pump, or wire the pumps to a switch box for power.Thread the exterior side of the water bath tank bulkheads with hose barbs. Attach vinyl tubing to the pump inlet and outlet before connection it to the bulkheads going to the appropriate aquarium. Inside the water bath, install a quick disconnect insert into the bulkhead.After connecting each aquarium to a pump, attach vinyl tubing to the hose barbs installed on the bottom of the aquaria and attach the tubing to the quick disconnect valve hose barb. Next, connect the quick disconnects between the pump and the aquarium. Install a ball valve in this connection to isolate the pump for maintenance purposes.Next, connect each aquarium's overflow drain to common drain via vinyl tubing. Then connect the common drain to the water bath drain. Connect each aquarium slurry water inlet to the slurry and water system installed on top of the module.Connect the slurry tank drain to the inlet of an air-operated double-diaphragm pump that has been mounted onto a stand next to a slurry tank. Incorporate a PVCT to direct the slurry to the pump or to the laboratory drain. Also incorporate valves connecting the tank and the pump to isolate them for maintenance.To power the pump, connect it to the laboratory building's air compressor. Mount a PVC pipe on top of the modules and create a recirculation line to provide the slurry to each aquarium upon demand. At the point of use located farthest from the slurry reservoir, install a return line to transport the unused slurry back to the reservoir.Use flexible PVC and union fittings to connect between the modules. Connect the slurry solenoid valves to the recirculating slurry pipe using tees, ball valves, and union fittings, to isolate solenoids from the main PVC pipe for maintenance. Insuring that each solenoid valve is located above the aquarium that it supplies, connect the solenoid valves to the corresponding aquaria as described in the text protocol.Install an optical backscatter sensor or OBS in each aquarium next to the slurry water inlet to measure turbidity. Position the sensor so that it is submerged about five centimeters below the water surface with the sensor facing towards the middle of the tank. Use a clamp or other device to mount the sensor.Install an OBS in the slurry reservoir and position the sensor so that it is completely submerged about 20 centimeters below the water surface. Next, wire the water and slurry solenoid valves. The OBS is located in each aquarium and slurry tank and a thermal couple located at each water bath, into electrical junction boxes mounted on top of the module into a data acquisition device.Install quick disconnects at the terminal ends of all wiring wherever possible. Proceed to design a computer application for data acquisition, instrument control, and automation as described in the text protocol. To prepare for the experiment start the pump to recirculate carbon filtered tap water that has been used to fill the slurry tank.In a separate container, use a mechanical mixer to homogenize the test sediment. After the sediment is homogenized, remove a small portion and introduce it into the slurry tank using a graduated polypropylene beaker. Continue to introduce sediment until 1000 NTU is achieved.In the program, navigate to the water bath tab and start all aquarium profiles. After operating the FLEES for at least one hour so NTUs can stabilize in each aquarium, turn the data logging on to record NTU readings by each aquarium OBS. For TSS measurement, collect three 100 milliliter water samples from each aquarium assigned a TSS treatment of less than 500 milligrams per liter.Separately collect three 50 milliliter water samples from each aquarium assigned a TSS treatment of greater than or equal to 500 milligrams per liter. Measure the TSS by vacuum filtering the samples through pre-weighed 0.45 micron filter paper. Immediately post-filtering, dry the filter and contents at 105 degrees Celsius for a minimum of four hours.And then reweigh to the nearest 0.1 milligram. Use the average of the three samples as a measure of TSS in each aquarium. To perform the experiment, first turn on all FLEES hardware used for data acquisition, instrument control, and automation.After filling the aquaria, water baths, and water reservoir with the desired test water, start all water chiller heat exchangers. Also, confirm and adjust the light cycle. Start the pump to recirculate carbon filtered tap water that has been used to fill the slurry tank.Then, remove a small portion of homogenize sediment and introduce it into the slurry tank. Continue to introduce sediment until 1000 NTU is reached. Then create a profile for each aquarium as described in the text protocol.After animals are stocked into the aquaria as described in the text protocol access the GUI and navigate to the water bath tab to start all aquarium profiles. Following operation of the FLEES for at least one hour, turn the data logging on to record NTU readings by each aquarium OBS. NTU and corresponding TSS concentrations are maintained in experimental aquaria to achieve target-suspended sediment concentrations.In this example, the FLEES evaluated whether the suspended sediment could be maintained over a three day period. Similarly, NTU and corresponding TSS concentrations can be maintained at considerably lower concentrations representing ambient conditions. The FLEES is calibrated using test sediment to quantify the relationship between TSS and turbidity to ensure target TSS concentrations are achieved.The relationship between NTU and TSS is displayed for an example test sediment evaluated in the FLEES. Once FLEES is constructed and operating properly, it is flexible enough to evaluate the effects of suspended sediments to multiple aquatic species in life stages of varying sizes, from eggs to adults, depending upon the species. It is important to remember that the most critical step in the methodology is to calibrate the FLEES with every test sediment.So the relationship between total suspended solids and turbidity can be quantified, thereby enabling the matching of target TSS concentrations. After its development, the FLEES technology paved the way for researchers in the field of environmental toxicology to investigate the effects of suspended sediments on a wide variety of aquatic organisms. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to construct and utilize the technology in your own laboratory.As the automation and programming features enable total suspended solids concentrations to be easily adjusted to meet experimental needs.

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