SAMPLE PROCESSING PRICES

There are many different variables in how freshwater, benthic macroinvertebrate samples are processed that will affect the cost. Examples of such variables include the taxonomic levels different invertebrate groups are identified, the habitat sampled, the sample method, mesh-size used, difficulty of sorting invertebrates from the sample matrix, depth of data analysis, and extent of interpretive narratives. Please call Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. for details and quotes.

The price per unsorted sample (invertebrates not removed from the sample matrix) can vary from $50 to $200 or more. The typical large area (e.g. 0.3-1 square meter), composite stream sample costs between $130 and $175, when the standard Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. sample processing protocol is applied. Small area (e.g. 1 square foot or 0.1 square meters), replicate stream samples typically cost from $80-$110 per sample.

Sorted samples (invertebrates removed from the sample matrix and put in one vial) typically cost $65 per sample (500-600 organisms per sample, most insect taxa identified to genus or species).

Sample analysis typically includes:

Processing of whole samples, or a fraction containing 500-600 organisms. Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. QA/QC checks for sorting efficacy. Standard taxonomic effort, including chironomid midges to genus. Data entry & QA/QC checks on entry process.

Data analysis typically includes:

Spreadsheet of taxa abundances & summary statistics. Community profile: an extensive listing of metrics calculated from the site data. Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. bioassessment for western montane streams or other multimetric bioassessment indices specified by the client. Hard & electronic copies of the above. Data archiving. Data can also be provided in matrix form for a nominal fee.

Report narratives can include:

Summary & interpretation of metrics & bioassessment. Habitat assessment forms. Graphical summary of site bioassessment scores for trend monitoring. Project summary table of bioassessment scores. Hard & electronic copies of the above. Narrative addressing project specific concerns.

QA/QC checks for taxonomic precision options include:

Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. can prepare a synoptic collection of all invertebrates identified for a project so that an independent laboratory can verify taxonomic precision. Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. can save all identified material by the individual sample for independent checks.

QA/QC checks for sorting efficacy options include:

Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. has its own in-house protocol for maintaining 95+% sorting efficacy of all technicians. Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. can archive and return to the client all sample residues after sorting for sorting efficacy checks by an independent laboratory.

Archiving samples: Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. will archive for one year any sample fraction (e.g. sorted residue from the subsample or the unsorted sample remainder after subsampling) provided that the client supplies the sample jars, and the samples have been properly fixed and preserved.

Archiving invertebrates: Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. can archive specific invertebrate groups by sample for extended periods in case the client may want greater taxonomic resolution at a later date (e.g. oligochaete worms or chironomid midges).

Small projects can also be billed on an hourly basis. This is often more cost effective for the client. Robert W. Wisseman's hourly rate for taxonomic work is $40.