“Because biocriteria, including biomarkers and bioindicators, have become increasingly popular assessment tools, it is important to have a comprehensive document that provides guidance relative to the design,measurement, and application of various biocriteria in aquatic ecosystems. The main purpose of this book, therefore, is to provide a comprehensive reference and guide relative to the various biological endpoints that can be measured and used to assess the effects of environmental stressors on aquatic organisms, populations, and communities.” The 16 chapters of Biological Indicators of Aquatic Ecosystem Stress generally meet this justification and aim, stated in the introductory chapter, and this book should benefit those interested in assessing or predicting effects of stressors.
The book takes a hierarchical approach, with topics ranging from the subcellular to communities. Chapters could be categorized as concerning organismic, population/species and community levels of organization. There are eight chapters that are primarily focused on organism-level biomarkers and criteria...