What is one method used to collect and study freshwater macroinvertebrates?

Kick sampling is a commonly employed method to collect and study freshwater macroinvertebrates. This technique involves disturbing the sediment and substrate in a stream or river, which dislodges organisms hiding among the materials. As sediment is disturbed—often by a person kicking or scuffling the streambed—macroinvertebrates are released into the water column. They can then be easily collected using a net positioned downstream. This method is particularly effective for capturing both mobile and sessile organisms that might otherwise be difficult to sample without disturbing their habitat.

The efficacy of kick sampling comes from its ability to cover a diverse array of microhabitats within the freshwater environment, allowing researchers to gather a representative sample of the macroinvertebrate community present. Various species can be collected in this way, providing valuable data for ecological assessments and studies on biodiversity. This makes kick sampling an essential technique in freshwater ecology and environmental monitoring.