For over 18 years APEM have been involved in a diverse range of macroinvertebrate studies throughout the UK. APEM provide an invertebrate analytical service of the highest quality to both family and species level in our laboratory based in Manchester. Additionally our biologists are experts in identifying difficult groups of invertebrates to species including chironomids and oligochaetes. Sampling and monitoring also form a large part of the macroinvertebrate work undertaken and of course Statistical Analysis and interpretation are key elements of the overall service.

Identification & AQC

APEM invertebrate biologists undergo a comprehensive training programme and operate within stringent quality control procedures. These procedures are fully compatible with the Environment Agency's own protocols. Indeed APEM provides a macroinvertebrate analysis service widely acknowledged as being one of the best in the UK. APEM's externally audited Analytical Quality Control (AQC) results are second to none. We are renowned for the quality of our laboratory based analytical work covering both family and species level work in freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats throughout the UK.

At present the laboratory has a throughput of around 2,000 samples a year although we are currently expanding the service due to the demand for high quality, externally audited analysis.

Sampling & Monitoring

Although many clients prefer to supply samples delivered to our laboratory we also provide a sampling service which offers a range of sampling techniques encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methods. These included kick-sampling, surber sampling, cylinder sampling, airlift-sampling, dredge sampling and the use of artificial Standard Colonisation Units (SCUs). APEM have undertaken numerous macroinvertebrate sampling and monitoring projects. Examples of these include work undertaken on the on the Afon Teifi, River Otter, River Killingholme and Alledge Brook. APEM also perform extensive macroinvertebrate sampling and monitoring in the Manchester Ship Canal, the Mersey Estuary. APEM staff are experienced in sampling intertidal and subtidal habitats using transect and quadrat methodologies and a wide range of grab and coring techniques. Dedicated marine invertebrate taxonomists have worked on a wide range of projects. Recent work includes the sampling and taxonomy of invertebrates within the intertidal zone along the Crosby foreshore and an assessment of the invertebrate community within mud and sandy sediments for an EIA within a southern harbour.

A six-year project on the River Exe system in Devon using quantitative and semi-quantitative sampling techniques provided the client with sensitive and reliable measures of the impacts of augmented long-term river flows from Wimbleball Reservoir on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Detailed statistical analysis of this unique long-term data set by APEM specialists has revealed the influence of river regulation on the structure and composition of the macroinvertebrate communities. Other projects include macroinvertebrate surveys of the Brennand and Whitendale rivers, located in the Hodder sub-catchment and a biological assessment of watercourses across Yorkshire, which were affected by combined sewer flows.

Statistical Analysis

Our specialised aquatic science based consultancy service provides experienced scientists to undertake data analysis. They are experts in the use of multivariate analytical tools, univariate statistics, calculation and interpretation of biotic scores, RIVPACS, and developing predictive models of the response of macroinvertebrates to changes in the environment. Additionally we can provide expert advice for the conservation status of rare and protected species, together with a thorough assessment and expert interpretive and report writing service if required.

Please view our Biolabs pages for more information on our invertebrate services as well as information on our laboratory analysis and identification services of diatoms, phytoplankton and zooplankton.