ASTM D4557-85 (2002) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Collecting Benthic Macroinvertebrates with Surber and Related Type Samplers — ASTM D4557-85 (reapproved 2002). This short practice describes the procedures and operational limits for using Surber and similar fixed-area samplers to obtain benthic macroinvertebrate samples from shallow, flowing waters (mud, sand, gravel, or rubble substrates).

Abstract

ASTM D4557-85(2002) gives a concise, practical method for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates using Surber and related samplers. It specifies the intended habitats (shallow stream or river areas), the substrate types applicable (mud, sand, gravel, rubble), and operational limits — notably the dependence on sufficient current to wash dislodged organisms into the sampler (minimum velocity noted in the practice). The practice was later withdrawn and its subject matter incorporated into broader sediment/biological sampling guidance.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (2003); subject matter superseded/covered by later ASTM guidance (see E1391 and associated guides).
• Publication date: Originally adopted 1985; reapproved editions/reaffirmations appear in later years (references show reapproval history through 1995 and 2002).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 07.080 (Biology; botany; zoology) — aquatic biology / environmental sampling.
• Edition / version: Designation shown as D4557-85 (R2002) / D4557-85(2002) in bibliographic records (original designation reflects 1985 adoption).
• Number of pages: Short practice — typically 2–3 pages in the published form (ASTM bibliographic entry lists 3 pages).

Scope

This practice covers procedures for obtaining benthic macroinvertebrate samples from substrates such as mud, sand, gravel, or rubble using Surber and related fixed‑area samplers. It applies to shallow streams and shallow river areas where there is sufficient current to carry dislodged organisms into the net (the practice cites a lower bound on water velocity for effective operation). The practice is intended for standardizing collection for monitoring and comparative studies, but does not replace broader sediment or biological sample handling guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Device and method: use of Surber and related fixed‑area samplers (frame + net) for quantitative or semi-quantitative benthic sampling.
• Applicable habitats and substrates: designed for shallow, flowing waters and substrates of mud, sand, gravel or rubble.
• Flow dependency: sampler effectiveness depends on minimum water velocity to wash dislodged organisms into the net (practice specifies an operational lower limit).
• Field technique considerations: standardized placement of sampler, careful dislodgement/washing of substrate and rocks, net retention/mesh considerations, and safety precautions for field crews.
• Limitations and comparability: the method is restricted to habitats where the device can be placed and current conditions permit sampling; results should be interpreted with respect to sampler type and habitat limitations.

Typical use and users

Used by aquatic ecologists, environmental consultants, regulatory monitoring programs, academic researchers, and government agencies performing biomonitoring or ecological assessments. Surber-type fixed-area sampling is commonly employed for riffle/fast-water habitats in stream biomonitoring and is described in regional field protocols and by agencies such as USGS.

Related standards

D4557 is part of a family of ASTM practices/guides for benthic sampling. Related or companion documents include standards on other sampler types and selection guides (examples: D4558 — drift nets; D4556 — stream-net selection guide; D4401 — Petersen grab; D4346/D4343 — grab samplers; E1468 — basket sampler). Many of these older, device-specific practices were later withdrawn and their subject matter consolidated into broader guides such as E1391 (and related sediment/biological sampling guidance).

Keywords

Surber sampler, benthic macroinvertebrates, stream sampling, fixed-area sampler, aquatic biomonitoring, substrate sampling, riffle sampling, ASTM D4557.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4557-85(2002) is a short ASTM practice that defined procedures for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates using Surber and related fixed-area samplers in shallow flowing waters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the intended habitats and substrates (mud, sand, gravel, rubble), operational limits for Surber-type samplers (including dependence on sufficient current), and basic field procedure considerations for obtaining representative benthic samples.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Practitioners include aquatic ecologists, environmental consultants, academic researchers, and government monitoring programs (for example, regional biomonitoring programs and agencies such as USGS use fixed-area and kick-net/Surber approaches in stream assessments).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D4557 practice was withdrawn (records indicate withdrawal around 2003). Its subject matter has been incorporated into broader and updated sediment/biological sampling guides (for example, ASTM E1391 and related updated guidance). Users should consult the current ASTM guides (E1391 and later revisions) and regional field protocols for up-to-date procedures.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D4557 was one of several device-specific ASTM practices for benthic macroinvertebrate collection (others include D4401, D4346, D4558, E1468, etc.). These device-specific practices and guides were later consolidated into broader ASTM guidance; the practices were developed under ASTM committees responsible for aquatic/biological sampling (committee listings and related standards reflect this family).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Surber sampler; benthic macroinvertebrates; stream sampling; fixed‑area sampling; riffle sampling; substrate (mud, sand, gravel, rubble); aquatic biomonitoring.