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The Namibian Scoring System (NASS) version 2 rapid bio-assessment method for rivers


R W Palmer
E D Taylor

Abstract

This paper presents a rapid bio-assessment method for assessing the ecological condition of streams and rivers in Namibia. The method uses the composition and abundance of aquatic invertebrates, which are identified in the field, mostly to family level. The method is based on the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5), which has been modified to
account for additional tropical invertebrate taxa that occur in northern Namibia. The method was applied to the Zambezi River near Katima Mulilo and NASS results were found to fluctuate predictably with changes in water level. Training of Namibian personnel to apply the method, as part of the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme, is recommended.

African Journal of Aquatic Science 2004, 29(2): 229–234

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eISSN: 1727-9364
print ISSN: 1608-5914