What is the purpose of biotesting in water quality assessment?

Biotesting in water quality assessment serves the critical function of evaluating the toxicity of water samples on living organisms. This process involves exposing test organisms, which can include fish, invertebrates, or microorganisms, to the water in question. By observing the effects on these organisms, analysts can ascertain the potential harmful impacts of pollutants and toxins present in the water.

The results from biotesting can reveal whether the water is safe for aquatic life and potentially for human use, as many toxic substances can adversely affect ecosystems and drinking water resources. This approach provides a more holistic understanding of water quality beyond traditional chemical analyses, as it reflects the biological effects of contaminants on living organisms in their natural environment.

While measuring flow rate, determining temperature, and assessing taste and odor are all important aspects of water quality management, they do not directly address the biological impacts of water pollutants, which is the primary focus of biotesting.