A Small Flume for Studying the Influence of Hydrodynamic Factors on Benthic Invertebrate Behaviour

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Abstract
A compact, versatile flume for studying the influence of hydrodynamic factors on the behaviour of benthic invertebrates is described. A range of lotic micro-environments can be simulated under controlled and replicable conditions by tailoring the velocity profile at the entrance of the test section. A specially designed diffuser composed of an array of adjustable horizontal rods allows tailored flow(e.g., zone of high shear stress, adjustable velocity gradient and turbulence level) to which organisms can be exposed. Water velocities of up to a maximum of 81.5 .+-. 0.6 cm/s, with a turbulence intensity of 0.8% can be achieved. Simultaneous observations of flow and organism behaviours can be done by means of standard flow visualization techniques. Compact (72 cm long x 22 cm high x 10 cm wide; volume 10 L) and easily transportable, this flume is an inexpensive "desk-top" version of larger, more bulky systems, without sacrifice of performance and versatility.

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