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Health of Streams Based on Benthic Macroinvertebrate Population

CSEF · 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division)

William Hsieh

Overview

This project focuses on stream health through the macroinvertebrate population. Certain insects have higher sensitivities to pollution and are good markers of watershed health due to their inability to move away from pollution. For example, if a stream is healthy there could be mayfly or caddisfly larvae with low pollution tolerance. If not, mosquito larvae and aquatic worms could be present because they thrive in polluted and stagnant water. 5 streams were surveyed across the peninsula. San Francisquito Creek, Saratoga Creek, Belmont Creek, Stevens Creek, and an unnamed seasonal creek in Waterdog Lake Open Space. Belmont Creek was the most healthy stream with a Pollution Tolerance Index score of 32 showing excellent stream health. The most polluted stream was Saratoga Creek with a score of 14 showing fair health. Across the Peninsula, there was an overall score of 22.8, indicating good health.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division) · Entry J-08-37

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