Specialists from the Middle Volga branch of VNIRO conducted summer studies of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain water bodies

 

Specialists conducted planned comprehensive studies to collect ichthyological material, as well as the main groups of hydrobionts that form the food base for fish (phytoplankton, zooplankton and zoobenthos), measured hydrological parameters and collected water and bottom sediment samples for hydrochemical and toxicological analysis.

 

The material was collected along an established grid of stations. During the work, 56 hydrobiological and 14 hydrochemical samples were collected. At the same time, measurements of some hydrochemical and hydrological characteristics of water bodies (depth, temperature and transparency of water, oxygen content, electrical conductivity, pH, oxidation-reduction potential) were carried out to assess anthropogenic and abiotic factors affecting the functioning of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain water bodies.

 

The collected material was transferred to the branch for further processing and analysis of the state of the local ichthyofauna habitat in the summer.

 

Along with specialists, third-year students of specialized training areas from the Volgograd State Agrarian University and Volgograd State University, who are currently undergoing industrial practice at the branch, took part in the field expedition. The students study methods for collecting hydrobiological and ichthyological material, learn to work with a bottom grab, scraper, bathometer and participate in catching young fish using a drag.

 

During the practical training, students acquire basic skills in determining the species affiliation of both juvenile and adult fish, wash benthic samples under the supervision of experienced mentors, and master the identification of the main groups of bottom invertebrates.

 

VNIRO Press Service