Abstract: The specification discloses a benthic aquatic biotal monitor for monitoring the chronic impact of pollution, such as industrial and municipal wastes, of aquatic environments upon in situ samples of benthos. The monitor includes a base portion including containers for retaining benthic sample and having a horizontal permeable bottom wall and water permeable vertical side walls. A water permeable mesh is attached to and extends above the base portion to form a conical-shaped enclosure decreasing in cross-sectional area from one end to the other end. The larger end of the conical-shaped enclosure is secured to the base portion and opens thereinto. The smaller end of the conical-shaped portion is closed.

Abstract: The specification discloses an aquatic biotal monitor for monitoring the chronic impact of pollution, such as chemical, thermal and turbidity, of aquatic environments upon in situ samples of biota. The monitor includes a top and bottom mounting ring. A water permeable mesh extends between and interconnects the mounting rings and encloses the bottom ring to form a closed and cylindrical enclosure to retain the biotal sample. The cylindrical enclosure permits the free exchange of ambient water between the outside of the cylindrical enclosure and the inside of the enclosure. The monitor further includes flotation structure attached to the top ring for floating the cylindrical enclosure in the body of water, such that the enclosure monitors the impact of changing aquatic environments on the biotal sample. In addition, the monitor can be anchored at a selected site for studying the impact over periods of time of pollutants emanating continuously.