Foreword
The presence or absence of specific biotic communities in the aquatic environment is directly influenced by the water quality. Bio-monitoring is an effective method for water quality evaluation. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health and Environment Protection, Netherlands, has explored the possibilities to develop various bio-monitoring techniques. To widen the scope of bio-monitoring, CPCB has developed a method utilizing artificial substratum for bio-assessment of water bodies. This method is useful for in-situ assessment of biotic life as affected by the variations of water quality.

The contribution of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB's) and Pollution Control Committees (PCC's) for determining the field applicability of artificial substratum and suggestions for further improvement in methodology are gratefully acknowledged.

We hope, this manual will be useful to all concerned with surface water quality evaluation and management.