The atmospheric pollution produced from the oil sands industry in Alberta is a threat to the aquatic ecosystems of the area and the implementation of a rapid bioassessment of benthic macroinvertebrates provides an ideal assessment of this impact. From August 24 to September 2, 2006, water samples and benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from 32 lakes. The kick-and-sweep collection method was used at 5 sites per lake and 100 animals were later picked from each site sample and identified to the taxonomic level of family. Initial analysis has shown low species richness as Chironomidae and A. Hyallelidae make up the majority of most samples; while dissolved organic carbon levels of 7.08 to 52.35 mg/L appear high compared to other studies.

The biological dataset will be used to determine if any differences exist between the benthic macroinvertebrate communities of exposed test sites and minimally impacted reference sites, while also developing a reliable dataset for future temporal studies. A relationship between water chemistry and macroinvertebrates will also be examined that will assist in associating the modelled water chemistry output generated through the Model of Acidification of Groundwater in Catchments, with the aquatic biota of the area.