Get to know our 2025 Crews
We get the chance to work with some pretty awesome people and we want to highlight some of this years accomplishments!
Our Publications
Explore the latest news from MBI, discover insights from our scientific research articles, and access our comprehensive technical reports on freshwater water quality assessments.
Featured Publications
Highlighting engaging educational articles on water science, nature, and species, along with important MBI news.
Nov 3rd, 2025
Get to know our 2025 Crews
Chelsea Dingess
Mar 17th, 2023
A Snapshot of “Ancient” Mussels in Central Ohio
Jack T Freda
Anthony Sasson
Jun 25th, 2021
Shining Star Roger Thoma Retires
Allison Boehler
Jun 8th, 2021
Best of luck, Blair!
Allison Boehler
Oct 31st, 2017
Disco Wasn't the Only Bad Thing about the 70s
Jack T Freda
Publications
Latest Publications
Explore our newest educational content about freshwater ecosystems, fascinating species, and more.
Nov 12th, 2025
Biological and Water Quality Assessment of the Roberts Millikin Ditch, Barbee Ditch, and Dry Run Subwatersheds 2024
Chris O Yoder
Nov 3rd, 2025
Get to know our 2025 Crews
Chelsea Dingess
Dec 23rd, 2024
MBI/2023-7-15
Relationships and Thresholds for Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Variables, Nutrient Effects, and Biological Attributes in Northeast Illinois Rivers and Streams
Chris O Yoder
Dec 17th, 2024
MBI/2024-3-1
Biological and Water Quality Assessment of the Upper Des Plaines River 2022
Chris O Yoder
Jun 24th, 2024
Watershed Monitoring and Bioassessment Plan for the Central Ohio Watersheds
Chris O Yoder
Mar 14th, 2024
MBI/2023-12-12
Biological and Water Quality Assessment of the Middle Scioto River, Lower Olentangy River, and Lower Olentangy Tributaries 2022
Chris O Yoder
Publication Categories
Browse our complete library of publications organized by type - from educational articles to comprehensive technical research.
The MBI Glossary
Need help with technical terminology? Our glossary provides clear definitions of key terms used in freshwater science and environmental research.
Tiered Aquatic Life Uses (TALUs)
As defined: The structure of designated aquatic life uses that incorporates a hierarchy of use subclasses and stratification by natural divisions that pertain to geographical and waterbody class strata. TALUs are based on representative ecological attributes and these should be reflected in the narrative description of each TALU subcategory and be embodied in the measurements that extend to expressions of that narrative through numeric biocriteria and by extension to chemical and physical indicators and criteria. As used: TALUs are assigned to water bodies based on the protection and restoration of ecological potential. This means that the assignment of a TALU subcategory to a specific waterbody is done with regard to reasonable restoration or protection expectations and attainability. Hence knowledge of the current condition of a waterbody and an accompanying and adequate assessment of stressors affecting that waterbody are needed to make these assignments.
Existing Use
A use that was actually attained in a waterbody on or after November 28, 1975, whether or not they are included in the state water quality standards (November 28, 1975 is the date on which U.S. EPA promulgated its first water quality standards regulation in 40CFR Part 131). Existing uses must be maintained and cannot be removed.
Reference Condition
The condition that approximates natural, unimpacted, to best attainable conditions (biological, chemical, physical, etc.) for a waterbody. Reference condition is best determined by collecting measurements at a sufficient number of sites in a similar waterbody class or region under minimally or least disturbed conditions (by human activity), if they exist. Since undisturbed or minimally disturbed conditions may be difficult or impossible to find in some states, least disturbed conditions, combined with historical information, models or other methods may be used to approximate reference condition as long as the departure from natural or ideal is understood. Reference condition is used as a benchmark to establish numeric biocriteria.
Technical Reports
Latest Technical Reports
Comprehensive reports detailing our research findings, data analyses, and environmental assessments.
Nov 12th, 2025
Biological and Water Quality Assessment of the Roberts Millikin Ditch, Barbee Ditch, and Dry Run Subwatersheds 2024
Chris O Yoder
Dec 23rd, 2024
MBI/2023-7-15
Relationships and Thresholds for Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Variables, Nutrient Effects, and Biological Attributes in Northeast Illinois Rivers and Streams
Chris O Yoder
Dec 17th, 2024
MBI/2024-3-1
Biological and Water Quality Assessment of the Upper Des Plaines River 2022
Chris O Yoder
Jun 24th, 2024
Watershed Monitoring and Bioassessment Plan for the Central Ohio Watersheds
Chris O Yoder
Mar 14th, 2024
MBI/2023-12-12
Biological and Water Quality Assessment of the Middle Scioto River, Lower Olentangy River, and Lower Olentangy Tributaries 2022
Chris O Yoder
Aug 7th, 2023
MBI/2020-5-10
Integrated Prioritization System (IPS) for Northeastern Illinois: Technical Documentation and Atlas of Stressor Relationships
Chris O Yoder