Title:
Using Long-Term Chemical and Biological Indicators to Assess Stream Health in the Upper Oconee River Watershed
Using Long-Term Chemical and Biological Indicators to Assess Stream Health in the Upper Oconee River Watershed
Author(s)
Mattsson, B. J.
Kominoski, J. S.
Rashleigh, Brenda
Eggert, Sue
Kominoski, J. S.
Rashleigh, Brenda
Eggert, Sue
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Abstract
Macroinvertebrates are commonly used as
biological indicators of stream habitat and water quality.
Chemical variables, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), specific conductance (SC), and turbidity are used to measure
stream water quality. Many aquatic macroinvertebrates
are sensitive to changes in water chemistry, and streams
with degraded water quality are often characterized by low
macroinvertebrate diversity. Chemical (DO, SC, turbidity) and biological (macroinvertebrates) data from multiple tributaries of the North and Middle Oconee Rivers in
Clarke County, Georgia, USA were collected seasonally
from 2000 – 2006. Macroinvertebrates were identified,
and communities were scored using the Georgia Adopt-AStream biotic index. Significant differences in biotic index scores were identified across sites and time using a
two-way ANOVA. A general linear model relating
chemical variables to biological score was more parsimonious than a model without chemical variables. These
relationships varied by sample site, but they were consistent across seasons and years. Macroinvertebrate communities became degraded with increasing specific conductance, but associations with the other chemical variables
were unclear. Results suggest the importance of using
long-term chemical and biological indices in assessing
stream health.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date Issued
2007-03
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Text
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Proceedings