Stream macroinvertebrate occurrence along gradients in organic pollution and eutrophication

Friberg, N; Skriver, J; Larsen, SE; Pedersen, ML; Buffagni, A

HERO ID

2040649

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

HERO ID 2040649
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Stream macroinvertebrate occurrence along gradients in organic pollution and eutrophication
Authors Friberg, N; Skriver, J; Larsen, SE; Pedersen, ML; Buffagni, A
Journal Freshwater Biology
Volume 55
Issue 7
Page Numbers 1405-1419
Abstract 1. We analysed a large number of concurrent samples of macroinvertebrate communities and chemical indicators of eutrophication and organic pollution [total-P, total-N, NH(4)-N, biological oxygen demand (BOD(5))] from 594 Danish stream sites. Samples were taken over an 11-year time span as part of the Danish monitoring programme on the aquatic environment. Macroinvertebrate communities were sampled in spring using a standardised kick-sampling procedure whereas chemical variables were sampled six to 24 times per year per site. Habitat variables were assessed once when macroinvertebrates were sampled. The plecopteran Leuctra showed a significant negative exponential relationship (r2 = 0.90) with BOD(5) and occurred at only 16% of the sites with BOD(5) above 1.6 mg L-1. Sharp declines with increasing BOD(5) levels were found for the trichopteran families Sericostomatidae and Glossosomatidae although they appeared to be slightly less sensitive than Leuctra. Other plecopterans such as Isoperla showed a similar type of response curve to Leuctra (negative exponential) but occurred at sites with relatively high concentrations of BOD(5) up to 3-4 mg L-1. In contrast, the response curve of the isopod Asellus aquaticus followed a saturation function reaching a plateau above 3-4 mg L-1 BOD(5) and the dipteran Chironomus showed an exponential increase in occurrence with increasing BOD(5) concentration. Macroinvertebrate occurrence appeared to be related primarily to concentrations of BOD(5), NH(4)-N and total-P whereas there were almost no relationships to total-N. Occurrence of a number of taxa showed a stronger relationship to habitat conditions (width and substrate) than chemical variables. Important macroinvertebrate taxa are reduced at concentrations of BOD(5) that are normally perceived as indicating unimpacted stream site conditions. Our results confirmed sensitivity/tolerance patterns used by existing bioassessment systems only to some degree.
Doi 10.1111/j.1365-2427.2008.02164.x
Wosid WOS:000278566100003
Url <Go to ISI>://WOS:000278566100003
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword bioassessment; biological oxygen demand; macroinvertebrates; nutrients; streams
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