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Esmaeili Ofogh AR, Ebrahimi Dorche E, Birk S, Fathi P, Zare Shahraki M, Bruder A. Improving the performance of macroinvertebrate based multi-metric indices by incorporating functional traits and an index performance-driven approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172850. [PMID: 38688378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Human-driven multiple pressures impact freshwater ecosystems worldwide, reducing biodiversity, and impacting ecosystem functioning and services provided to human societies. Multi-metric indices (MMIs) are suitable tools for tracking the effects of anthropogenic pressures on freshwater ecosystems because they incorporate various biological metrics responding to multiple pressures at different levels of biological organization. However, the performance and applicability of MMIs depend on their metrics' selection and their calibration against natural environmental gradients. In this study, we aimed to unravel i) how incorporating functional trait-based metrics affects the performance of MMIs, ii) how disentangling the natural environmental gradients from anthropogenic pressures effects affects the performance of MMIs, and iii) how the performance of MMIs developed using a metric performance-driven approach compares with MMIs developed using an index performance-driven approach. We carried out a field survey measuring abiotic and biotic variables at 53 sites in the Karun River basin (Iran) in 2018. For functional trait-based metrics, we used 15 macroinvertebrate traits and calculated community-weighted mean trait values and functional diversity indices. We used random forest modeling to account for the effect of natural environmental gradients on each metric. Based on our results, incorporating functional traits increased the MMI performance significantly and facilitated ecological interpretation of MMIs. Both taxonomic and functional components of macroinvertebrate assemblages co-varied strongly with natural environmental gradients, and accounting for these covariations improved the performance of MMIs. Finally, we found that index performance-driven MMIs performed better in terms of precision, bias, sensitivity, and responsiveness than metric performance-driven MMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Esmaeili Ofogh
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran; Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Eisa Ebrahimi Dorche
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Sebastian Birk
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Pejman Fathi
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran; Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Mojgan Zare Shahraki
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran; Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Bruder
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland.
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2
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Lin J, Compton JE, Sabo RD, Herlihy AT, Hill RA, Weber MH, Brooks JR, Paulsen SG, Stoddard JL. The changing nitrogen landscape of United States streams: Declining deposition and increasing organic nitrogen. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgad362. [PMID: 38213613 PMCID: PMC10783649 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Air quality regulations have led to decreased nitrogen (N) and sulfur deposition across the conterminous United States (CONUS) during the last several decades, particularly in the eastern parts. But it is unclear if declining deposition has altered stream N at large scales. We compared watershed N inputs with N chemistry from over 2,000 CONUS streams where deposition was the largest N input to the watershed. Weighted change analysis showed that deposition declined across most watersheds, especially in the Eastern CONUS. Nationally, declining N deposition was not associated with significant large-scale declines in stream nitrate concentration. Instead, significant increases in stream dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic N (TON) were widespread across regions. Possible mechanisms behind these increases include declines in acidity and/or ionic strength drivers, changes in carbon availability, and/or climate variables. Our results also reveal a declining trend of DOC/TON ratio over the entire study period, primarily influenced by the trend in the Eastern region, suggesting the rate of increase in stream TON exceeded the rate of increase in DOC concentration during this period. Our results illustrate the complexity of nutrient cycling that links long-term atmospheric deposition to water quality. More research is needed to understand how increased dissolved organic N could affect aquatic ecosystems and downstream riverine nutrient export.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Lin
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Jana E Compton
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Robert D Sabo
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Health and Environmental Effects Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20004, USA
| | - Alan T Herlihy
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Ryan A Hill
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Marc H Weber
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - J Renée Brooks
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Steve G Paulsen
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - John L Stoddard
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
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3
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Lassiter MG, Lin J, Compton JE, Phelan J, Sabo RD, Stoddard JL, McDow SR, Greaver TL. Shifts in the composition of nitrogen deposition in the conterminous United States are discernable in stream chemistry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163409. [PMID: 37044336 PMCID: PMC10332341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Across the conterminous United States (U.S.), the composition of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is changing spatially and temporally. Previously, deposition was dominated by oxidized N, but now reduced N (ammonia [NH3] + ammonium [NH4+]) is equivalent to oxidized N when deposition is averaged across the entire nation and, in some areas, reduced N dominates deposition. To evaluate if there are effects of this change on stream chemistry at the national scale, estimates of N deposition form (oxidized or reduced) from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program Total Deposition data were coupled with stream measurements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Rivers and Streams Assessments (three stream surveys between 2000 and 2014). A recent fine-scaled N input inventory was used to identify watersheds (<1000 km2) where atmospheric deposition is the largest N source (n = 1906). Within these more atmospherically-influenced watersheds there was a clear temporal shift from a greater proportion of sites dominated by oxidized N deposition to a greater proportion of sites dominated by reduced forms of N deposition. We found a significant positive correlation between oxidized N deposition and stream NO3- concentrations, whereas the correlation between reduced N deposition and stream NO3- concentrations were significant but weaker. Sites dominated by atmospheric inputs of reduced N forms had higher stream total organic N and total N despite lower total N deposition on average. This higher stream concentration of total N is mainly driven by the higher concentration of total organic N, suggesting an interaction between elevated reduced N in deposition and living components of the ecosystem or soil organic matter dynamics. Regardless of the proportion of reduced to oxidized N forms in deposition, stream NH4+ concentrations were generally low, suggesting that N deposited in a reduced form is rapidly immobilized, nitrified and/or assimilated by watershed processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith G Lassiter
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Postdoctoral Participant, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States; U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333, United States.
| | - Jana E Compton
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333, United States.
| | - Jennifer Phelan
- RTI International, P.O. Box 12194, 3040 Cornwallis Rd., RTP, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Robert D Sabo
- US EPA Headquarters, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Division, 1200 Penn Ave NW, Mailcode 8623-P, Washington, DC 20460, United States.
| | - John L Stoddard
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333, United States.
| | - Stephen R McDow
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Tara L Greaver
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
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4
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Flotemersch JE. Conservation of blackwater rivers and streams of the coastal plains of United States: Knowledge and research needs. AMBIO 2023; 52:665-677. [PMID: 36595215 PMCID: PMC9849538 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01818-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blackwater rivers and streams are a distinct resource type in multiple ecoregions of the United States, including the Coastal Plains. Given the unique nature of blackwaters, they may not be fully protected if using typical water quality standards. Information provided by State agencies was used to identify specific research needs that would directly enhance current assessment approaches. Protection of blackwater rivers and streams would be aided by (1) development of an operational definition; (2) development of a classification framework that distinguishes among blackwater system types; (3) identification of undisturbed or minimally disturbed blackwater systems; (4) identification of stressors that challenge blackwater condition and resilience; and (5) development of criteria that are more suited to the unique conditions of blackwater rivers and streams. Benefits stemming from addressing these research needs may include identification of sites that are unrecognized as impaired and the re-evaluation of sites that may be erroneously listed as impaired when they are not. This would improve reporting by states for Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 305(b) and, for some states, could represent a significant resource savings by reducing the number of sites on CWA Section 303d lists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Flotemersch
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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5
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Kaufmann PR, Hughes RM, Paulsen SG, Peck DV, Seeliger CW, Kincaid T, Mitchell RM. Physical habitat in conterminous US streams and Rivers, part 2: A quantitative assessment of habitat condition. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2022; 141:109047. [PMID: 35991318 PMCID: PMC9389467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Rigorous assessments of the ecological condition of water resources and the effect of human activities on those waters require quantitative physical, chemical, and biological data. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's river and stream surveys quantify river and stream bed particle size and stability, instream habitat complexity and cover, riparian vegetation cover and structure, and anthropogenic disturbance activities. Physical habitat is strongly controlled by natural geoclimatic factors that co-vary with human activities. We expressed the anthropogenic alteration of physical habitat as O/E ratios of observed habitat metric values divided by values expected under least-disturbed reference conditions, where site-specific expected values vary given their geoclimatic and geomorphic context. We set criteria for good, fair, and poor condition based on the distribution of O/E values in regional least-disturbed reference sites. Poor conditions existed in 22-24% of the 1.2 million km of streams and rivers in the conterminous U.S. for riparian human disturbance, streambed sediment and riparian vegetation cover, versus 14% for instream habitat complexity. Based on the same four indicators, the percentage of stream length in poor condition within 9 separate U.S. ecoregions ranged from 4% to 42%. Associations of our physical habitat indices with anthropogenic pressures demonstrate the scope of anthropogenic habitat alteration; habitat condition was negatively related to the level of anthropogenic disturbance nationally and in nearly all ecoregions. Relative risk estimates showed that streams and rivers with poor sediment, riparian cover complexity, or instream habitat cover conditions were 1.4 to 2.6 times as likely to also have fish or macroinvertebrate assemblages in poor condition. Our physical habitat condition indicators help explain deviations in biological conditions from those observed among least-disturbed sites and inform management actions for rehabilitating impaired waters and mitigating further ecological degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R. Kaufmann
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation
Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation
Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Amnis Opes Institute, 2895 Southeast Glenn Street,
Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Steven G. Paulsen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - David V. Peck
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | | | - Tom Kincaid
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
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6
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Kaufmann PR, Hughes RM, Paulsen SG, Peck DV, Seeliger CW, Weber MH, Mitchell RM. Physical habitat in conterminous US streams and rivers, Part 1: Geoclimatic controls and anthropogenic alteration. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2022; 141:109046. [PMID: 35991319 PMCID: PMC9389819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic alteration of physical habitat structure in streams and rivers is increasingly recognized as a major cause of impairment worldwide. As part of their assessment of the status and trends in the condition of rivers and streams in the U.S., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) quantify and monitor channel size and slope, substrate size and stability, instream habitat complexity and cover, riparian vegetation cover and structure, anthropogenic disturbance activities, and channel-riparian interaction. Like biological assemblages and water chemistry, physical habitat is strongly controlled by natural geoclimatic factors that can obscure or amplify the influence of human activities. We developed a systematic approach to estimate the deviation of observed river and stream physical habitat from that expected in least-disturbed reference conditions. We applied this approach to calculate indices of anthropogenic alteration of three aspects of physical habitat condition in the conterminous U.S. (CONUS): streambed sediment size and stability, riparian vegetation cover, and instream habitat complexity. The precision and responsiveness of these indices led the USEPA to use them to evaluate physical habitat condition in CONUS rivers and streams. The scores of these indices systematically decreased with greater anthropogenic disturbance at river and stream sites in the CONUS and within ecoregions, which we interpret as a response of these physical habitat indices to anthropogenic influences. Although anthropogenic activities negatively influenced all three physical habitat indices in the least-disturbed sites within most ecoregions, natural geoclimatic and geomorphic factors were the dominant influences. For sites over the full range of anthropogenic disturbance, analyses of observed/expected sediment characteristics showed augmented flood flows and basin and riparian agriculture to be the leading predictors of streambed instability and excess fine sediments. Similarly, basin and riparian agriculture and non-agricultural riparian land uses were the leading predictors of reduced riparian vegetation cover complexity in the CONUS and within ecoregions. In turn, these reductions in riparian vegetation cover and complexity, combined with reduced summer low flows, were the leading predictors of instream habitat simplification. We conclude that quantitative measures of physical habitat structure are useful and important indicators of the impacts of human activities on stream and river condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R. Kaufmann
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation
Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation
Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Amnis Opes Institute, 2895 Southeast Glenn Street,
Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Steven G. Paulsen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - David V. Peck
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | | | - Marc H. Weber
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research
and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific
Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
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7
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Jaeger KL, Hafen KC, Dunham JB, Fritz KM, Kampf SK, Barnhart TB, Kaiser KE, Sando R, Johnson SL, McShane RR, Dunn SB. Beyond Streamflow: Call for a National Data Repository of Streamflow Presence for Streams and Rivers in the United States. WATER 2021; 13:1-20. [PMID: 35342643 PMCID: PMC8943845 DOI: 10.3390/w13121627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Observations of the presence or absence of surface water in streams are useful for characterizing streamflow permanence, which includes the frequency, duration, and spatial extent of surface flow in streams and rivers. Such data are particularly valuable for headwater streams, which comprise the vast majority of channel length in stream networks, are often non-perennial, and are frequently the most data deficient. Datasets of surface water presence exist across multiple data collection groups in the United States but are not well aligned for easy integration. Given the value of these data, a unified approach for organizing information on surface water presence and absence collected by diverse surveys would facilitate more effective and broad application of these data and address the gap in streamflow data in headwaters. In this paper, we highlight the numerous existing datasets on surface water presence in headwater streams, including recently developed crowdsourcing approaches. We identify the challenges of integrating multiple surface water presence/absence datasets that include differences in the definitions and categories of streamflow status, data collection method, spatial and temporal resolution, and accuracy of geographic location. Finally, we provide a list of critical and useful components that could be used to integrate different streamflow permanence datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Jaeger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water Science Center, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
| | - Konrad C Hafen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Water Science Center, Boise, ID 83702, USA
| | - Jason B Dunham
- U.S Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Ken M Fritz
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Stephanie K Kampf
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Theodore B Barnhart
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Helena, MT 59601, USA
| | - Kendra E Kaiser
- Department of Geosciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Roy Sando
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Helena, MT 59601, USA
| | - Sherri L Johnson
- U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Ryan R McShane
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Helena, MT 59601, USA
| | - Sarah B Dunn
- U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water Science Center, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
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8
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Feio MJ, Hughes RM, Callisto M, Nichols SJ, Odume ON, Quintella BR, Kuemmerlen M, Aguiar FC, Almeida SF, Alonso-EguíaLis P, Arimoro FO, Dyer FJ, Harding JS, Jang S, Kaufmann PR, Lee S, Li J, Macedo DR, Mendes A, Mercado-Silva N, Monk W, Nakamura K, Ndiritu GG, Ogden R, Peat M, Reynoldson TB, Rios-Touma B, Segurado P, Yates AG. The Biological Assessment and Rehabilitation of the World's Rivers: An Overview. WATER 2021; 13:371. [PMID: 33868721 PMCID: PMC8048141 DOI: 10.3390/w13030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The biological assessment of rivers i.e., their assessment through use of aquatic assemblages, integrates the effects of multiple-stressors on these systems over time and is essential to evaluate ecosystem condition and establish recovery measures. It has been undertaken in many countries since the 1990s, but not globally. And where national or multi-national monitoring networks have gathered large amounts of data, the poor water body classifications have not necessarily resulted in the rehabilitation of rivers. Thus, here we aimed to identify major gaps in the biological assessment and rehabilitation of rivers worldwide by focusing on the best examples in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North, Central, and South America. Our study showed that it is not possible so far to draw a world map of the ecological quality of rivers. Biological assessment of rivers and streams is only implemented officially nation-wide and regularly in the European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, South Africa, and the USA. In Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, and Singapore it has been implemented officially at the state/province level (in some cases using common protocols) or in major catchments or even only once at the national level to define reference conditions (Australia). In other cases, biological monitoring is driven by a specific problem, impact assessments, water licenses, or the need to rehabilitate a river or a river section (as in Brazil, South Korea, China, Canada, Japan, Australia). In some countries monitoring programs have only been explored by research teams mostly at the catchment or local level (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Chile, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam) or implemented by citizen science groups (e.g., Southern Africa, Gambia, East Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada). The existing large-extent assessments show a striking loss of biodiversity in the last 2-3 decades in Japanese and New Zealand rivers (e.g., 42% and 70% of fish species threatened or endangered, respectively). A poor condition (below Good condition) exists in 25% of South Korean rivers, half of the European water bodies, and 44% of USA rivers, while in Australia 30% of the reaches sampled were significantly impaired in 2006. Regarding river rehabilitation, the greatest implementation has occurred in North America, Australia, Northern Europe, Japan, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea. Most rehabilitation measures have been related to improving water quality and river connectivity for fish or the improvement of riparian vegetation. The limited extent of most rehabilitation measures (i.e., not considering the entire catchment) often constrains the improvement of biological condition. Yet, many rehabilitation projects also lack pre-and/or post-monitoring of ecological condition, which prevents assessing the success and shortcomings of the recovery measures. Economic constraints are the most cited limitation for implementing monitoring programs and rehabilitation actions, followed by technical limitations, limited knowledge of the fauna and flora and their life-history traits (especially in Africa, South America and Mexico), and poor awareness by decision-makers. On the other hand, citizen involvement is recognized as key to the success and sustainability of rehabilitation projects. Thus, establishing rehabilitation needs, defining clear goals, tracking progress towards achieving them, and involving local populations and stakeholders are key recommendations for rehabilitation projects (Table 1). Large-extent and long-term monitoring programs are also essential to provide a realistic overview of the condition of rivers worldwide. Soon, the use of DNA biological samples and eDNA to investigate aquatic diversity could contribute to reducing costs and thus increase monitoring efforts and a more complete assessment of biodiversity. Finally, we propose developing transcontinental teams to elaborate and improve technical guidelines for implementing biological monitoring programs and river rehabilitation and establishing common financial and technical frameworks for managing international catchments. We also recommend providing such expert teams through the United Nations Environment Program to aid the extension of biomonitoring, bioassessment, and river rehabilitation knowledge globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Feio
- Department of Life Sciences, MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Amnis Opes Institute, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Laboratory of Ecology of Benthos, Department of Genetic, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Susan J. Nichols
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Oghenekaro N. Odume
- Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Bernardo R. Quintella
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Évora, 7000-812 Évora, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mathias Kuemmerlen
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity Centre for the Environment, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Francisca C. Aguiar
- Centro de Estudos Florestais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Salomé F.P. Almeida
- Department of Biology and GeoBioTec—GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Perla Alonso-EguíaLis
- Mexican Institute of Water Technology, Bioindicators Laboratory, Jiutepec Morelos 62550, Mexico
| | - Francis O. Arimoro
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology (Applied Hydrobiology Unit), Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65 Minna, Nigeria
| | - Fiona J. Dyer
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Jon S. Harding
- School of Biologcal Sciences, University of Canterbury, 8140 Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sukhwan Jang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Daejin University, Hoguk-ro, Pocheon-si 1007, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Philip R. Kaufmann
- Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Samhee Lee
- Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), 283 Goyangdaero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education of China, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Diego R. Macedo
- Department of Geography, Geomorphology and Water Resources Laboratory, Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Mendes
- MED—Instituto Mediterrâneo para a Agricultura, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, LabOr—Laboratório de Ornitologia, Universidade de Évora, Polo da Mitra, 7002-774 Évora, Portugal
| | - Norman Mercado-Silva
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservacíon, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, 62209 Morelos, Mexico
| | - Wendy Monk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada and, Canadian Rivers Institute, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Keigo Nakamura
- Water Environment Research Group, Public Works Research Institute, 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba 305-8516, Japan
| | - George G. Ndiritu
- School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957, 10101 Karatina, Kenya
| | - Ralph Ogden
- Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Michael Peat
- Wetlands, Policy and Northern Water Use Branch, Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Blanca Rios-Touma
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Facultad de Ingenierías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad de Las Américas, Vía Nayón S/N, 170503 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Pedro Segurado
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Adam G. Yates
- Department of Geography, Western University and Canadian Rivers Institute, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
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9
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Ligeiro R, Hughes RM, Kaufmann PR, Heino J, Melo AS, Callisto M. Choice of field and laboratory methods affects the detection of anthropogenic disturbances using stream macroinvertebrate assemblages. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2020; 115:10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106382. [PMID: 34121931 PMCID: PMC8193819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate and precise detection of anthropogenic impacts on stream ecosystems using macroinvertebrates as biological indicators depends on the use of appropriate field and laboratory methods. We assessed the responsiveness to anthropogenic disturbances of assemblage metrics and composition by comparing commonly employed alternative combinations of field sampling and individuals counting methods. Four datasets were derived by, in the field 1) conducting multihabitat sampling (MH) or 2) targeting samples in leaf packs (single-habitat sampling - SH) and, in the laboratory A) counting all individuals of the samples, or B) simulating subsampling of 300 individuals per sample. We collected our data from 39 headwater stream sites in a drainage basin located in the Brazilian Cerrado. We used a previously published quantitative integrated disturbance index (IDI), based on both local and catchment disturbance measurements, to characterize the intensity of anthropogenic alterations at each site. Family richness and % Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (% EPT) individuals obtained from each dataset were tested against the IDI through simple linear regressions, and the differences in assemblage composition between least- and most-disturbed sites was tested using Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). When counting all individuals, differences in taxonomic richness and assemblage composition of macroinvertebrate assemblages between least- and most-disturbed sites were more pronounced in the MH than in the SH sampling method. Leaf packs seemed to concentrate high abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates in highly disturbed sites, acting as 'biodiversity hotbeds' in these situations, which likely reduced the response of the assemblages to the disturbance gradient when this substrate was targeted. However, MH sampling produced weaker results than SH when subsampling was performed. The % EPT individuals responded better to the disturbance gradient when SH was employed, and its efficiency was not affected by the subsampling procedure. We conclude that no single method was the best in all situations, and the efficiency of a sampling protocol depends on the combination of field and laboratory methods being used. Although the total count of individuals with multihabitat sampling obtained the best results for most of the evaluated variables, the decision of which procedures to use depends on the amount of time and resources available, on the variables of interest, on the availability of habitat types in the sites sampled, and on the other methods being employed in the sampling protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Ligeiro
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Av. Augusto Correia 01, CEP 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Amnis Opes Institute and Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, 97331, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Philip R. Kaufmann
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health & Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35 Street, 97333, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, and Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, 97331, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Jani Heino
- Finnish Environment Institute, Freshwater Centre, Paavo Havaksen Tie 3, 90570, Oulu, Finland
| | - Adriano S. Melo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Ecologia, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 30161-970, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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10
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Abstract
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) enrichment to streams, lakes, and estuaries is increasing throughout the United States. P loading is typically viewed from a harmful algal bloom perspective; if added P causes excess growths of phytoplankton or macroalgae, it may become targeted for control. However, P loading also contributes to two other non–algae-based aquatic problems. Field and experimental evidence shows that P loading directly stimulates growth of aquatic bacteria, which can increase to concentrations that exert a significant biochemical oxygen demand on water bodies, contributing to hypoxia, a widespread impairment. Experimental evidence also demonstrates that fecal bacterial growth can be significantly stimulated by P loading, increasing health risks through exposure or the consumption of contaminated shellfish and causing economic losses from beach and shellfish area closures. Resource managers need to look beyond algal bloom stimulation and should consider the broader roles that excess P loading can have on ecosystem function and microbiological safety for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Mallin
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence B Cahoon
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
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11
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Magee TK, Blocksom KA, Fennessy MS. A national-scale vegetation multimetric index (VMMI) as an indicator of wetland condition across the conterminous United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:322. [PMID: 31222469 PMCID: PMC6586711 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency and its partners conducted the first National Wetland Condition Assessment at the continental-scale of the conterminous United States. A probability design for site selection was used to allow an unbiased assessment of wetland condition. We developed a vegetation multimetric index (VMMI) as a parsimonious biological indicator of ecological condition applicable to diverse wetland types at national and regional scales. Vegetation data (species presence and cover) were collected from 1138 sites that represented seven broad estuarine intertidal and inland wetland types. Using field collected data and plant species trait information, we developed 405 candidate metrics with potential for distinguishing least disturbed (reference) from most disturbed sites. Thirty-five of the metrics passed range, repeatability, and responsiveness screens and were considered as potential component metrics for the VMMI. A permutation approach was used to calculate thousands of randomly constructed potential national-scale VMMIs with 4, 6, 8, or 10 metrics. The best performing VMMI was identified based on limited redundancy among constituent metrics, sensitivity, repeatability, and precision. This final VMMI had four broadly applicable metrics (floristic quality index, relative importance of native species, richness of disturbance-tolerant species, and relative cover of native monocots). VMMI values and weights from the survey design for probability sites (n = 967) were used to estimate wetland area in good, fair, and poor condition, nationally and for each of 10 ecoregion by wetland type reporting groups. Strengths and limitations of the national VMMI for describing ecological condition are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa K Magee
- Office Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, 97333, OR, USA.
| | - Karen A Blocksom
- Office Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, 97333, OR, USA
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12
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Herlihy AT, Paulsen SG, Kentula ME, Magee TK, Nahlik AM, Lomnicky GA. Assessing the relative and attributable risk of stressors to wetland condition across the conterminous United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:320. [PMID: 31222378 PMCID: PMC6586707 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed data from 967 randomly selected wetland sites across the conterminous United States (US) as part of the 2011 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) to investigate the relative and attributable risk of various stressors on wetland vegetation condition. Indicators of stress included six physical stressors (damming, ditching, filling/erosion, hardening, vegetation removal, and vegetation replacement) and two chemical stressors (soil phosphorus and heavy metals) that represent a wide range of human activities. Risk was evaluated nationally and within four aggregate ecoregions and four aggregate wetland types. Nationally, all of the stressors except soil heavy metals and phosphorus had a significant relative risk but values were always < 2 (a relative risk of two indicates that it's twice as likely to have poor vegetation condition when the stressor is present relative to when it is absent). Among the different ecoregions or wetland types, no one stressor was consistently riskier; all of the stressors were associated with poor vegetation condition in one or another of the subpopulations. Overall, hardening had the highest attributable and relative risks in the most different subpopulations. Attributable risks above 25% were observed for vegetation removal in the Coastal Plain, hardening and ditching in the West, and hardening in Estuarine Woody wetlands. Relative risks above 3 were noted for heavy metals and soil phosphorus in the Interior Plains, and vegetation removal, vegetation replacement, and damming in Estuarine Woody wetlands. Relative and attributable risk were added to the data analyses tools used in the NWCA to improve the ability of survey results to assist managers and policy makers in setting priorities based on conditions observed on the ground. These analyses provide useful information to both individual site managers and regional-national policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan T Herlihy
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Steven G Paulsen
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory- Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Mary E Kentula
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory- Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Teresa K Magee
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory- Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Amanda M Nahlik
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory- Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
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13
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Herlihy AT, Kentula ME, Magee TK, Lomnicky GA, Nahlik AM, Serenbetz G. Striving for consistency in the National Wetland Condition Assessment: developing a reference condition approach for assessing wetlands at a continental scale. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:327. [PMID: 31222681 PMCID: PMC6586693 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7325-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges when conducting a continental-scale assessment of wetlands is setting appropriate expectations for the assessed sites. The challenge occurs for two reasons: (1) tremendous natural environmental heterogeneity exists within a continental landscape and (2) reference sites vary in quality both across and within major regions of the continent. We describe the process used to set reference expectations and define a disturbance gradient for the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency's National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA). The NWCA employed a probability design and sampled 1138 wetland sites across the conterminous US to make an unbiased assessment of wetland condition. NWCA vegetation data were used to define 10 reporting groups based on ecoregion and wetland type that reduced the naturally occurring variation in wetland vegetation associated with continent-wide differences in biogeography. These reporting groups were used as a basis for defining quantitative criteria for least disturbed and most disturbed conditions and developing indices and thresholds for categories of ecological condition and disturbance. The NWCA vegetation assessment was based on a reference site approach, in which the least disturbed reference sites were used to establish benchmarks for assessing the condition of vegetation at other sites. Reference sites for each reporting group were identified by filtering NWCA sample data for disturbance using a series of abiotic variables. Ultimately, 277 least disturbed sites were used to set reference expectations for the NWCA. The NWCA provided a unique opportunity to improve our conceptual and technical understanding of how to best apply a reference condition approach to assessing wetlands across the US. These results will enhance the technical quality of future national assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan T Herlihy
- Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Mary E Kentula
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Teresa K Magee
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Gregg A Lomnicky
- CSS-Dynamac Corporation, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Amanda M Nahlik
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, 202 N. College Road, Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Gregg Serenbetz
- Office of Water, US Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, MC4502T, Washington DC, 20460, USA
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14
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Kentula ME, Paulsen SG. The 2011 National Wetland Condition Assessment: overview and an invitation. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:325. [PMID: 31222397 PMCID: PMC6586703 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The first National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) was conducted in 2011 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and its federal and state partners, using a survey design that allowed inference of results to national and regional scales. Vegetation, algae, soil, water chemistry, and hydrologic data were collected at each of 1138 locations across the conterminous United States (US). Ecological condition was assessed in relation to a disturbance gradient anchored by least disturbed (reference) and most disturbed sites identified using chemical, physical, and biological disturbance indices based on site-level data. A vegetation multimetric index (VMMI) was developed as an indicator of condition, and included four metrics: a floristic quality assessment index, relative importance of native plants, number of disturbance-tolerant plant species, and relative cover of native monocots. Potential stressors to wetland condition were identified and incorporated into two indicators of vegetation alteration, four indicators of hydrologic alteration, a soil heavy metal index, and a nonnative plant indicator and were used to quantify national and regional stressor extent, and the associated relative and attributable risk. Approximately 48 ± 6% of the national wetland area was found to be in good condition and 32 ± 6% in poor condition as defined by the VMMI. Across the conterminous US, approximately 20% of wetland area had high or very high stressor levels related to nonnative plants. Vegetation removal, hardening, and ditching stressors had the greatest extent of wetland area with high stressor levels, affecting 23-27% of the wetland area in the NWCA sampled population. The results from the 2016 NWCA will build on those from the 2011 assessment and initiate the ability to report on trends in addition to status. The data and tools produced by the NWCA can be used by others to further our knowledge of wetlands in the conterminous US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Kentula
- Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
| | - Steven G Paulsen
- Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
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15
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Assessment of Water Quality Across Irrigation Schemes: A Case Study of Wetland Agriculture Impacts in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coupled change in land and water use due to increased farming intensity is a main factor affecting water quality and quantity, ecological functions and biodiversity globally. Prolonging growing seasons and increasing productivity in wetlands through irrigation have been targeted for increasing food security, particularly in developing countries. Nevertheless, irrigation and drainage have often been associated with degradation of water quality through increased agrochemical and fertiliser runoff and leaching at local scales. In this study, we investigated water quality in streams used for irrigation in a wetland area in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. We measured physical-chemical water parameters and collected macroinvertebrates with different sensitivity to water quality across several small irrigation schemes covering various conditions. Turbidity, temperature, nitrate-N, and ammonium-N were significantly higher at sampling sites downstream of irrigation compared to upstream. Macroinvertebrate diversity, richness and average score per taxa (ASPT) were higher in general in sampling sites upstream of irrigation, with more sensitive macroinvertebrates decreasing in abundance downstream. There was a positive correlation between physical-chemical parameters and macroinvertebrate indices across the sites. We demonstrate that macroinvertebrate indices can be used as a quick assessment of water quality in response to irrigation schemes in small-scale farming systems of Tanzania. This in turn can allow us to track changes affecting wetland ecosystem function and biodiversity at higher trophic levels and across larger scales, thereby providing useful early warnings to help avoid widespread degradation under widespread agricultural intensification.
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16
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Jabbar FK, Grote K. Statistical assessment of nonpoint source pollution in agricultural watersheds in the Lower Grand River watershed, MO, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:1487-1506. [PMID: 30430446 PMCID: PMC6331747 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The water quality in many Midwestern streams and lakes is negatively impacted by agricultural activities. Although the agricultural inputs that degrade water quality are well known, the impact of these inputs varies as a function of geologic and topographic parameters. To better understand how a range of land use, geologic, and topographic factors affect water quality in Midwestern watersheds, we sampled surface water quality parameters, including nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, bacteria, pH, specific conductance, temperature, and biotic index (BI) in 35 independent sub-watersheds within the Lower Grand River Watershed in northern Missouri. For each sub-watershed, the land use/land cover, soil texture, depth to bedrock, depth to the water table, recent precipitation area, total stream length, watershed shape/relief ratio, topographic complexity, mean elevation, and slope were determined. Water quality sampling was conducted twice: in the spring and in the late summer/early fall. A pairwise comparison of water quality parameters acquired in the fall and spring showed that each of these factors varies considerably with season, suggesting that the timing is critical when comparing water quality indicators. Correlation analysis between water quality indicators and watershed characteristics revealed that both geologic and land use characteristics correlated significantly with water quality parameters. The water quality index had the highest correlation with the biotic index during the spring, implying that the lower water quality conditions observed in the spring might be more representative of the longer-term water quality conditions in these watersheds than the higher quality conditions observed in the fall. An assessment of macroinvertebrates indicated that the biotic index was primarily influenced by nutrient loading due to excessive amounts of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) discharge from agricultural land uses. The PCA analysis found a correlation between turbidity, E. coli, and BI, suggesting that livestock grazing may adversely affect the water quality in this watershed. Moreover, this analysis found that N, P, and SC contribute greatly to the observed water quality variability. The results of this study can be used to improve decision-making strategies to improve water quality for the entire river basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadhil K Jabbar
- Department of Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, McNutt Hall, 1400 N. Bishop Ave, Rolla, MO, 65401, USA.
- College of Science, University of Misan, Amarah, Iraq.
| | - Katherine Grote
- Department of Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, McNutt Hall, 1400 N. Bishop Ave, Rolla, MO, 65401, USA
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17
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Costello DM, Kulacki KJ, McCarthy ME, Tiegs SD, Cardinale BJ. Ranking stressor impacts on periphyton structure and function with mesocosm experiments and environmental-change forecasts. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204510. [PMID: 30248145 PMCID: PMC6152968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Streams are being subjected to physical, chemical, and biological stresses stemming from both natural and anthropogenic changes to the planet. In the face of limited time and resources, scientists, resource managers, and policy makers need ways to rank stressors and their impacts so that we can prioritize them from the most to least important (i.e., perform 'ecological triage'). We report results from an experiment in which we established a periphyton community from the Huron River (Michigan, USA) in 84 experimental 'flumes' (stream mesocosms). We then dosed the flumes with gradients of six common stressors (increased temperature, taxa extinctions, sedimentation, nitrogen, phosphorus, and road salt) and monitored periphyton structure and function. A set of a priori deterministic functions were fit to each stressor-endpoint response and model averaging based on AICc weights was used to develop concentration-response best-fit predictions. Model predictions from different stressors were then compared to forecasts of future environmental change to rank stressors according to the potential magnitude of impacts. All of the stressors studied altered at least one characteristic of the periphyton; however, the extent (i.e., structural and functional changes) and magnitude of effects expected under future forecasts differed significantly among stressors. Elevated nitrogen concentrations are projected to have the greatest combined effect on stream periphyton structure and function. Extinction, sediment, and phosphorus all had similar but less substantial impact on the periphyton (e.g., affected only structure not function, smaller magnitude change). Elevated temperature and salt both had measurable effects on periphyton, but their overall impacts were much lower than any of the other stressors. For periphyton in the Huron River, our results suggest that, among the stressors examined, increased N pollution may have the greatest potential to alter the structure and function of the periphyton community, and managers should prioritize reducing anthropogenic sources of nitrogen. Our study demonstrates an experimental approach to ecological triage that can be used as an additional line of evidence to prioritize management decisions for specific ecosystems in the face of ecological change.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Costello
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Konrad J. Kulacki
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Exponent, Maynard, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mary E. McCarthy
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Tiegs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Bradley J. Cardinale
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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18
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Silva DRO, Herlihy AT, Hughes RM, Macedo DR, Callisto M. Assessing the extent and relative risk of aquatic stressors on stream macroinvertebrate assemblages in the neotropical savanna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 633:179-188. [PMID: 29573684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Déborah R O Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CP 486, CEP 30161-970 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Alan T Herlihy
- Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, 97331-3803, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Robert M Hughes
- Amnis Opes Institute and Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, 97331-3803, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Diego R Macedo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Geociência, Departamento de Geografia, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CP 486, CEP 30161-970 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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19
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Segurado P, Almeida C, Neves R, Ferreira MT, Branco P. Understanding multiple stressors in a Mediterranean basin: Combined effects of land use, water scarcity and nutrient enrichment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:1221-1233. [PMID: 29929235 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
River basins are extremely complex hierarchical and directional systems that are affected by a multitude of interacting stressors. This complexity hampers effective management and conservation planning to be effectively implemented, especially under climate change. The objective of this work is to provide a wide scale approach to basin management by interpreting the effect of isolated and interacting factors in several biotic elements (fish, macroinvertebrates, phytobenthos and macrophytes). For that, a case study in the Sorraia basin (Central Portugal), a Mediterranean system mainly facing water scarcity and diffuse pollution problems, was chosen. To develop the proposed framework, a combination of process-based modelling to simulate hydrological and nutrient enrichment stressors and empirical modelling to relate these stressors - along with land use and natural background - with biotic indicators, was applied. Biotic indicators based on ecological quality ratios from WFD biomonitoring data were used as response variables. Temperature, river slope, % of agriculture in the upstream catchment and total N were the variables more frequently ranked as the most relevant. Both the two significant interactions found between single hydrological and nutrient enrichment stressors indicated antagonistic effects. This study demonstrates the potentialities of coupling process-based modelling with empirical modelling within a single framework, allowing relationships among different ecosystem states to be hierarchized, interpreted and predicted at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It also demonstrates how isolated and interacting stressors can have a different impact on biotic quality. When performing conservation or management plans, the stressor hierarchy should be considered as a way of prioritizing actions in a cost-effective perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Segurado
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Centro de Estudos Florestais, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carina Almeida
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico, MARETEC, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ramiro Neves
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico, MARETEC, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Centro de Estudos Florestais, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Branco
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Centro de Estudos Florestais, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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Riato L, Leira M, Della Bella V, Oberholster PJ. Development of a diatom-based multimetric index for acid mine drainage impacted depressional wetlands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 612:214-222. [PMID: 28850840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) from coal mining in the Mpumalanga Highveld region of South Africa has caused severe chemical and biological degradation of aquatic habitats, specifically depressional wetlands, as mines use these wetlands for storage of AMD. Diatom-based multimetric indices (MMIs) to assess wetland condition have mostly been developed to assess agricultural and urban land use impacts. No diatom MMI of wetland condition has been developed to assess AMD impacts related to mining activities. Previous approaches to diatom-based MMI development in wetlands have not accounted for natural variability. Natural variability among depressional wetlands may influence the accuracy of MMIs. Epiphytic diatom MMIs sensitive to AMD were developed for a range of depressional wetland types to account for natural variation in biological metrics. For this, we classified wetland types based on diatom typologies. A range of 4-15 final metrics were selected from a pool of ~140 candidate metrics to develop the MMIs based on their: (1) broad range, (2) high separation power and (3) low correlation among metrics. Final metrics were selected from three categories: similarity to reference sites, functional groups, and taxonomic composition, which represent different aspects of diatom assemblage structure and function. MMI performances were evaluated according to their precision in distinguishing reference sites, responsiveness to discriminate reference and disturbed sites, sensitivity to human disturbances and relevancy to AMD-related stressors. Each MMI showed excellent discriminatory power, whether or not it accounted for natural variation. However, accounting for variation by grouping sites based on diatom typologies improved overall performance of MMIs. Our study highlights the usefulness of diatom-based metrics and provides a model for the biological assessment of depressional wetland condition in South Africa and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Riato
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Manel Leira
- Laboratório associado IDL, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal; Department of Botany, Biology Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Sur, Santiago de Compostela, 15076, Spain
| | - Valentina Della Bella
- Environmental Protection Agency of Umbria Region, ARPA UMBRIA, Via C. A. Dalla Chiesa 32, Terni, 05100, Italy
| | - Paul J Oberholster
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
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21
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Cook SC, Housley L, Back JA, King RS. Freshwater eutrophication drives sharp reductions in temporal beta diversity. Ecology 2017; 99:47-56. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Cook
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
- Department of Biology; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
| | - Lauren Housley
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
- Department of Biology; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Back
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
- Department of Biology; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
| | - Ryan S. King
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
- Department of Biology; Baylor University; One Bear Place 97388 Waco Texas 76798-7388 USA
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22
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Rodman AR, Scott JT. Comparing two periphyton collection methods commonly used for stream bioassessment and the development of numeric nutrient standards. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:360. [PMID: 28660542 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6085-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Periphyton is an important component of stream bioassessment, yet methods for quantifying periphyton biomass can differ substantially. A case study within the Arkansas Ozarks is presented to demonstrate the potential for linking chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and ash-free dry mass (AFDM) data sets amassed using two frequently used periphyton sampling protocols. Method A involved collecting periphyton from a known area on the top surface of variably sized rocks gathered from relatively swift-velocity riffles without discerning canopy cover. Method B involved collecting periphyton from the entire top surface of cobbles systematically gathered from riffle-run habitat where canopy cover was intentionally avoided. Chl-a and AFDM measurements were not different between methods (p = 0.123 and p = 0.550, respectively), and there was no interaction between method and time in the repeated measures structure of the study. However, significantly different seasonal distinctions were observed for chl-a and AFDM from all streams when data from the methods were combined (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively), with greater mean biomass in the cooler sampling months. Seasonal trends were likely the indirect results of varying temperatures. Although the size and range of this study were small, results suggest data sets collected using different methods may effectively be used together with some minor considerations due to potential confounding factors. This study provides motivation for the continued investigation of combining data sets derived from multiple methods of data collection, which could be useful in stream bioassessment and particularly important for the development of regional stream nutrient criteria for the southern Ozarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Rodman
- U.S. National Park Service, Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, AR, 71901, USA
| | - J Thad Scott
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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23
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Omernik JM, Griffith GE, Hughes RM, Glover JB, Weber MH. How Misapplication of the Hydrologic Unit Framework Diminishes the Meaning of Watersheds. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 60:1-11. [PMID: 28378091 PMCID: PMC6145848 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0854-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Hydrologic units provide a convenient but problematic nationwide set of geographic polygons based on subjectively determined subdivisions of land surface areas at several hierarchical levels. The problem is that it is impossible to map watersheds, basins, or catchments of relatively equal size and cover the whole country. The hydrologic unit framework is in fact composed mostly of watersheds and pieces of watersheds. The pieces include units that drain to segments of streams, remnant areas, noncontributing areas, and coastal or frontal units that can include multiple watersheds draining to an ocean or large lake. Hence, half or more of the hydrologic units are not watersheds as the name of the framework "Watershed Boundary Dataset" implies. Nonetheless, hydrologic units and watersheds are commonly treated as synonymous, and this misapplication and misunderstanding can have some serious scientific and management consequences. We discuss some of the strengths and limitations of watersheds and hydrologic units as spatial frameworks. Using examples from the Northwest and Southeast United States, we explain how the misapplication of the hydrologic unit framework has altered the meaning of watersheds and can impair understanding associations between spatial geographic characteristics and surface water conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Omernik
- U.S. Geological Survey (Emeritus), c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Glenn E Griffith
- U.S. Geological Survey (Emeritus), Western Geographic Science Center, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
| | | | - James B Glover
- Aquatic Biology Section, Bureau of Water, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
| | - Marc H Weber
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
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24
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Miller S, Eldred P, Muldoon A, Anlauf-Dunn K, Stein C, Hubler S, Merrick L, Haxton N, Larson C, Rehn A, Ode P, Vander Laan J. A Large-Scale, Multiagency Approach to Defining a Reference Network for Pacific Northwest Streams. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 58:1091-1104. [PMID: 27688255 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-016-0739-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic monitoring programs vary widely in objectives and design. However, each program faces the unifying challenge of assessing conditions and quantifying reasonable expectations for measured indicators. A common approach for setting resource expectations is to define reference conditions that represent areas of least human disturbance or most natural state of a resource characterized by the range of natural variability across a region of interest. Identification of reference sites often relies heavily on professional judgment, resulting in varying and unrepeatable methods. Standardized methods for data collection, site characterization, and reference site selection facilitate greater cooperation among assessment programs and development of assessment tools that are readily shareable and comparable. We illustrate an example that can serve the broader global monitoring community on how to create a consistent and transparent reference network for multiple stream resource agencies. We provide a case study that offers a simple example of how reference sites can be used, at the landscape level, to link upslope management practices to a specific in-channel response. We found management practices, particularly areas with high road densities, have more fine sediments than areas with fewer roads. While this example uses data from only one of the partner agencies, if data were collected in a similar manner they can be combined and create a larger, more robust dataset. We hope that this starts a dialog regarding more standardized ways through inter-agency collaborations to evaluate data. Creating more consistency in physical and biological field protocols will increase the ability to share data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Miller
- Aquatic and Riparian Monitoring Program, US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
| | - Peter Eldred
- Aquatic and Riparian Monitoring Program, US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Ariel Muldoon
- College of Forestry, Oregon State University, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Kara Anlauf-Dunn
- Department of Fish and Wildlife, State of Oregon, Hwy 34, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Charlie Stein
- Department of Fish and Wildlife, State of Oregon, Hwy 34, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Shannon Hubler
- Department of Environmental Quality, State of Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, 97124, USA
| | - Lesley Merrick
- Department of Environmental Quality, State of Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, 97124, USA
| | - Nick Haxton
- Department of Environmental Quality, State of Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, 97124, USA
| | - Chad Larson
- Environmental Assessment Program, Washington State Department of Ecology, Lacey, WA, 98503, USA
| | - Andrew Rehn
- Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Ode
- Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jake Vander Laan
- Department of Watershed Sciences, Western Center for Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems, and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-5210, USA
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25
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Stoddard JL, Van Sickle J, Herlihy AT, Brahney J, Paulsen S, Peck DV, Mitchell R, Pollard AI. Continental-Scale Increase in Lake and Stream Phosphorus: Are Oligotrophic Systems Disappearing in the United States? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:3409-15. [PMID: 26914108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b05950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We describe continental-scale increases in lake and stream total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, identified through periodic probability surveys of thousands of water bodies in the conterminous U.S. The increases, observed over the period 2000-2014 were most notable in sites in relatively undisturbed catchments and where TP was initially low (e.g., less than 10 μg L(-1)). Nationally, the percentage of stream length in the U.S. with TP ≤ 10 μg L(-1) decreased from 24.5 to 10.4 to 1.6% from 2004 to 2009 to 2014; the percentage of lakes with TP ≤ 10 μg L(-1) decreased from 24.9 to 6.7% between 2007 and 2012. Increasing TP concentrations appear to be ubiquitous, but their presence in undeveloped catchments suggests that they cannot be entirely attributed to either point or common non-point sources of TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Stoddard
- United States Environmental Protection Agency , 200 Southwest 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - John Van Sickle
- United States Environmental Protection Agency , 200 Southwest 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Alan T Herlihy
- Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Janice Brahney
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of British Columbia , Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Steven Paulsen
- United States Environmental Protection Agency , 200 Southwest 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - David V Peck
- United States Environmental Protection Agency , 200 Southwest 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Richard Mitchell
- Office of Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency , Washington, D.C. 20460, United States
| | - Amina I Pollard
- Office of Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency , Washington, D.C. 20460, United States
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26
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Bouchard RW, Niemela S, Genet JA, Yoder CO, Sandberg J, Chirhart JW, Feist M, Lundeen B, Helwig D. A novel approach for the development of tiered use biological criteria for rivers and streams in an ecologically diverse landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:196. [PMID: 26920130 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5181-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Water resource protection goals for aquatic life are often general and can result in under protection of some high quality water bodies and unattainable expectations for other water bodies. More refined aquatic life goals known as tiered aquatic life uses (TALUs) provide a framework to designate uses by setting protective goals for high quality water bodies and establishing attainable goals for water bodies altered by legally authorized legacy activities (e.g., channelization). Development of biological criteria or biocriteria typically requires identification of a set of least- or minimally-impacted reference sites that are used to establish a baseline from which goals are derived. Under a more refined system of stream types and aquatic life use goals, an adequate set of reference sites is needed to account for the natural variability of aquatic communities (e.g., landscape differences, thermal regime, and stream size). To develop sufficient datasets, Minnesota employed a reference condition approach in combination with an approach based on characterizing a stream's response to anthropogenic disturbance through development of a Biological Condition Gradient (BCG). These two approaches allowed for the creation of ecologically meaningful and consistent biocriteria within a more refined stream typology and solved issues related to small sample sizes and poor representation of minimally- or least-disturbed conditions for some stream types. Implementation of TALU biocriteria for Minnesota streams and rivers will result in consistent and protective goals that address fundamental differences among waters in terms of their potential for restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R William Bouchard
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA.
| | - Scott Niemela
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
| | - John A Genet
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
| | - Chris O Yoder
- Midwest Biodiversity Institute & Center for Applied Bioassessment & Biocriteria, P.O. Box 21561, Columbus, OH, 43221-0561, USA
| | - John Sandberg
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
| | - Joel W Chirhart
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
| | - Mike Feist
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
| | - Benjamin Lundeen
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
| | - Dan Helwig
- Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155-4194, USA
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27
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Kusnierz PC, Holbrook CM, Feldman DL. An evaluation of a bed instability index as an indicator of habitat quality in mountain streams of the northwestern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:511. [PMID: 26189618 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Managers of aquatic resources benefit from indices of habitat quality that are reproducible and easy to measure, demonstrate a link between habitat quality and biota health, and differ between human-impacted (i.e., managed) and reference (i.e., nonimpacted or minimally impacted) conditions. The instability index (ISI) is an easily measured index that describes the instability of a streambed by relating the tractive force of a stream at bankfull discharge to the median substrate size. Previous studies have linked ISI to biological condition but have been limited to comparisons of sites within a single stream or among a small number of streams. We tested ISI as an indicator of human impact to habitat and biota in mountain streams of the northwestern USA. Among 1428 sites in six northwestern states, ISI was correlated with other habitat measures (e.g., residual pool depth, percent fine sediment) and indices of biotic health (e.g., number of intolerant macroinvertebrate taxa, fine sediment biotic index) and differed between managed and reference sites across a range of stream types and ecoregions. While ISI could be useful in mountain streams throughout the world, this index may be of particular interest to aquatic resource managers in the northwestern USA where a large dataset, from which ISI can be calculated, exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Kusnierz
- Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 1520 E. Sixth Ave., Helena, MT, 59620, USA,
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28
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Read EK, Patil VP, Oliver SK, Hetherington AL, Brentrup JA, Zwart JA, Winters KM, Corman JR, Nodine ER, Woolway RI, Dugan HA, Jaimes A, Santoso AB, Hong GS, Winslow LA, Hanson PC, Weathers KC. The importance of lake-specific characteristics for water quality across the continental United States. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 25:943-55. [PMID: 26465035 DOI: 10.1890/14-0935.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Lake water quality is affected by local and regional drivers, including lake physical characteristics, hydrology, landscape position, land cover, land use, geology, and climate. Here, we demonstrate the utility of hypothesis testing within the landscape limnology framework using a random forest algorithm on a national-scale, spatially explicit data set, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 National Lakes Assessment. For 1026 lakes, we tested the relative importance of water quality drivers across spatial scales, the importance of hydrologic connectivity in mediating water quality drivers, and how the importance of both spatial scale and connectivity differ across response variables for five important in-lake water quality metrics (total phosphorus, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, turbidity, and conductivity). By modeling the effect of water quality predictors at different spatial scales, we found that lake-specific characteristics (e.g., depth, sediment area-to-volume ratio) were important for explaining water quality (54-60% variance explained), and that regionalization schemes were much less effective than lake specific metrics (28-39% variance explained). Basin-scale land use and land cover explained between 45-62% of variance, and forest cover and agricultural land uses were among the most important basin-scale predictors. Water quality drivers did not operate independently; in some cases, hydrologic connectivity (the presence of upstream surface water features) mediated the effect of regional-scale drivers. For example, for water quality in lakes with upstream lakes, regional classification schemes were much less effective predictors than lake-specific variables, in contrast to lakes with no upstream lakes or with no surface inflows. At the scale of the continental United States, conductivity was explained by drivers operating at larger spatial scales than for other water quality responses. The current regulatory practice of using regionalization schemes to guide water quality criteria could be improved by consideration of lake-specific characteristics, which were the most important predictors of water quality at the scale of the continental United States. The spatial extent and high quality of contextual data available for this analysis makes this work an unprecedented application of landscape limnology theory to water quality data. Further, the demonstrated importance of lake morphology over other controls on water quality is relevant to both aquatic scientists and managers.
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29
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Buss DF, Carlisle DM, Chon TS, Culp J, Harding JS, Keizer-Vlek HE, Robinson WA, Strachan S, Thirion C, Hughes RM. Stream biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates around the globe: a comparison of large-scale programs. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:4132. [PMID: 25487459 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-4132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Water quality agencies and scientists are increasingly adopting standardized sampling methodologies because of the challenges associated with interpreting data derived from dissimilar protocols. Here, we compare 13 protocols for monitoring streams from different regions and countries around the globe. Despite the spatially diverse range of countries assessed, many aspects of bioassessment structure and protocols were similar, thereby providing evidence of key characteristics that might be incorporated in a global sampling methodology. Similarities were found regarding sampler type, mesh size, sampling period, subsampling methods, and taxonomic resolution. Consistent field and laboratory methods are essential for merging data sets collected by multiple institutions to enable large-scale comparisons. We discuss the similarities and differences among protocols and present current trends and future recommendations for monitoring programs, especially for regions where large-scale protocols do not yet exist. We summarize the current state in one of these regions, Latin America, and comment on the possible development path for these techniques in this region. We conclude that several aspects of stream biomonitoring need additional performance evaluation (accuracy, precision, discriminatory power, relative costs), particularly when comparing targeted habitat (only the commonest habitat type) versus site-wide sampling (multiple habitat types), appropriate levels of sampling and processing effort, and standardized indicators to resolve dissimilarities among biomonitoring methods. Global issues such as climate change are creating an environment where there is an increasing need to have universally consistent data collection, processing and storage to enable large-scale trend analysis. Biomonitoring programs following standardized methods could aid international data sharing and interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Buss
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,
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30
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Young J, Iwanowicz L, Sperry A, Blazer V. A landscape-based reconnaissance survey of estrogenic activity in streams of the upper Potomac, upper James, and Shenandoah Rivers, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:5531-45. [PMID: 24816593 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3801-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are becoming of increasing concern in waterways of the USA and worldwide. What remains poorly understood, however, is how prevalent these emerging contaminants are in the environment and what methods are best able to determine landscape sources of EDCs. We describe the development of a spatially structured sampling design and a reconnaissance survey of estrogenic activity along gradients of land use within sub-watersheds. We present this example as a useful approach for state and federal agencies with an interest in identifying locations potentially impacted by EDCs that warrant more intensive, focused research. Our study confirms the importance of agricultural activities on levels of a measured estrogenic equivalent (E2Eq) and also highlights the importance of other potential sources of E2Eq in areas where intensive agriculture is not the dominant land use. Through application of readily available geographic information system (GIS) data, coupled with spatial statistical analysis, we demonstrate the correlation of specific land use types to levels of estrogenic activity across a large area in a consistent and unbiased manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Young
- Aquatic Ecology Branch, USGS Leetown Science Center, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV, 25430, USA,
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31
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Qin CY, Zhou J, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Hughes RM, Wang BX. Quantitative tolerance values for common stream benthic macroinvertebrates in the Yangtze River Delta, Eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:5883-5895. [PMID: 24865385 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3826-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic organisms' tolerance to water pollution is widely used to monitor and assess freshwater ecosystem health. Tolerance values (TVs) estimated based on statistical analyses of species-environment relationships are more objective than those assigned by expert opinion. Region-specific TVs are the basis for developing accurate bioassessment metrics particularly in developing countries, where both aquatic biota and their responses to human disturbances have been poorly documented. We used principal component analysis to derive a synthetic gradient for four stressor variables (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and % silt) based on 286 sampling sites in the Taihu Lake and Qiantang River basins (Yangtze River Delta), China. We used the scores of taxa on the first principal component (PC1), which explained 49.8% of the variance, to estimate the tolerance values (TV(r)) of 163 macroinvertebrates taxa that were collected from at least 20 sites, 81 of which were not included in the Hilsenhoff TV lists (TV(h)) of 1987. All estimates were scaled into the range of 1-10 as in TV(h). Of all the taxa with different TVs, 46.3% of TV(r) were lower and 52.4% were higher than TV(h). TV(r) were significantly (p < 0.01, Fig. 2), but weakly (r(2) = 0.34), correlated with TVh. Seven biotic metrics based on TVr were more strongly correlated with the main stressors and were more effective at discriminating references sites from impacted sites than those based on TV(h). Our results highlight the importance of developing region-specific TVs for macroinvertebrate-based bioassessment and to facilitate assessment of streams in China, particularly in the Yangtze River Delta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Qin
- Laboratory of Aquatic Insects and Stream Ecology, Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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32
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Jiménez-Valencia J, Kaufmann PR, Sattamini A, Mugnai R, Baptista DF. Assessing the ecological condition of streams in a southeastern Brazilian basin using a probabilistic monitoring design. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:4685-4695. [PMID: 24829159 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Prompt assessment and management actions are required if we are to reduce the current rapid loss of habitat and biodiversity worldwide. Statistically valid quantification of the biota and habitat condition in water bodies are prerequisites for rigorous assessment of aquatic biodiversity and habitat. We assessed the ecological condition of streams in a southeastern Brazilian basin. We quantified the percentage of stream length in good, fair, and poor ecological condition according to benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage. We assessed the risk of finding degraded ecological condition associated with degraded aquatic riparian physical habitat condition, watershed condition, and water quality. We describe field sampling and implementation issues encountered in our survey and discuss design options to remedy them. Survey sample sites were selected using a spatially balanced, stratified random design, which enabled us to put confidence bounds on the ecological condition estimates derived from the stream survey. The benthic condition index indicated that 62 % of stream length in the basin was in poor ecological condition, and 13 % of stream length was in fair condition. The risk of finding degraded biological condition when the riparian vegetation and forests in upstream catchments were degraded was 2.5 and 4 times higher, compared to streams rated as good for the same stressors. We demonstrated that the GRTS statistical sampling method can be used routinely in Brazilian rain forests and other South American regions with similar conditions. This survey establishes an initial baseline for monitoring the condition and trends of streams in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Jiménez-Valencia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, UFRJ, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Brazil,
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33
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Smith CD, Fischer JR, Quist MC. Historical Changes in Nebraska's Lotic Fish Assemblages: Implications of Anthropogenic Alterations. AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 2014. [DOI: 10.1674/0003-0031-172.1.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bini LM, Landeiro VL, Padial AA, Siqueira T, Heino J. Nutrient enrichment is related to two facets of beta diversity for stream invertebrates across the United States. Ecology 2014; 95:1569-78. [DOI: 10.1890/13-0656.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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35
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Li L, Liu L, Hughes RM, Cao Y, Wang X. Towards a protocol for stream macroinvertebrate sampling in China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:469-479. [PMID: 23996646 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3391-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Standard protocols are critical for maximizing data comparability and aggregation in national monitoring programs, and taxa richness is a common indicator of site condition and biological diversity. There are two general approaches for sampling stream macroinvertebrate assemblages: targeted richest habitat and site wide. At seven sites, we compared three methods: Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP), and Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (RBP). The OBBN method produced a biased sample at a site with a single small riffle, the RBP method produced the most total taxa, and the EMAP method produced the most taxa at four sites and the most individuals at six sites. The RBP method produced asymptotes for percent tolerant individuals, percent chironomid individuals, and Hilsenhoff Biotic Index score after five to ten stations. The EMAP method produced asymptotes for those metrics after 10 to 20 stations per site. The EMAP method typically required half the number of stations as the RBP method to obtain 70-90% of true taxa richness as estimated by the Jaccard coefficient. We conclude that the EMAP method is preferable because of its greater precision in taxa richness estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8th Dayangfang, Beiyuan Road, Beijing, China,
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36
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Blinn DW, Ruiter DE. Tolerance Values and Effects of Selected Environmental Determinants on Caddisfly (Trichoptera) Distribution in Northwest and North Central Washington, USA. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2013. [DOI: 10.3398/064.073.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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37
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Halaburka BJ, Lawrence JE, Bischel HN, Hsiao J, Plumlee MH, Resh VH, Luthy RG. Economic and ecological costs and benefits of streamflow augmentation using recycled water in a California coastal stream. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:10735-43. [PMID: 23688175 DOI: 10.1021/es305011z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Streamflow augmentation has the potential to become an important application of recycled water in water scarce areas. We assessed the economic and ecological merits of a recycled water project that opted for an inland release of tertiary-treated recycled water in a small stream and wetland compared to an ocean outfall discharge. Costs for the status-quo scenario of discharging secondary-treated effluent to the ocean were compared to those of the implemented scenario of inland streamflow augmentation using recycled water. The benefits of the inland-discharge scenario were greater than the increase in associated costs by US$1.8M, with recreational value and scenic amenity generating the greatest value. We also compared physical habitat quality, water quality, and benthic macroinvertebrate community upstream and downstream of the recycled water discharge to estimate the effect of streamflow augmentation on the ecosystem. The physical-habitat quality was higher downstream of the discharge, although streamflow came in unnatural diurnal pulses. Water quality remained relatively unchanged with respect to dissolved oxygen, pH, and ammonia-nitrogen, although temperatures were elevated. Benthic macroinvertebrates were present in higher abundances, although the diversity was relatively low. A federally listed species, the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), was present. Our results may support decision-making for wastewater treatment alternatives and recycled water applications in Mediterranean climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Halaburka
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center
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38
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Evans-White MA, Haggard BE, Scott JT. A review of stream nutrient criteria development in the United States. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2013; 42:1002-1014. [PMID: 24216352 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2012.0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Elevated nutrients and sediments are the main factors contributing to the poor biological condition measured in over 40% of US waters, highlighting the need for criteria that can aid management efforts to protect or restore the quality of US waters. A large amount of literature on nutrient criteria has been generated since the USEPA called for their development in 1998. Our objective was to examine this peer-reviewed literature to evaluate two main approaches for criteria development in lotic ecosystems: percentile rank and bivariate predictive statistical analyses. The 25th percentile approach has been examined broadly across USEPA-aggregate nutrient ecoregions, and we found that USEPA-suggested criteria for these aggregate ecoregions were often more conservative than criteria estimated using more current regionally focused data based on our compiled data set. Furthermore, 25th percentile estimates were often less than 75th percentile estimates based on reference sites, suggesting that 75th percentile estimates were not more conservative than 25th percentile estimates. Predictive approaches have focused on establishing linear and nonlinear relationships between water quality and algae, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities; attributing causation; and determining whether threshold points exist that can aid in nutrient criteria development. Most of the predictive approaches have occurred at the state or watershed level and may not be directly comparable to USEPA aggregate ecoregions. However, percentile method estimates often fell within the confidence interval of biological threshold criteria estimates, suggesting overlap and some consensus between the two main approaches.
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Jun YC, Won DH, Lee SH, Kong DS, Hwang SJ. A multimetric benthic macroinvertebrate index for the assessment of stream biotic integrity in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:3599-628. [PMID: 23202765 PMCID: PMC3509474 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9103599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
At a time when anthropogenic activities are increasingly disturbing the overall ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems, monitoring of biological communities is central to assessing the health and function of streams. This study aimed to use a large nation-wide database to develop a multimetric index (the Korean Benthic macroinvertebrate Index of Biological Integrity—KB-IBI) applicable to the biological assessment of Korean streams. Reference and impaired conditions were determined based on watershed, chemical and physical criteria. Eight of an initial 34 candidate metrics were selected using a stepwise procedure that evaluated metric variability, redundancy, sensitivity and responsiveness to environmental gradients. The selected metrics were number of taxa, percent Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) individuals, percent of a dominant taxon, percent taxa abundance without Chironomidae, Shannon’s diversity index, percent gatherer individuals, ratio of filterers and scrapers, and the Korean saprobic index. Our multimetric index successfully distinguished reference from impaired conditions. A scoring system was established for each core metric using its quartile range and response to anthropogenic disturbances. The multimetric index was classified by aggregating the individual metric ..scores and the value range was quadrisected to provide a narrative criterion (Poor, Fair, Good and Excellent) to describe the biological integrity of the streams in the study. A validation procedure showed that the index is an effective method for evaluating stream conditions, and thus is appropriate for use in future studies measuring the long-term status of streams, and the effectiveness of restoration methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chul Jun
- Department of Environmental Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea;
| | - Doo-Hee Won
- Doohee Institute of Ecological Research, Korea Ecosystem Service Inc., Seoul 153-768, Korea;
| | - Soo-Hyung Lee
- The National Institute of Environmental Research, Inchon 404-170, Korea;
| | - Dong-Soo Kong
- Department of Biology, Kyonggi University, Suwon 443-760, Korea;
| | - Soon-Jin Hwang
- Department of Environmental Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea;
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Schinegger R, Trautwein C, Melcher A, Schmutz S. Multiple human pressures and their spatial patterns in European running waters. WATER AND ENVIRONMENT JOURNAL : THE JOURNAL 2012; 26:261-273. [PMID: 24899914 PMCID: PMC4038270 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2011.00285.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Running water ecosystems of Europe are affected by various human pressures. However, little is known about the prevalence, spatial patterns, interactions with natural environment and co-occurrence of pressures. This study represents the first high-resolution data analysis of human pressures at the European scale, where important pressure criteria for 9330 sampling sites in 14 European countries were analysed. We identified 15 criteria describing major anthropogenic degradation and combined these into a global pressure index by taking additive effects of multiple pressures into account. Rivers are affected by alterations of water quality (59%), hydrology (41%) and morphology (38%). Connectivity is disrupted at the catchment level in 85% and 35% at the river segment level. Approximately 31% of all sites are affected by one, 29% by two, 28% by three and 12% by four pressure groups; only 21% are unaffected. In total, 47% of the sites are multi-impacted. Approximately 90% of lowland rivers are impacted by a combination of all four pressure groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Schinegger
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Trautwein
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Melcher
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Schmutz
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria
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41
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Houghton DC. Biological diversity of the Minnesota caddisflies (Insecta, Trichoptera). Zookeys 2012:1-389. [PMID: 22615539 PMCID: PMC3345922 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.189.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The caddisfly fauna of Minnesota contains at least 277 species within 21 families and 75 genera. These species are based on examination of 312,884 specimens from 2,166 collections of 937 Minnesota aquatic habitats from 1890 to 2007. Included in these totals is my own quantitative sampling of 4 representative habitat types: small streams, medium rivers, large rivers, and lakes, from each of the 58 major Minnesota watersheds from June through September during 1999–2001. All species are illustrated herein, and their known Minnesota abundances, distributions, adult flight periodicities, and habitat affinities presented. Four species: Lepidostoma griseum (Lepidostomatidae), Psilotreta indecisa (Odontoceridae), and Phryganea sayi and Ptilostomis angustipennis (Phryganeidae) are added to the known fauna. An additional 31 dubious species records are removed for various reasons. Of the 5 determined caddisfly regions of the state, species richness per watershed was highest in the Lake Superior and Northern Regions, intermediate in the Southeastern, and lowest in the Northwestern and Southern. Of the 48 individual collections that yielded >40 species, all but 1 were from the Northern Region. Many species, especially within the families Limnephilidae and Phryganeidae, have appeared to decrease in distribution and abundance during the past 75 years, particularly those once common within the Northwestern and Southern Regions. Many species now appear regionally extirpated, and a few have disappeared from the entire state. The loss of species in the Northwestern and Southern Regions, and probably elsewhere, is almost certainly related to the conversion of many habitats to large-scale agriculture during the mid-20th century.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Houghton
- Department of Entomology, 1980 Folwell Ave., University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
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42
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Brown TC, Froemke P. Nationwide Assessment of Nonpoint Source Threats to Water Quality. Bioscience 2012. [DOI: 10.1525/bio.2012.62.2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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43
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Finlay JC. Stream size and human influences on ecosystem production in river networks. Ecosphere 2011. [DOI: 10.1890/es11-00071.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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44
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Hughes RM, Kaufmann PR, Weber MH. National and regional comparisons between Strahler order and stream size. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1899/09-174.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University and Amnis Opes Institute, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA and Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo de Vida Silvestre, Departmento Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CP. 486, CEP. 30.161-970, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Philip R. Kaufmann
- Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
| | - Marc H. Weber
- Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
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45
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Hughes SJ, Santos J, Ferreira T, Mendes A. Evaluating the response of biological assemblages as potential indicators for restoration measures in an intermittent Mediterranean river. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2010; 46:285-301. [PMID: 20640421 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-010-9521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Bioindicators are essential for detecting environmental degradation and for assessing the success of river restoration initiatives. River restoration projects require the identification of environmental and pressure gradients that affect the river system under study and the selection of suitable indicators to assess habitat quality before, during and after restoration. We assessed the response of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, bird and macrophyte assemblages to environmental and pressure gradients from sites situated upstream and downstream of a cofferdam on the River Odelouca, an intermittent Mediterranean river in southwest Portugal. The Odelouca will be permanently dammed in 2010. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) of environmental and pressure variables revealed that most variance was explained by environmental factors that clearly separated sites upstream and downstream of the partially built cofferdam. The pressure gradient describing physical impacts to the banks and channel as a result of land use change was less distinct. Redundancy Analysis revealed significant levels of explained variance to species distribution patterns in relation to environmental and pressure variables for all 4 biological assemblages. Partial Redundancy analyses revealed high levels of redundancy for pH between groups and that the avifauna was best associated with pressures acting upon the system. Patterns in invertebrates and fish were associated with descriptors of habitat quality, although fish distribution patterns were affected by reduced connectivity. Procrustean and RELATE (Mantel test) analyses gave broadly similar results and supported these findings. We give suggestions on the suitability of key indicator groups such as benthic macroinvertebrates and endemic fish species to assess in stream habitat quality and appropriate restoration measures, such as the release of peak flow patterns that mimic intermittent Mediterranean systems to combat habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jane Hughes
- Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Apartado, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real, Portugal.
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46
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Hitt NP, Hendryx M. Ecological integrity of streams related to human cancer mortality rates. ECOHEALTH 2010; 7:91-104. [PMID: 20361230 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-010-0297-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 02/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Assessments of ecological integrity have become commonplace for biological conservation, but their role for public health analysis remains largely unexplored. We tested the prediction that the ecological integrity of streams would provide an indicator of human cancer mortality rates in West Virginia, USA. We characterized ecological integrity using an index of benthic macroinvertebrate community structure (West Virginia Stream Condition Index, SCI) and quantified human cancer mortality rates using county-level data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regression and spatial analyses revealed significant associations between ecological integrity and public health. SCI was negatively related to age-adjusted total cancer mortality per 100,000 people. Respiratory, digestive, urinary, and breast cancer rates increased with ecological disintegrity, but genital and oral cancer rates did not. Smoking, poverty, and urbanization were significantly related to total cancer mortality, but did not explain the observed relationships between ecological integrity and cancer. Coal mining was significantly associated with ecological disintegrity and higher cancer mortality. Spatial analyses also revealed cancer clusters that corresponded to areas of high coal mining intensity. Our results demonstrated significant relationships between ecological integrity and human cancer mortality in West Virginia, and suggested important effects of coal mining on ecological communities and public health. Assessments of ecological integrity therefore may contribute not only to monitoring goals for aquatic life, but also may provide valuable insights for human health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P Hitt
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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47
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Houghton DC, Holzenthal RW. Historical and contemporary biological diversity of Minnesota caddisflies: a case study of landscape-level species loss and trophic composition shift. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1899/09-029.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David C. Houghton
- Department of Biology, 33 East College Street, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan 49242 USA
| | - Ralph W. Holzenthal
- Department of Biology, 33 East College Street, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan 49242 USA
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48
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Sickle JV, Paulsen SG. Assessing the attributable risks, relative risks, and regional extents of aquatic stressors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1899/07-152.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Van Sickle
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
| | - Steven G. Paulsen
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
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49
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Olsen AR, Peck DV. Survey design and extent estimates for the Wadeable Streams Assessment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1899/08-050.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R. Olsen
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
| | - David V. Peck
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
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50
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Stribling JB, Pavlik KL, Holdsworth SM, Leppo EW. Data quality, performance, and uncertainty in taxonomic identification for biological assessments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1899/07-175.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James B. Stribling
- Tetra Tech, Inc., 400 Red Brook Blvd., Suite 200, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-5159 USA
| | - Kristen L. Pavlik
- Tetra Tech, Inc., 400 Red Brook Blvd., Suite 200, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-5159 USA
| | - Susan M. Holdsworth
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Mail Code 4503T, Washington, DC 20460 USA
| | - Erik W. Leppo
- Tetra Tech, Inc., 400 Red Brook Blvd., Suite 200, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-5159 USA
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