DOCSLIB.ORG

Geological Survey of Alabama Calibration of The

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Geological Survey of Alabama Calibration of The GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ALABAMA Berry H. (Nick) Tew, Jr. State Geologist ECOSYSTEMS INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM CALIBRATION OF THE INDEX OF BIOTIC INTEGRITY FOR THE TENNESSEE VALLEY ICHTHYOREGION IN ALABAMA OPEN-FILE REPORT 1004 by Patrick E. O'Neil and Thomas E. Shepard Prepared in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuscaloosa, Alabama 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ............................................................ 1 Introduction.......................................................... 1 Acknowledgments .................................................... 6 Objectives........................................................... 7 Study area .......................................................... 7 Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion .................................... 7 Methods ............................................................ 9 IBI sample collection ............................................. 9 Habitat measures............................................... 11 Habitat metrics ........................................... 12 The human disturbance gradient ................................... 16 IBI metrics and scoring criteria..................................... 20 Designation of guilds....................................... 21 Results and discussion................................................ 23 Sampling sites and collection results . 23 Selection and scoring of Tennessee Valley IBI metrics . 41 Metrics selected for the Tennessee Valley IBI . 47 1. Number of native species ................................. 47 2. Number of shiner species ................................ 48 3. Number of sucker species................................. 48 4. Number of darter + madtom species . 51 5. Number of intolerant species .............................. 51 6. Proportion as tolerant species.............................. 54 7. Proportion as Lepomis ................................... 54 8. Proportion as invertivores ................................. 58 9. Proportion as omnivores and herbivores . 58 10. Proportion as top carnivores .............................. 61 11. Proportion with DELT+hybrids . 61 12. Number of lithophilic spawning species . 63 IBI development for the Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion . 63 Conclusions ........................................................ 81 References cited..................................................... 83 Appendix A. Habitat evaluation forms..................................... 88 Appendix B. Reproduction and trophic guild classifications for Alabama fishes . 91 Appendix C. Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion fish community sampling data . 103 TABLES Table 1. IBI sampling sites in the Tennessee Valley and Plateau ichthyoregions, 2008-09 ...................................................... 25 Table 2. Fish species collected in the Tennessee and Black Warrior River systems ...................................................... 29 Table 3. Rapid habitat assessment scores for sites in the Tennessee Valley and Plateau ichthyoregions........................................... 34 ii Table 4. Human disturbance metrics for sites in the Tennessee Valley and Plateau ichthyoregions ................................................. 37 Table 5. LDI-weighted human disturbance metrics for sites in the Tennessee Valley and Plateau ichthyoregions.................................. 39 Table 6. Correlation coefficients between candidate IBI metrics and habitat assessment metrics ............................................. 42 Table 7. Correlation coefficients between candidate IBI metrics and human disturbance metrics ............................................. 43 Table 8. Statistical and responsive measures for candidate IBI metrics . 44 Table 9. Redundancy analysis for Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion IBI metrics . 46 Table 10. Fish community values for Tennessee Valley IBI metrics . 66 Table 11. Scores for Tennessee Valley IBI metrics . 69 Table 12. IBI integrity classes for the Ridge & Valley/Piedmont, Southern Plains, and Tennessee Valley ichthyoregions . 72 FIGURES Figure 1. Preliminary ichthyoregion classification for Alabama . 5 Figure 2. Ecoregions and river systems in Alabama . 8 Figure 3. Conceptual model illustrating the relationship between disturbance, stressor, and response. .......................................... 17 Figure 4. Location of IBI sampling sites in the Tennessee and Black Warrior River systems ................................................. 24 Figure 5. Frequency distribution of sampling sites by watershed area and human disturbance ................................................... 28 Figure 6. Relationships between the IBI metric number of native species and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat. 49 Figure 7. Relationships between the IBI metric number of shiner species and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 50 Figure 8. Relationships between the IBI metric number of sucker species and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 52 Figure 9. Relationships between the IBI metric number of darter+madtom species and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 53 Figure 10. Relationships between the IBI metric number of intolerant species and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 55 Figure 11. Relationships between the IBI metric percent tolerant species and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 56 Figure 12. Relationships between the IBI metric percent Lepomis and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat ..................................... 57 Figure 13. Relationships between the IBI metric percent invertivores and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat. .................................... 59 Figure 14. Relationships between the IBI metric percent omnivores and herbivores and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 60 Figure 15. Relationships between the IBI metric percent top carnivores and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 62 iii Figure 16. Relationships between the IBI metric percent DELT + hybrids and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 64 Figure 17. Relationships between the IBI metric number of lithophilic spawners and watershed area, disturbance, and habitat . 65 Figure 18. Frequency distribution of IBI integrity classes for sites in the Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion............................................. 72 Figure 19. Comparison of the IBI in level III ecoregions relative to habitat quality and a comparison of IBI scores for small and large watersheds relative to habitat quality.................................................. 73 Figure 20. Comparison of the IBI in level III ecoregions relative to human disturbance and a comparison of IBI scores for small and large watersheds relative to human disturbance ..................................... 75 Figure 21. Comparison of the IBI relative to habitat quality for level IV ecoregions in the Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion . 76 Figure 22. Comparison of the IBI relative to human disturbance for level IV ecoregions in the Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion . 77 Figure 23. Tiered aquatic life use relationships between the IBI, habitat quality, and human disturbance for sites in the Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion . 79 Figure 24. Biological condition gradient models for the Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion .................................................. 80 iv ABSTRACT The Tennessee Valley ichthyoregion in north Alabama was sampled from May through October 2009 to develop data for creating and calibrating the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Ninety-seven sampling sites were selected to represent a range of watershed areas and levels of human disturbance. Watersheds ranged in area from 1.76 square miles (mi22) to 308 mi with 45 percent of the watersheds <20 mi2, 42 percent ranging from 21 to100 mi22, and 11 percent were >100 mi . Rapid habitat assessments were completed for each sample and eight measures of human disturbance were derived for each site from a geographic information system. Thirty- four candidate IBI metrics were screened for inclusion in the IBI by evaluating their relationship to the habitat assessment and human disturbance metrics. Both human disturbance metrics and habitat metrics were correlated with IBI metrics. Twelve metrics were selected for the Tennessee Valley IBI: number of native species, number of shiner species, number of sucker species, number of darter+madtom species, number of intolerant species, proportion of tolerant species, proportion of Lepomis species, proportion of invertivores, proportion of omnivores and herbivores, proportion of top carnivores, proportion with DELT+hybrids (DELT=deformities, eroded fins, lesions, tumors) and number of lithophilic spawning species. The IBI was effective in discriminating sites with good habitat scores from sites with poor habitat scores. Thirty- two percent of the sites scored in the poor to very poor range, 40 percent in the fair range, and 28 percent in the good to excellent range. The Tennessee Valley IBI scoring criteria were adjusted slightly lower than criteria developed for the Ridge & Valley/Piedmont and Southern Plains ichthyoregions. The Tennessee Valley IBI integrity classes were applied to the USEPA biological condition gradient concept for tiered aquatic life uses to model the response of biological condition to ecosystem stress in the region. This model can be used to better assess stream aquatic life use in Tennessee Valley streams and provide an additional tool for screening streams for
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Information on the NCWRC's Scientific Council of Fishes Rare
    A Summary of the 2010 Reevaluation of Status Listings for Jeopardized Freshwater Fishes in North Carolina Submitted by Bryn H. Tracy North Carolina Division of Water Resources North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Raleigh, NC On behalf of the NCWRC’s Scientific Council of Fishes November 01, 2014 Bigeye Jumprock, Scartomyzon (Moxostoma) ariommum, State Threatened Photograph by Noel Burkhead and Robert Jenkins, courtesy of the Virginia Division of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Southeastern Fishes Council (http://www.sefishescouncil.org/). Table of Contents Page Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 3 2010 Reevaluation of Status Listings for Jeopardized Freshwater Fishes In North Carolina ........... 4 Summaries from the 2010 Reevaluation of Status Listings for Jeopardized Freshwater Fishes in North Carolina .......................................................................................................................... 12 Recent Activities of NCWRC’s Scientific Council of Fishes .................................................. 13 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part I, Ohio Lamprey .............................................. 14 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part II, “Atlantic” Highfin Carpsucker ...................... 17 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part III, Tennessee Darter ...................................... 20 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part
    [Show full text]
  • Geological Survey of Alabama Calibration of The
    GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ALABAMA Berry H. (Nick) Tew, Jr. State Geologist WATER INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM CALIBRATION OF THE INDEX OF BIOTIC INTEGRITY FOR THE SOUTHERN PLAINS ICHTHYOREGION IN ALABAMA OPEN-FILE REPORT 0908 by Patrick E. O'Neil and Thomas E. Shepard Prepared in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuscaloosa, Alabama 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ............................................................ 1 Introduction.......................................................... 1 Acknowledgments .................................................... 6 Objectives........................................................... 7 Study area .......................................................... 7 Southern Plains ichthyoregion ...................................... 7 Methods ............................................................ 8 IBI sample collection ............................................. 8 Habitat measures............................................... 10 Habitat metrics ........................................... 12 The human disturbance gradient ................................... 15 IBI metrics and scoring criteria..................................... 19 Designation of guilds....................................... 20 Results and discussion................................................ 22 Sampling sites and collection results . 22 Selection and scoring of Southern Plains IBI metrics . 41 1. Number of native species ................................
    [Show full text]
  • Download BALMNH No 25 2007
    ••• 11111111 ••• ••• ... .... ... ••• ALABAMA MUSEUM of Natural History Bulletin 25 August 1, 2007 Systematics, Evolution and Biogeography of the Etheostoma simoterum Species Complex (Percidae: Subgenus Ulocentra) Distribution and Satus of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia Unionidae) of the Lower Coosa and Tallapoosa River Drainages in Alabama The Osteology of the Stonecat, Noturus flavus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae), with Comparisons to Other Siluriforms 8 1 BULLETIN ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL mSTORY The scientific publication of the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Dr. Phillip Harris, Editor. BULLETIN AlABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY is published by the Alabama Museum of Natural History, a unit of The University of Alabama. The BULLETIN succeeds its predecessor, the MUSEUM PAPERS, which was terminated in 1961 upon the transfer of the Museum to the University from its parent organiza­ tion, the Geological Survey of Alabama. The BULLETIN is devoted primarily to scholarship and research concerning the natural history of Alabama and the Southeast. It appears twice yearly in consecutively numbered issues. Communication concerning manuscripts, style, and editorial policy should be addressed to: Editor, BULLETIN AlABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, The University of Alabama, Box 870345, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0345; telephone (205) 348-1831 or [email protected]. Prospective authors should exam­ ine the Notice to Authors inside the back cover. Orders and requests for general information should be addressed to BULLETIN AlABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, at the above address or emailed to [email protected]. Yearly subscriptions (two issues) are $30.00 for individ­ uals, $50.00 for corporations and institutions. Numbers may be purchased individual­ ly. Payment should accompany orders and subscriptions and checks should be made out to "The University of Alabama." Library exchanges should be handled through: Exchange Librarian, The University of Alabama, Box 870266, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0340.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S
    Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4—An Update April 2013 Prepared by: Pam L. Fuller, Amy J. Benson, and Matthew J. Cannister U.S. Geological Survey Southeast Ecological Science Center Gainesville, Florida Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Atlanta, Georgia Cover Photos: Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix – Auburn University Giant Applesnail, Pomacea maculata – David Knott Straightedge Crayfish, Procambarus hayi – U.S. Forest Service i Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... ii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................ vi INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Overview of Region 4 Introductions Since 2000 ....................................................................................... 1 Format of Species Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 2 Explanation of Maps ................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Fishtraits: a Database on Ecological and Life-History Traits of Freshwater
    FishTraits database Traits References Allen, D. M., W. S. Johnson, and V. Ogburn-Matthews. 1995. Trophic relationships and seasonal utilization of saltmarsh creeks by zooplanktivorous fishes. Environmental Biology of Fishes 42(1)37-50. [multiple species] Anderson, K. A., P. M. Rosenblum, and B. G. Whiteside. 1998. Controlled spawning of Longnose darters. The Progressive Fish-Culturist 60:137-145. [678] Barber, W. E., D. C. Williams, and W. L. Minckley. 1970. Biology of the Gila Spikedace, Meda fulgida, in Arizona. Copeia 1970(1):9-18. [485] Becker, G. C. 1983. Fishes of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI. Belk, M. C., J. B. Johnson, K. W. Wilson, M. E. Smith, and D. D. Houston. 2005. Variation in intrinsic individual growth rate among populations of leatherside chub (Snyderichthys copei Jordan & Gilbert): adaptation to temperature or length of growing season? Ecology of Freshwater Fish 14:177-184. [349] Bonner, T. H., J. M. Watson, and C. S. Williams. 2006. Threatened fishes of the world: Cyprinella proserpina Girard, 1857 (Cyprinidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes. In Press. [133] Bonnevier, K., K. Lindstrom, and C. St. Mary. 2003. Parental care and mate attraction in the Florida flagfish, Jordanella floridae. Behavorial Ecology and Sociobiology 53:358-363. [410] Bortone, S. A. 1989. Notropis melanostomus, a new speices of Cyprinid fish from the Blackwater-Yellow River drainage of northwest Florida. Copeia 1989(3):737-741. [575] Boschung, H.T., and R. L. Mayden. 2004. Fishes of Alabama. Smithsonian Books, Washington. [multiple species] 1 FishTraits database Breder, C. M., and D. E. Rosen. 1966. Modes of reproduction in fishes.
    [Show full text]
  • Geological Survey of Alabama Calibration of The
    GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ALABAMA Berry H. (Nick) Tew, Jr. State Geologist ECOSYSTEMS INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM CALIBRATION OF THE INDEX OF BIOTIC INTEGRITY FOR THE SOUTHERN PLAINS ICHTHYOREGION IN ALABAMA OPEN-FILE REPORT 1210 by Patrick E. O'Neil and Thomas E. Shepard Prepared in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuscaloosa, Alabama 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ............................................................ 1 Introduction.......................................................... 2 Acknowledgments .................................................... 6 Objectives........................................................... 7 Study area .......................................................... 7 Southern Plains ichthyoregion ...................................... 7 Methods ............................................................ 9 IBI sample collection ............................................. 9 Habitat measures............................................... 11 Habitat metrics ........................................... 12 The human disturbance gradient ................................... 16 IBI metrics and scoring criteria..................................... 20 Designation of guilds....................................... 21 Results and discussion................................................ 23 Sampling sites and collection results . 23 Selection and scoring of Southern Plains IBI metrics . 48 Metrics selected for the
    [Show full text]
  • Water Quality Conditions in the Cahaba River and Likely Pollutant Sources
    Water Quality Conditions in the Cahaba River and Likely Pollutant Sources Robert E. Pitt, Ph.D., P.E., DEE Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Alabama at Birmingham August 9, 2000 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Water Quality Criteria .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Fish and Wildlife............................................................................................ 6 Dissolved Oxygen................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Bacteria ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Hardness................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Ammonia............................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Nitrates.................................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea), Parasites of Suckers (Catostomidae) in North America, with Description of Two New Species
    © Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS =9*&GG%**; doi: &*&88&&H9*&G**; http://folia.paru.cas.cz Review A synoptic review of Promonobothrium Mackiewicz, 1968 (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea), parasites of suckers (Catostomidae) in North America, with description of two new species Mikuláš Oros&9, Jan Brabec9, Roman Kuchta9, Anindo Choudhury3 and Tomáš Scholz9 1"#M"#56< 9=N" 5# D3"56< 3D"QQ6DRN Abstract: Monozoic cestodes of the recently amended genus Promonobothrium V#W&EG;XY@ #XYQ"WW[6 >"[X?VY?" type and voucher specimens from museum collections and newly collected material of most species indicated the following valid nom@ inal species: Promonobothrium minytremiV#W&EG;XY<P. ingens X\&E9'Y<P. hunteri XV#W&EG%Y< P. ulmeri XV#W&EGGY<P. fossae XR&E'8YP. mackiewicziXR&E'8Y RogersusR&E;* with its only species R. rogersi is transferred to Promonobothrium based on morphological and molecular data. Promonobothrium cur- rani sp. n. and P. papiliovarium sp. n. are described from Ictiobus bubalusX5[]YIctiobus niger X5[]YErimyzon oblongus (Mitchill), respectively. The newly described species can be distinguished from the other congeners by the morphology of the >""" "V>6]665Q XDQDQY["# [Promonobothrium based on morphological characteristics is provided. Keywords:?[">WQ5[# Systematic research on caryophyllidean cestodes in XM"@\"9*&*#"9*&& Q6W\RX&E%*Y> 69*&9Y6@ monograph of the group and reached its highest intensi@ X6#9*&8"@ &EG*R&E'*RW" "9*&8\"9*&+Y _V#WV_N5_?\R@ Based on morphological and molecular data, Scholz liams described a number of caryophyllidean species and X9*&+Y [" Q " proposed several new genera (see references in Hoffman placed in MonobothriumD&;G% &EEEYV#W6@ monotypic Promonobothrium V#W &EG; \W@ tant contributions to the current knowledge of this enig@ " > 6 6WXV#W&E'9&E;& > &EE8 9**%Y 6 study on amended Promonobothrium are presented and &E;*R X #["@ 9*&8YW63@ tion, two new species of Promonobothrium are described X\9*&8Y from smallmouth buffalo Ictiobus bubalus X5[]Y This long period, i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • Validity of Effluent and Ambient Toxicity Tests for Predicting
    United States Environmental Research EPA/600/8-85/015 Environmental Protection Laboratory December 1985 Agency Duluth MN 55804 Permits Division OWEP 85-02 (EN-336) Washington DC 20460 Research and Development EPA Validity of Effluent and Ambient Toxicity Testing for Predicting Biological Impact on Five Mile Creek, Birmingham, Alabama EPA/600/8-85/015 December 1985 Validity of Effluent and Ambient Toxicity Testing for Predicting Biological Impact on Five Mile Creek, Birmingham, Alabama Edited by Donald I. Mount, Ph.D.1 Alexis E. Steen2 Teresa J. Norberg-King1 1Environmental Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 6201 Congdon Blvd. Duluth, Minnesota 55804 2EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc (formerly Ecological Analysts, Inc.) Hunt Valley/Loveton Center 15 Loveton Circle Sparks, Maryland 21152 Environmental Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Duluth, MN 55804 Disclaimer This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Foreword The Complex Effluent Toxicity Testing Program was initiated to support the developing trend toward water quality-based toxicity control in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, It is designed to investigate, under actual discharge situations, the appropriateness and utility of “whole effluent toxicity” testing in the identification, analysis, and control of adverse water quality impact caused by the discharge of toxic effluents. The four objectives of the Complex Effluent Testing Program are: 1. To investigate the validity of effluent toxicity tests in predicting adverse impact on receiving waters caused by the discharge of toxic effluents.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix A: Equipment & Supplies
    National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2018/19 Field Operations Manual Version 1.1 April 2018 Appendix A: Equipment & Supplies T & SUPPLIES & T APPENDIX A: EQUIPMEN A: APPENDIX A-1 National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2018/19 Field Operations Manual Version 1.1 April 2018 T & SUPPLIES & T APPENDIX A: EQUIPMEN A: APPENDIX A-2 National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2018/19 Field Operations Manual Version 1.1 April 2018 Base Kit A Base Kit will be provided to the field crews for all sampling sites that they will go to. Some items are sent in the base kit as extra supplies to be used as needed. Base Kit Item Quantity Protocol Antibiotic Salve 1 Fish Plug Aspirator bulb 1 Fish Plug Beaker (3 L, Nalgene) 1 Water Chemistry Centrifuge tube stand 1 Chlorophyll A Centrifuge tubes (sterile, green screw-top, 50-mL) (10/pack) 1 pack Chlorophyll A Periphyton Chlorophyll bottle (2 L, brown) 1 Chlorophyll A Clinometer† 1 Physical Habitat Compass† 1 Physical Habitat Delimiter – 12 cm2 area 1 Periphyton Densiometer - Convex spherical (modified with taped V)† 1 Physical Habitat D-frame Kick Net (500 µm mesh, 52” handle) † 1 Benthics Dry ice label (Class 9)* 5 Shipping Electrical tape - roll* 1 General FedEx labels, 5 sets of each in file folder (T1, T2, T3, T5)* 1 Shipping Filtration chamber adapter 3 Enterococci, Chlorophyll A, Periphyton Filtration flask 1 Enterococci, Chlorophyll A, Periphyton Filtration flask stopper (silicone, blue) 2 Enterococci, Chlorophyll A, Periphyton Filtration unit (sterile 250 ml funnel, cap and filter holder) - spares 5 Enterococci,
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) Attribute Assignments for Macroinvertebrates and Fish in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland)
    Mid-Atlantic Biological Condition Gradient Attributes Final Report Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) Attribute Assignments for Macroinvertebrates and Fish in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland) Prepared for Jason Hill and Larry Willis VDEQ Susan Jackson USEPA Prepared by Ben Jessup, Jen Stamp, Michael Paul, and Erik Leppo Tetra Tech Final Report August 5, 2019 Mid-Atlantic BCG Attributes Final Report; August 5, 2019 Executive Summary Macroinvertebrates and fish have varying levels of sensitivity to pollution based on their taxa specific adaptations and the magnitude, frequency, and type of stressors. Environmental conditions influence the structure of lotic communities in the Mid-Atlantic. The Biological Condition Gradient is a conceptual model that describes the condition of waterbodies relative to well-defined levels of condition that are known to vary with levels of disturbance based on the pollution tolerances of aquatic organisms. In biological assessment programs, the tolerance characteristics of the aquatic organisms are part of the determination of overall stream health. This study represents the first phase of statewide BCG development in Virginia by assigning tolerance attributes to many common macroinvertebrates and fish in the Mid-Atlantic. BCG tolerance attributes reflect taxa sensitivity to stream conditions. The attributes (I – X) represent commonness, rarity, regional specialization, tolerance to disturbance, organism condition, ecosystem function and connectivity (Table 1, Appendix A). Attributes I – VI are related to tolerance to disturbance. These are used in BCG models to describe aspects of the community relative to disturbance (Table 2). Attributes I, VI, and X can be assigned to taxa to describe the natural biological condition of a waterbody.
    [Show full text]
  • Laboratory Operations Manual Version 2.0 May 2014
    United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water Washington, DC EPA 841‐B‐12‐010 National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐2014 Laboratory Operations Manual Version 2.0 May 2014 2013‐2014 National Rivers & Streams Assessment Laboratory Operations Manual Version 1.3, May 2014 Page ii of 224 NOTICE The intention of the National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐2014 is to provide a comprehensive “State of Flowing Waters” assessment for rivers and streams across the United States. The complete documentation of overall project management, design, methods, quality assurance, and standards is contained in five companion documents: National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐14: Quality Assurance Project Plan EPA‐841‐B‐12‐007 National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐14: Site Evaluation Guidelines EPA‐841‐B‐12‐008 National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐14: Non‐Wadeable Field Operations Manual EPA‐841‐B‐ 12‐009a National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐14: Wadeable Field Operations Manual EPA‐841‐B‐12‐ 009b National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐14: Laboratory Operations Manual EPA 841‐B‐12‐010 Addendum to the National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013‐14: Wadeable & Non‐Wadeable Field Operations Manuals This document (Laboratory Operations Manual) contains information on the methods for analyses of the samples to be collected during the project, quality assurance objectives, sample handling, and data reporting. These methods are based on the guidelines developed and followed in the Western Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (Peck et al. 2003). Methods described in this document are to be used specifically in work relating to the NRSA 2013‐2014.
    [Show full text]