Lignite mining and stream channelization influences on aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, USA

Abstract

The article describes the effects of channelization on selected water quality parameters and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in four Big Black River (Mississippi, USA) tributaries crossing the Natchez Trace Parkway [U.S. National Park Service (NPS)]. Two of the streams were unchannelized (Little Bywy Creek and McCurtain Creek), and two were channelized (Big Bywy Creek and Middle Bywy Creek). Lignite mining occurs in the headwaters of Little Bywy Creek and Middle Bywy Creek. During this 3-year study, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected monthly from all four streams using Hester-Dendy Multiple plate samplers, and enumerated taxonomically and functionally. Hypotheses were tested using analyses of variance. Relationships were determined using multivariate analyses. Relative abundances of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera) and aquatic beetles (Coleoptera) were associated with moderate to high conductivity, alkalinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Hellgrammites (Megaloptera), midges, blackflies, and mosquitoes (Diptera), crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda) and leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea) were associated with lower values for these parameters. These patterns reflected seasonal rather than spatial variation (i.e., among the streams). Invertebrate assemblage composition was similar among the four streams with respect to functional groups. Invertebrate relative abundances in the two channelized streams were approximately half those of the unchannelized streams. Macroinvertebrate species richness was greater in unchannelized streams. Environmental indices categorized all four streams as having fair to good condition.

The variability influence of physicochemical parameters on macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Rhumel and Endja rivers, Algeria

“…In particular, temperature influences the solubility of salts and gases, the dissociation of dissolved salts, chemical and biochemical reactions, and the development, growth, and behavior of living aquatic organisms (Guemmaz et al 2019). Temperature variation in running waters at the study stations generally had seasonal and daily time scales due to climate, the extent of streamside vegetation, and the relative importance of water inflows (Rohasliney and Jackson 2008). Temperature is a critical environmental variable determining the metabolic rates of organisms, their distribution along a river's length and over geographic regions, and quite possibly their success in interacting with other species and behavior of aquatic and amphibiotic living organisms, and particularly the activity of aquatic microorganisms (Kumar et al 2010).…”

Bioassessment of Kordan Stream (Iran) Water Quality Using Macro-Zoobenthos Indices

“…Trichopteran insects were the most frequent order at site 2 because of appropriate substrates (rocky substrate, large amount of woody debris) for development of periphyton (and aufwuchs) in this site. Plecoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera were also abundant in this site for adequate sources of coarse particulate organic matter (tall trees in riparian zone) (Rohasliney and Jackson, 2007). Also large woody debris entrap the allochthonous organic material and forming leaf packs as attachment sites for most benthic macroinvertebrate colonization (Vanderwel et al, 2006).…”

Biotic Indices in Water Quality Assessment for Reference Rivers: A Comparative Analysis of Bioindication Indices of the Baitugan River (High Transvolga Region)

“…Следует отметить, что индексы TBI и BMWP широко применяются с целью биоиндикации поверхностных вод в США, странах Европейского союза, Африки, Азии, Океании и Латинской Америки [38][39][40].…”