Macroinvertebrate colonisation of perspex artificial substrates for use in biomonitoring studies

Abstract

Perspex multiplate artificial substrates were deployed in the Ohinemuri River on two occasions from May to November 1987. A pilot study was conducted to compare the fauna on substrates with that occurring naturally in the benthos, and a second study to investigate the colonisation dynamics. In general, the fauna on artificial substrates was similar to that of natural benthic samples, but with a greater macroinvertebrate density and total taxa number, and dominated by Austrosimuliwn australense and Chironomidae larvae. Colonisation stabilised after 28 days, after which there was little change in diversity. In contrast, equitability decreased, reflecting the greater contribution from A. australense and Chironomidae. There was a steady build-up of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) on the perspex surface. The relatively low exposure time necessary for equilibrium levels to be reached was attributed to the distinctive characteristics of the New Zealand aquatic fauna. The artificial substrates were slightly more variable in their density estimates than was the natural benthic sampler, but were considered suitable for collecting macroinvertebrates for biomonitoring studies where conventional techniques are impractical or inappropriate, and the stated aims of the use of artificial substrates are clearly defined.

Comparative study of periphytic ciliate communities and succession on natural and artificial substrata in two shallow lakes (Eastern Poland)

“…This high degree of similarity was confirmed by the Jaccard index. Several authors (Chadwick & Canton 1983, Boothroyd & Dickie 1989 have reported the presence of similar periphytic communities on macrophytes and artificial substrata. In the lakes studied, regardless of their trophic state and type of substrata, the highest species number were found in the land/water contact zone, while in the remaining zones the number of species was considerably lower.…”

“…Some researchers have noted that artificial substrates are biased with respect to characterizing natural communities, while others maintain that natural substrates present problems with sampling design and qualification. Boothroyd & Dickie (1989), Kauer & Mehra (1998) have reported the presence of similar epiphytic communities on macrophytes as well as on natural and artificial substrates.…”

Macroinvertebrate drift and community colonisation on perspex artificial substrates in the Ohinemuri River, New Zealand

“…Boothroyd & Dickie (1989) showed that colonisation by some taxa was correlated with a build-up of fine paniculate organic matter (FPOM), whereas other taxa such as A. australense larvae were inhibited by a lack of clean substrate for attachment. In his study of an artificially shaded Waitakere River, Towns (1983) also found that the presence or absence of periphyton influenced the distribution of several species through interference with both attachment sites and feeding habits.…”

“…The natural substrate consisted of small rocks, gravels, and sands, with stands of Potamogeton crispus L. and Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss ex Wager also present. Further details were given by Boothroyd & Dickie (1989). The site was chosen as representative of the natural conditions expected during future monitoring programmes in the vicinity.…”

“…Many investigations have now been carried out on the suitability of artificial substrates for monitoring the quality of surface waters (Beak et al 1973;Mason et al 1973;Chadwick & Canton 1983;Lamberti & Resh 1985;Boothroyd & Dickie 1989). A significant aspect of their use is the time required for a community to develop on the introduced surface.…”