Effects of Stream Channelization on Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, Buena Vista Marsh, Portage County, Wisconsin
File(s)
Date
1976-08Author
Sanders, David F.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Project objectives were to determine the effects of
stream channelization on biomass and composition of stream
benthos and drift and on water quality and temperature.
Drift and substrate-stratified, quantitative benthos samples
were collected and stream discharge measured in upstream and
downstream new ditch, old ditch, and natural stream sites,
at approximately 6-week intervals during the ice-free period
of the year. Water chemistry samples were collected at
approximately 6-week intervals throughout the year and
temperatures recorded continuously with thermographs.
Benthic biomass and density were lowest in sand and
higher in aquatic vegetation, silt-detritus, and gravel
(productive substrates) , which provided stable surfaces for
reattachment of drifting invertebrates and interstices for
entrapment of drifting seston. Benthic biomass and density
were positively correlated, whereas drifting invertebrate
biomass and density, and density of drifting seston, were
negatively correlated with percent composition of the
productive substrates.
Percent composition of the productive substrates was
highest in the natural stream, followed by the old and new
ditch in the upstream area, and highest in the new ditch,
followed by the old ditch and natural stream in the
downstream area.
Water quality and temperature, similar among sites,
probably were moderated by groundwater inflow.