Algal Colonization of Clay Tiles in a Third Order Midwestern Stream
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Authors
Kenzie, Jessica A.
Issue Date
1998
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Benthic algae contribute to stream primary productivity and are an important food
resource for macroinvertebrates and other heterotrophs. Algae are good indicators of
changes in the stream ecosystem because of their high turnover rate and sensitivity to
pollutants. This study focused on determining the availability of algae as a food resource
and characterizing a newly restored reach of a third-order Midwestern stream. The data
were examined to see if the restored reach was functionally and structurally similar to the
original stream. The change in biomass over time and between reaches as estimated by
chlorophyll a and Ash Free Dry Mass was examined. Community composition was also
examined. The independent variables measured were canopy cover, current velocity, and
water temperature. The highest algal biomass occurred in the restored reach. Light
penetration had the greatest influence on biomass and current velocity and temperature
affected community composition. The results suggest that a functional difference
between the two reaches does exist and that canopy cover should be a major
consideration of future stream restoration projects.
Description
iii, 25 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.