The Effects of Nutrient Concentrations on Macroinvertebrate Distributions in Georgia

2005·12 MB·English

by  Brossett, Paula Michele Pollock

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Columbus State University
The College ofScience
The Graduate Program in Environmental Science
The Effects ofNutrient Concentrations on Macroinvertebrate Distributions in Georgia
A
Thesis in
Environmental Science
by
Paula Michele Pollock Brossett
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
ofthe Requirements
for the Degree of
Master ofScience
April 2005
2005 by Paula Michele Pollock Brossett
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I have submitted this thesis in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements forthe degree of
Master ofScience.
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Paula Michele Pollock Brossett
We approve the thesis ofPaula Michele Pollock Brossett as presented here.
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ABSTRACT
Nutrients are considered the second largest nonpoint source pollutant in Georgia's
running water ecosystems. Nutrients can naturally occur in low amounts and are typically
increased in streams as a result ofindustry, agriculture, silviculture, and urbanization. In
large amounts, nutrients can cause many problems to occur in the stream ecosystem.
Macroinvertebrates have been established as good indicators for determining the level of
impairment of a stream; however, not much research has been done on how nutrients
affect macroinvertebrates in a stream. Approximately 225 reference and impaired streams
were sampled over a 3 - year field season, (index period from September to February),
using the EPA's rapid bioassessment protocol (RBP). The concentrations of nutrients
were measured in mg/L and ranged as follows: nitrite and nitrite/nitrate <0.01 to >1.0,
ammonia <0.03 to 3.0, and phosphorous <0.01 to 1.2. Analysis determined (1) the RBP
has the potential to indicate nutrient loading; (2) nutrient parameters that were
significantly different varied across the state, varied at ecoregion level and varied at
subecoregion within an ecoregion; (3) the data indicated some correlations between
nutrients and macroinvertebrate distribution, however the RBP was not a good indicator
ofnutrient loading in all ecoregions and subecoregions across the state; and (4) nutrient
analysis should continue to be part ofthe rapid bioassessment protocol.