Research Article

Comparative assessment of stream acidity using diatoms and macroinvertebrates: implications for river management and conservation

  1. Bethan R. Lewis1,*,
  2. Ingrid Jüttner2,
  3. Brian Reynolds3,
  4. S.J. Ormerod1

Article first published online: 14 JUL 2006

DOI: 10.1002/aqc.787

Issue

Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Volume 17, Issue 5, pages 502–519, July/August 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Lewis, B. R., Jüttner, I., Reynolds, B. and Ormerod, S.J. (2007), Comparative assessment of stream acidity using diatoms and macroinvertebrates: implications for river management and conservation. Aquatic Conserv: Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst., 17: 502–519. doi: 10.1002/aqc.787

Author Information

  1. 1

    Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

  2. 2

    National Museum Wales, Department of Biodiversity and Systematic Biology, Cardiff, UK

  3. 3

    Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bangor, UK

*Cardiff School of Biosciences, Main Building, Cardiff University, PO Box 915, Cardiff CF10 3TL, UK

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 13 JUL 2007
  2. Article first published online: 14 JUL 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 16 MAR 2006
  4. Manuscript Received: 12 OCT 2005

Funded by

  • Wye and Usk Foundation
  • School of Biosciences, Cardiff University
  • Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH)
  • Welsh Assembly Government

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Keywords:

  • acidification;
  • biological indicators;
  • upland streams;
  • Water Framework Directive;
  • water quality

Abstract

  • 1.
    Macroinvertebrates and phytobenthic organisms (e.g. diatoms) are frequently used as bioindicators of water quality, yet few studies compare their effectiveness despite both being emphasized in the EC Water Framework Directive.
  • 2.
    Here, as a case study, the efficacy of each group in assessing acid–base status in the catchment of the Welsh River Wye was evaluated from surveys in 2 years.
  • 3.
    Ordination showed that both diatom and macroinvertebrate assemblages varied highly significantly with pH, alkalinity and calcium concentrations. Moreover, ordination scores were highly inter-correlated between these groups in both study years.
  • 4.
    There were also contrasts, with diatoms and macroinvertebrates changing in differing ways with catchment land-use and channel hydromorphology. These differing responses suggest complementary indicator value, while variation in generation times between diatoms and macroinvertebrates suggests potentially contrasting speeds of response to variations over different timescales.
  • 5.
    These data reveal that significant water quality problems in the River Wye, a proposed Special Area of Conservation, are generated from the continued acidification of low-order, headwater streams and this has considerable significance for the objectives of the Water Framework Directive, and the EC Habitats Directive.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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