EMSL-LV-0539-25
FRESHWATER ALGAE OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
June 1979
Prepared under
Memorandum of Understanding
No. EY-76-A-08-0539
for the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
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EMSL-LV-0539-25
FRESHWATER ALGAE OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE
by
W. D. Taylor and K. R. Giles
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
June 1979
Prepared under
Memorandum of Understanding
No. EY-76-A-08-0539
for the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
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1----
ABSTRACT
Fifty-two species of freshwater algae were identified in samples col-
lected from the eight known natural springs of the Nevada Test Site. Al-
though several species were widespread, 29 species were site specific.
Diatoms provided the greatest variety of species at each spring. Three-
fifths of all algal species encountered were diatoms. Well-developed mats
of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) were common in many of the water
tanks associated with the springs and accounted for most of the algal bio-
mass. Major nutrients were adequate, if not abundant, in most spring
waters--growth being limited primarily by light and physical habitat. There
was some evidence of cesium-137 bioconcentration by algae at several of the
springs.
ii
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CONTENTS
Page
Abstract
ii
List of Figure and Tables
iv
Introduction.
1
Description of Springs
2
Cane Spring
Captain Jack Spring
2
2
Green Spring.
Oak Spring
Tippipah Spring
2
Topopah Spring
White Rock Spring
4
4
4
5
Materials and Methods
5
Sample Collection
Sample Analysis
5
5
Results and Discussion
8
Water Chemistry
Algal Findings
8
11
General Discussion
16
References
18
Distribution
iU
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Number
LIST OF FIGURE AND TABLES
Figure
1
Location of natural springs on the Nevada Test Site. . . . . . .
Table
1
Water temperature, pH, sample types, and other observations
of the Nevada Test Site springs sampled on May 4, 1976. ....
2
Results of standard chemical water analysis performed for
selected Nevada Test Site springs sampled on May 4, 1976
. . . .
3
Nutrient concentrations of spring water collected at the
Nevada Test Site on June 16, 1976 . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
4
Tritium and gamma analysis of spring water and algae,
Nevada Test Site, 1976 . . . .. ..........
. . . . . .
5
Algae collected from natural springs of the Nevada Test Site
:tv
Page
3
6
9
10
11
12
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INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Test Site (NTS) encompasses approximately 3,500 square
meters of desert area, ranging from the high flat plateaus to dry lake
This entire area is subject to high winds, sudden temperature changes,
sporadic precipitation. The annual mean precipitation at any specific
tion depends to a large extent on the elevation (Quiring, 1968).
kilo-
beds.
and
loca-
Although historically several of the springs on the NTS provided the
only water available to settlers and travelers in the area (remains of old
wood and stone structures still stand by several of the springs), today they
are isolated from all but a few personnel employed at the NTS. A four-wheel
drive vehicle is needed to gain access to several of the springs which
further isolates them from human perturbations.
Interest in the eight natural springs known to exist within the bound-
aries of the NTS has increased due to a reduction in availability of water
because of deterioration of the spring sites (Giles, 1976). The springs are
the only known sources of water for wildlife in the area, especially during
the critical hot summer months. Giles' study was undertaken to determine the
manpower and materials required to improve or reclaim the springs for the
continued support of wildlife. Renovations made in 1975 were described in
another report (Smith et al., 1978a). Maintenance of the springs have con-
tinued on a routine basis (Smith et al., 1978b).
More comprehensive information on the historical development of the NTS
springs, the use by wildlife, and the hydrology of the area is available in
other publications (U.S. Geological Survey, 1971; Hayward et al., 1963;
Jorgensen and Hayward, 1965; Worman, 1969). Drouet (1960), and Shields and
Drouet (1962), in studies of terrestrial algae of the NTS, list 16 terrestrial
and 15 aquatic species of algae, the aquatic species being found in the
vicinity of Cane Spring. However, during the present study, only two of these
species were encountered.
The primary purpose of this study was to characterize the poorly known
algal communities and environmental conditions in the natural springs of the
NTS. In addition, analyses of spring water and algae for gamma-emitting
radionuclides and tritium were performed on selected spring samples as some
algae are known to concentrate radioactive materials to levels many times
greater than background concentrations.
1
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DESCRIPTION OF SPRINGS
The locations of the eight natural springs known to exist on the NTS are
shown in figure 1. The individual spring descriptions are modified from
Giles (1976) only in cases where changes have occurred at the spring site or
where additional information was added in connection with the subject of this
study.
CANE SPRING
Location:
East slope of the Skull Mountain, Area 27; Long. 116°06' W.,
Lat. 36°48' N., T. 13 S., R. 52 E., See 26.
Three old, unoccupied buildings and a large willow tree mark the loca-
tion of Cane Spring. Water is accessible from a circular dugout in the hill-
side, from a deep tunnel excavated to improve waterflow, and from a 120-liter
plastic tank kept full year-round with water piped a short distance from the
spring. Spring water seeps down to a low marshy area which is overgrown with
cattails, aquatic grasses, and other vegetation. Except for the dugout the
area has full sun exposure.
CAPTAIN JACK SPRING
Location:
Southwest of Area 12 Campsite near conjunction of Areas 2, 12, and
17; Long. 116°10' W., Lat. 37°10' N., T. 9 W., R. 52 E., Sec. 19.
Most of the water from this spring is diverted through a plastic pipe to
a small metal tank where the water was made more readily accessible to wild-
life. At the time of sampling the surface of the water in the tank was com-
pletely covered with a thick mat of filamentous algae. The spring and tank
are in a narrow canyon, thereby limiting direct sunlight during large parts
of the day.
GREEN SPRING (afso known as Reitmann Spring)
A~ea 7; Long. 116°00' W., Lat. 37°05' N., T. 9 S., R. 53 E.
Location:
This spring is an open pool containing about 23 liters of water year-
round. Loss of water from the pool is through evaporation, transpiration,
and from wild animals drinking it. The margin of the pool is overgrown with
Carex sp. and grasses. The pool is littered with decomposing organic debris.
2
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...,r----~
... ,
\_n~,:~ ""I
eN.
.
\
\
\
I
/ I
',~ JI
\c>
'.~
. 0
'~~o.
20:~ ~!!._'
..
"~ -9. Pahute CP
. ()I
.......-......... ...
I
I
I
---~
.. Air I
\ Strip
CP1.~
I
I
: JI
I .
___11
Desert Game
Range
Scale in Feet
~... .
10000 0
30000
Scale in Meters
H'-'P""""In,...."
o 5000 10000
Las Vegas (65 miles
from Mercury)
Figure 1.
Location of natural springs (,) on the Nevada Test Site (from
Giles, 1976)
3
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OAK SPRING
Location:
Area 15; Long. 116°04' W., Lat. 37°15' N., T. 8 S., R. 53 E.,
Sec. 20.
This spring was apparently developed to provide water for mining opera-
tions. There is evidence of a pipeli~e running to living quarters and a cor-
ral about 1.6 kilometers south of the spring. The opening at the spring is
small (about 0.5 meters in diameter). Water was piped a short distance to a
l20-liter tank. A sheet metal ladder is present in the tank presumably to
provide a mechanism of escape for any small animal that might otherwise be
trapped and drown. The steps of the ladder function as growing surfaces for
dense masses of algae.
TIPPIPAH SPRING
Location:
Northeast of the Shoshone Mountain, Area 16; Long. 116°12' W.,
Lat. 37°03' N., T. 10 S., R. 51 E., See. 26.
The
dence of
sampling
a tunnel
from the
ed light
remains of two stone buildings and other ranch structures are evi-
a once abundant supply of water from this spring. At the time of
there was a small pool 20 to 30 centimeters in depth at the back of
extending about 10 meters into the hillside. Rock and dirt falling
roof are gradually filling the entrance to this tunnel. Very limit-
reaches the water.
TOPOPAH SPRING
Location:
Southwest of the foot of the Shoshone Mountain, Area 29;
Long. 116016' W., Lat. 36°56' N., T. 12 S., R. 51 E., Sec. 5.
The tunnel which once existed at the spring has been completely filled
in with dirt and rock from the roof of the tunnel. At the time of sampling,
only a small pool, tucked in under a rock overhang, was present. The pool
was about 1 meter in diameter with a maximum depth of 8 centimeters.
TUB SPRING
Location:
Area 15; Long. 116°02' W., Lat. 37°14' N., T. 8 S., R. 52 E.,
Sec. 13.
Apparently.this spring was developed during the operation of a mine
located 1.6 kilometers southwest of the spring. It was also probably used by
ranchers grazing cattle and horses in the area prior to the establishment of
the NTS.
The spring consists of a tunnel dug about 10 meters into the hillside
which contains 0.5 to 1 meter of water year-round. The water is pooled
within the tunnel by a small earthen dam at the entrance. Water is delivered
from the dam via a 7.6-centimeter pipe to a small tank (approximately 120
liters) located nearly 30 meters below the dam.
4
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WHITE ROCK SPRING
Location:
East of the Rainier Mesa, Area 12; Long. 116°08' W., 37°12' N.,
T. 9. S., R. 52 E., Sec. 4.
This spring consists of two tunnels dug into the rock on either side of
a narrow canyon. Each tunnel has a small concrete dam across the entrance,
providing a fairly abundant year-round water supply which is then piped to
a stock tank between the tunnels. Direct sunlight entering the caves is
limited to a few hours each day, while the tank receives full daylight
exposure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
SAMPLE COLLECTION
The springs were visited twice in 1976. During the first visit on May 4,
samples were collected for algal identification and immediately preserved in
a 3 percent Formalin@ solution. Algal collections consist of grab samples
taken from several locations around each spring. For specific descriptions
of the samples collected at each spring see table 1. Also, during the first
visit, a I-liter (1) container was filled with water at each spring for gamma-
emitting radionuclide and tritium analyses. Preservation of these samples was
unnecessary.
On the second visit (June 16) two l30-milliliter (ml) grab samples of
water were collected at each spring for nutrient analysis. Each sample was
immediately preserved with a 0.25-ml mercuric chloride (HgC12) solution
(0.25 grams HgC12/l of water). Also during this visit about 400 grams (wet
weight) of algal material were collected at each spring for analysis of gamma-
emitting radionuclides. Again no preservatives were needed. Finally, a
4-liter grab sample of water was collected at Green, White Rock, and Cane
Springs and submitted within 24 hours to an independent laboratory for addi-
tional chemical analyses.
SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Algal identifications were made from wet mounts and heat-cleared, Hyrax-
mounted diatom slides with a standard binocular compound-light microscope.
Dark and light field-phase-contrast equipment was used when necessary for
diatom identifications.
Nutrient analyses were performed by the Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory-Las Vegas using automated procedures as described by
Mullins et al. (1975). The nutrient samples were analyzed for total phos-
phorus, dissolved orthophosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total
kjeldahl nitrogen (all reported in micrograms (~g) per liter), and total
@Registered Trademark
5
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.
TABLE 1.
WATER TEMPERATURE, .pH, SAMPLE TYPES, &~D OTHER OBSERVATIONS
OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE SPRINGS SAMPLED ON MAY 4, 1976
SPRING
NOTES
WATER
TEMPERATURE (OC)
pH
Cane
Captain Jack
Green
Oak
~
Tippipah
Topopah
Tub
White Rock
11
16
20
15.2
10.8
11
23
12.5
6.5
Samples from benthic flocculum* immediately downstream from the
tanks, scrapings from tank, and surface scum floating inside the
cave.
6.5
6.4
Grab samples from spring source and the tank.
algae covered the surface of the tank.
A detritus grab sample was taken from the small pool. Water at the
pool was exposed to direct sunlight throughout most of the day.
A mat of filamentous
6.5
Algae were sucked off the horizontal surfaces of a sheet metal lad-
der with a baster. The ladder extended throughout the depth of the
tank. A grab sample was collected of floating filamentous algae
and moss.
6.5
Sludge was collected from a pool which was located in the tunnel
approximately 5 meters from the entrance.
Algae was scraped from damp mud, rocks, and sucked out of a small
puddle.
6.6
8.0
A number 25 plankton net was dipped 10 times into the tank. The
only visible algae was scraped from the outlet of the pipe filling
the tank. Tank had full sun exposure throughout the day.
Samples were scrapings of rocks and mud from both cave entrances
and a grab sample of the floating algal mat in the tank.
6.4
*Benthic flocculum is the thin layer of debris often found suspended in the water just off the bottom.
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alkalinity as calcium carbonate" (CaC03) (reported in milligrams (mg) per
liter). Analyses of water and algae samples for gamma-emitting radionuclides
and tritium were performed using methods described in Johns (1975). Tritium
analyses were reported in picocuries (pCi) per liter, and gamma-emitting
analyses were reported in pCi per kilogram (kg) wet weight.
Temperature and pH were measured during algae sample collection using a
laboratory mercury thermometer and narrow range pHydrion@ paper.
The 4-liter water samples collected at Green, White Rock, and Cane
Springs were analyzed for calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfate,
chloride, boron, silica, arsenic, lead, selenium, barium, chromium, cadmium,
manganese, fluoride, and zinc, all reported in mg/l. The laboratory used
methods presented in APHA (1971) for these analyses.
@Registered Trademark
7
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
WATER CHEMISTRY
All of the springs within the boundaries of the NTS discharge water from
perched zones of saturation in tuff and rhyolite (Schoff and Moore. 1964).
Moore (1961) also determined that discharges ranged from less than 4 to
11 liters per minute. Although direct measurements were not made during' the
present study. discharge rates have not changed appreciably since 1961.
Schoff and Moore (1964) classified the water from Topopah, Tippipah. Captain
Jack. Green, and White Rock Springs as the "sodium-potassium" type. Our data
for White Rock and Green Springs are similar, indicating no major change in
water chemistry in the past 10 years (table 2). Current data for the other
springs are not available. The Schoff and Moore's (1964) study classified
Cane. Oak. and Tub Springs as the "mixed" chemical type, 1. e.. with the
sodium and potassium content nearly equaling the calcium and magnesium con-
tent. The data for Cane Spring indicated a slight shift to a 65 percent
sodium-potassium and 35 percent calcium-magnesium condition since 1964
(table 2). With the exception of Tub Spring (pH = 8.0), all of the springs
were slightly acid (pH = 6.4 to 6.6), and had temperatures ranging from
10.8 to 23.0 degrees Celsius (table 1).
Nutrient concentrations were adequate for good growth in all of the
springs (table 3). especially since new water continuously replaced the old.
The large variation in nutrient concentrations between springs is interesting
since water for each spring is thought to pass through similar minerals
(Schoff and Moore. 1964). Green Spring had exceptionally high concentrations
of total phosphorus (2,030 ~g/l), dissolved orthophosphorus (898 ~g/l), and
total kjeldahl nitrogen (4,800 ~g/l). The elevated values may be due to a
high rate of evaporation with no flushing action. This spring has a low flow
rate and the bowl shape of the basin traps water not allowing any to pass
through. These same conditions also allow for accumulation of allochthonous
material which upon decomposition would increase nutrient values.
Results of' the gamma-emitting radionuclide and tritium analyses are
presented in table 4. No gamma-emitting radionuclides were found in any of
the spring waters and tritium levels were either undetectable or at ambient
levels. Three of four algae samples contained detectable levels of cesium-
137 and the sample from Captain Jack Spring (2,500 pCi/kg) was about 10 times
higher than the value for algae sampled at the other springs. However, this
might be partially due to differences in the moisture content of the respec-
tive samples.
8
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TABLE 2.
RESULTS OF STANDARD CHEMICAL WATER ANALYSIS PERFORMED FOR SELECTED
NEVADA TEST SITE SPRINGS SAMPLED ON MAY 4, 1976*
Concentrations (mg/1)
Parameter
Green Spr:.ng
White Rock Spring
Cane Spring
, Calcium (Ca2~
Magnesium (Mg2+)
Sodium (Na+)
Potassium (K+)
0.7 1.4 15.2
3.2 0.7 6.8
139 35.5 34.3
36.0 9.4 16.2
Alkalinity
as Carbonate (CO~-)
0.0
0.0 0.0
63.5 130
45.5 21.0
12.4 21.8
3.6 <0.03
0.8 1.8
116 55.0
<0.005 <0.005
<0.003 <0.003
<0.005 <0.005
<0.1 <0.1
<0.03 <0.03
<0.01 <0.01
<0.02 <0.02
0.38 0.81
0.07 0.01
as Bicarbonate (HC03-)
2-
Sulfate (S04 )
315
34.5
Chloride (C1-)
Iron (Fe3+)
16.9
32.2
Boron (B)
0.0
Silica (Si02)
Arsenic (As)
<0.005
Lead (Pb)
<0.003
Selenium (Se)
<0.005
Barium (Ba2+)
<0.1
Chromium (Cr) .
<0.03
Cadium (Cd)
<0.01
Manganese (Mn)
0.14
Fluoride (F-)
1. 65
Zinc (Zn)
0.43
*These analyses were performed by an independent laboratory.
9
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TABLE 3.
NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF SPRING WATER COLLECTED AT THE NEVADA TEST SITE ON JUNE 16, 1976
Total Dissolved Ortho- Ammonia Nitrate Total kjeldahl Total
SPRING phosphorus phosphorus nitrogen nitrogen nitrogen alkalinity
(flg/1) (flg/1) (flg/1) (flg/l) (flg/ 1) (mg/1)
Cane 52 26 30 3,230 800 167
Captain Jack 414 358 20 400 400 101
Green 2,030 898 <20 1,180 4,800 203
Oak 92 38 40 300 210 109
Tippipah 185 158 20 1,220 340 92
Topopah 470 159 120 500 3,100 60
f-'
0 Tub 31 9 <20 500 300 118
White Rock 238 159 50 1,430 600 81
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TABLE 4.
TRITIUM AND GAMMA ANALYSIS OF SPRING WATER
AND ALGAE, NEVADA TEST SITE, 1976*
WATER ANALYSIS ALGAE ANALYSIS
SPRING Date Gamma 3H Date K 137Cs
Analysis (pCi/l) (g/kg) (pCi/kg)
Cane 05/04/76 GSN** <230 06/16/76 4.4:t 0.36 350:t 8.3
Captain Jack 05/04/76 GSN <230 06/16/76 14 :t 4.8 2,500:t 72
Green 05/04/76 GSN <230
Oak 05/04/76 GSN <230 06/16/76 1.9:t 0.27 170 :t 19
Tippipah 05/04/76 GSN 270:t 260
Topopah 05/04/76 GSN 910:t 240
Tub 05/04/76 GSN <230
White Rock 05/04/76 GSN <230 06/16/76 GSN GSN
*A similar table was presented in Smith et a1., 1978.
**GSN = Gamma spectrum negligible.
ALGAL FINDINGS
Fifty-two algal species were identified in the NTS springs (table 5).
Chrysophyta, Chlorophyta, and Cyanophyta were the three major groups of algae
represented in the springs with 33, 14, and 5 species, respectively. Diatoms
were the outstanding contributors to diversity in the algal communities,
while in many cases filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) provided the bulk
of the biomass. Two diatoms, Achnanthes lanceo1ata and Gomphonema parvu1um,
were the most common species; both of these diatoms occurred in most of the
springs.
At the tunnel entrance to Cane Spring, a well-developed mat of Vaucheria
Spa was providipg an attachment substrate for Oedogonium sp., Microthamion
kuetzingianum, and several species of diatoms. In and near the tank, where
maximum sun exposure prevailed, Oedogonium Spa grew abundantly, providing the
growing surface for diatoms and other epiphytes. Three of the more common
diatoms collected from Cane Spring (Nitzschia pa1ea, N. linearis, and Navicula
minima) have been considered associates of eutrophic conditions (Lowe, 1974).
In order to present a complete list of algae associated with the NTS
springs, the following species identified in the vicinity of Cane Spring by
Shields and Drouet (1962) are included: Amphithrix janthina (Mont.) Born.
and F1ah., Nodu1aria sphaerocarpa Born. and Flah., Nostoc enthophytum Born.
11
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TABLE 5. ALGAE COLLECTED FROM NATURAL SPRINGS OF TRE NEVADA TEST SITE
SPECIES SPRING
::.::
u
< ::.::
.., u
Z ~ ~ ~
CHRYSOPHYTA H p...,
< Z H p..., ~
~ E-t ~ p..., 0 E-t
~ ~ ~ ~ p..., p..., ~ H
Pennales H 0 :::> ~
u u 0 0 E-t E-t E-t
Achnanthes exigua Grun. X X X
A. lanceolata (Bn~b.) Grun. X X X X X X X
-
A. minutissima Klitz. X
A. saxonica Krasske X X X
Amphora submontana Rust. X
Asterionella formosa Rass. X
Denticula elegans Klitz. X
Epithemia adnata v. proboscidea (Klitz.) Patr. X
E. sorex Klitz. X
Fragilaria sp. X X X
F. construens (Ehr.) Grun. X
Gomphonema parvulum Klitz. X X X X X X
Rantzschia sp. X
Meridian circulare (Grev.) Ag. X
Navicula cryptocephala Klitz. X
N. cuspidata v. ambigua (Ehr.) Cleve X
N. laevissima Klitz. X
N. minima Grun. X X X
N. rhynchocephala v. amphiceras (Klitz.) Grun.? X
-
Nitzschia sp. X X X X X X
N. amphibia Grun.? X
N. gracilis Hantzsch X
N. linearis w. Smith X X X
N. palea (Klitz.) W. Smith X X
-
N. tryblionella Hantzsch forma X
-
Pinnularia sp. X
P. abaujensis v. subundulata
(A. Mayer ex Rust.) Patr. X
P. viridis v. minor Cl. X
Stauroneis anceps Ehr. X
Surirella ovalis'Breb. X X X
Centrales
Melosira granulata (Ehr.) Ralfs
Stephanodiscus niagarae Ehr.
Vaucheriales
Vaucheria sp.
IX
12
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TABLE 5.
ALGAE COLLECTED FROM NATURAL SPRINGS OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE
(continued)
SPECIES SPRING
~
u
< ~
I-) u
Z ~ ~ ~
CHLOROPHYTA H p..,
< Z H p.., t:LI
t:LI E-t t:LI p.., 0 E-t
~ ~ t:LI ~ p.., p.., pq H
Volvocales p:: H 0 :::> ~
u u C,!) 0 E-t E-t E-t
Chlamydomonas sp. X
Haematococcus lacustris (Girod.) Rostafinski X
Ulotricales
Microthamnion kuetzingianum
Protoderma viride Klitz.
Stigeoclonium sp.
Oedogoniales
Oedogonium sp.
NaeseLi:
IX I X
. X
IX I X X X
Chlorococcales
Ankistrodesmus falcatus (Corda)
Chlorella vulgaris Beyernick
Oocystis borgei Snow
Scenedesmus acutus Meyen
Zygnematales
RaUs
X
x X
X
X
Closterium turgidum
Cosmarium sp.
Spirogyra juergensii
Ulothrix sp.
Klitz.
X
x X
X
X
CYANOPHYTA
Oscillatoriales
Lyngbya sp.
Oscillatoria sp.
Phormidium sp.
K. tenue (Menegh.)
Nostocales
Gomont
X
X X X
X
X
Calothix sp.
TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES
13
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and F1ah., Osci11atoria brevis.Klitz. ex Gom., P1ectonema boryanum Gom.,
Phormidium autumna1e (Ag.) Gom., P. tenue (Menegh.) Gom., Bu1bochaete sp.,
Chara sp. Franceia droescheri (Lemm.) G. M. Smith, Oocystis crassa Wittr.,
Pandorina morum Bory, and Scenedesmus bijuga (Turp.) Lagerh.
All of the algae collected from Captain Jack Spring (table 5) were in a
floating mat which completely covered the surface of the water in the tank.
The mat was composed primarily of Oedogonium sp. with lesser amounts of
Spirogyra juergensis and Stigeoc10nium sp. The other species were epiphytic
and tychop1anktonic within the mat.
Green Spring, relative to the others, had few diatoms. However, three
species which did occur (Asterione11a formosa, Melosira granu1ata, and
Stephanodiscus niagarae) were not found in any of the other springs (table 5).
~. granu1ata and~. niagarae were the only centric diatoms identified i~ the
study. M. granu1ata and!. formosa are often considered associates of
eutrophic water (Lowe, 1974), as are the9green algae (Chlorophyta)
Ankistrodesmus fa1catus and Ch10re1la vulgaris (Palmer, 1969) which were also
identified in the spring. As indicated earlier, Green Spring had some
unusually high nutrient values (table 3).
Nineteen species of algae were identified in Oak Spring (table 5), all
of which were collected from the tank. Encysted Haematococcus lacustris
formed loose layers about one centimeter thick on the steps of the ladder
which was immersed in the water tank. Mixed in with the dense red cysts were
patches of green, comprised primarily of Scenedesmus acutus and H. lacustris
cysts which had not changed to the red color so characteristic of the encysted
stage. The bottom of the tank was covered with an equally thick green carpet
of~. acutus and Oocystis borgei. Nitzschia palea, B. linearis, Navicula
minima (diatoms indicative of eutrophic waters), Achnanthes exigua, A.
lanceolata, and Gomphonem parvulum were present in large numbers. The remain-
ing forms were scattered throughout the dense growths.
The only water associated with Tippipah Spring was pooled in the back of
the tunnel with very limited light. As might be expected under these circum-
stances, algae were extremely scarce. Three algal species, all diatoms, were
identified (table 5). Achnanthes lanceolata and Gomphonema parvulum were
found in most of the other springs as well, but Epithemia adnata var.
proboscidea occurred only in the Tippipah Spring samples.
Topopah Spring had a flow volume just adequate to maintain a small pool
under a rock overhang near all that remained of the tunnel entrance. Eight
species of diatoms were identified from sample material collected there
(table 5). The only other forms were Closterium turgidum (desmid) and
Oscillatoria sp. (blue-green).
The algae found at Tub Spring were growing within a layer of Phormidium
tenue just inside the mouth of the pipe filling the tank. P. tenue was the
only nondiatom encountered at the spring (table 5). No living material, plant
or animal, was located in the tank itself.
14
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Nineteen algal species were identified from White Rock Spring (table 5).
Fifteen species were diatoms. Oedogonium sp. was the most abundant organism,
forming a floating mat on the surface of the tank. Soft gelatinous masses of
Chlamydomonas sp. were floating in association with Oedogonium sp. Within
the two caves from which the spring water emerged, diatoms dominated the
flora.
15
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GENERAL DISCUSSION
The small number of algal species encountered in each of the NTS springs
is probably indicative of a limited water supply and the harsh desert environ-
ment. The variety and quantity of substrates available for algal coloniza-
tion is dependent upon the availability of water to cover them. Several of
the springs barely produced enough water to maintain small pools even though
sampling visits took place during the springtime in May and June. Water' in
springs with higher flow rates was conserved primarily due to human efforts
directed towards improving water storage facilities. Most of the algae were
collected directly from the tanks where the water was located. Another con-
dition encountered, especially at Tippipah Spring and to lesser extent at
Topopah Spring, was light limitation. Tippipah Spring was constantly in semi-
darkness during the daytime hours while Topopah Spring was tucked under a
rock overhang seldom receiving much direct sunlight. If not for pipelines
and water tanks, other springs would have had similar limited light condi-
tions.
Major nutrients were sufficient to support good algal growth at each
spring as indicated by the dense algal mats and attached growths in the tanks
which were exposed to full sunlight. Tub Spring was the exception where no
algae were found in the tank. Visitors to Tub Spring at other times, however,
have reported dense algal mats in the tank.
Although several species of algae were commonly encountered at most of
the springs, 29 species were site specific. They were not necessarily rare
when found. Haematococcus lacustris, Oocystis borgei, and Scenedesmus acutus
were identified only in samples collected at Oak Spring, but were in concen-
trations large enough that one could scoop them by the handfuls. Ankistro-
desmus falcatus on the other hand was rare and difficult to locate in Green
Spring, and was not found at all in any of the other springs.
Diatoms provided the greatest variety of algal species at each of the
springs. Three~fifths of all algal species identified in the springs were
diatoms. Many of them were quite small but developed large populations.
Maximum diatom development, both quantitative and qualitative, was usually
a~sociated with the presence of dense growths of green algae.
Undoubtedly the number of algal species listed for NTS springs would
increase with a more comprehensive sampling program designed to consider
seasonal variations in weather conditions and possible changes in flow rates.
Future work on NTS algae should include culturing of sample material specifi-
cally to induce production of reproductive structures necessary to make
species determinations, particularly for some of the important filamentous
16
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green algae. Monitoring implications associated with our findings of meas-
urable cesium-137 concentrations in algal samples, when it was undetectable
in the water, may be worthy of further investigation.
17
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REFERENCES
APHA. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
American Public Health Association. Washington, D.C. 874 pp.
13th ed.
1971
Drouet, F.
Acad.
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NERC-LV-539-26. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
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Hayward, C. L., M. L. Killpack, and G. L. Richards. "Birds of the Nevada Test
Site." Brigham Young University. ScL Bull. BioI. Sere 1(1):1-27. 1963
Johns, F. B. National Environmental Research Center-Las Vegas Handbook of
Analytical Methods. EPA-680/4-75-00l. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, National Environmental Research Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.
140 pp. 1975
Jorgensen, C. D. and C. L. Hayward. "Mammals of the Nevada Test Site."
Brigham Young University. Sci. Bull. BioI. Sere ~(3):1-8l. 1965
Lowe, R. L. Environmental Requirements and Pollution Tolerance of Freshwater
Diatoms. EPA-670/5-74-005. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington, D.C. 334 pp. 1974
Moore, J. E. Wells, Test Holes, and Springs of the Nevada Test Site and Sur-
rounding Area: U.S. Geologic Survey. TEI-78l. 1961
Mullins, J. W., R. N. Snelling, D. D. Moden, and R. G. Seals. National Eutro-
phication Survey: Data Acquisition and Laboratory Analysis System for
Lake Samples. EPA-600/4-75-0l5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada.
21 pp. 19;5
Palmer, C. M. "A composite rating of algae tolerating organic pollution."
J. Phycol. 5:78-82.
Quiring, R. F. Climatological Data Nevada Test Site and Nuclear Rocket De-
velopment Station. ERLTM-ARL-7. U.S. Department of Commerce, Environ-
mental Science Services Administration Research Laboratories. August
1968
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Schoff, S. L. and J. E. Moore." Chemistry and Movement of Ground Water,
Nevada Test Site. U.S. Geologic Survey. TEI-838. 1964
Shields, L. M. and F. Drouet. "Distribution of terrestrial algae within the
Nevada Test Site." Amer. J. Bot. 49(6) :547-554. 1962
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. Animal Investi-
gation Program 1975 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-l4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 47 pp. Apps. A-H.
1978a
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. Animal Investi-
gation Program 1976 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 111 pp. 1978b
U.S. Geological Survey. Wells and Springs in California and Nevada Within
100 Miles of the Point 37015' N., 116025' W., on the Nevada Test Site.
USGS-474-85. U.S. Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado. 1971
Worman, F. C. V. Archeological Investigations at the U.S. Atomic
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Energy
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Mahlon E. Gates, Manager, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
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Technical Library, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
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Ray Brechbill, DOE/SAN, Oakland, CA
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