£EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Laboratory
Duluth MN 55804
EPA-600/3-78-095
October 1978
Research and Development
Environmental
Effects of Western
Coal Surface Mining
Part II:
The Aquatic
Macroinvertebrates of
Trout Creek, Colorado
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously-
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4, Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECH-
NOLOGY series. This series describes research performed to develop and dem-
onstrate instrumentation, equipment, and methodology to repair or prevent en-
vironmental degradation from point and non-point sources of pollution. This work
provides the new or improved technology required for the control and treatment
of pollution-sources to meet environmental quality standards.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield. Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/3-78-095
October 1978
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF WESTERN COAL SURFACE MINING
PART II - THE AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES OF TROUT CREEK, COLORADO
by
Steven P. Canton and James V. Ward
Department of Zoology and Entomology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
Grant No. R803950
Project Officer
Donald I. Mount
Environmental Research Laboratory
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55804
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Research Laboratory-
Duluth, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication.
Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views
and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention
of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation
for use.
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FOREWORD
This study describes the impact of surface coal mining in Colorado on
aquatic invertebrates. It is one in a series of reports delineating the
aquatic effects of western energy development. Effects of this mining activity
were minimal during part of the year and the presence of a buffer strip
seems to be a desirable control feature to reduce impacts.
Donald I. Mount, Ph.D.
Director
Environmental Research Laboratory
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ABSTRACT
A study was conducted on Trout Creek in northwestern Colorado to assess
effects of coal mine drainage on stream macroinvertebrates. Density and
biomass exhibited a general increase in the downstream direction throughout
the study area and showed marked seasonal variation. Aquatic insects com-
prised over 90% of the fauna with caddisflies (Trichoptera) predominating.
Diversity did not vary significantly throughout the study area. None of the
parameters measured showed any definite indication of stressed conditions in
the macroinvertebrate community during the study period. Water quality was
diminished primarily during spring runoff and the invertebrates seemed able
to withstand this short period of water quality degradation. The buffer zone
present between the mine area and Trout Creek may decrease the effects of
mine drainage and should remain to insure the maintenance of a stable
macroinvertebrate community in Trout Creek.
IV
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CONTENTS
Page
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Figures v"i
Tables vii
Acknowledgments i*
I. Introduction 1
II. Conclusions 3
III. Recommendations 4
IV. Description of the Study Area 5
V. Methods n
VI. Results and Discussion 13
Year One: July 1975 to June 1976 13
1. Macrobenthos 13
2. Macrobenthic composition 18
3. Diversity 25
4. Seasonal trends 25
Year Two: July 1976 to April 1977 33
1. Macrobenthos 33
2. Macrobenthic composition 37
3. Diversity 41
4. Seasonal trends 41
5. Epilithic algae 4'
References ^9
Appendix A "
Appendix B 57
Appendix C 60
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FIGURES
Number Page
1 Sampling stations and mine spoils at Trout Creek,
Colorado. Mine spoils indicated by crosshatching 9
2 Mean standing crop of benthic macroinvertebrates in
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 15
3 Mean density for the five major invertebrate groups
from Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 17
4 Seasonal trends in macroinvertebrate diversity, density,
and biomass at Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June
1976, plotted as means of all sites combined 27
5 Seasonal trends in mean macroinvertebrate density for
sites CO, C2, C4, and C9 on Trout Creek, Colorado,
July 1975 to June 1976 29
6 Seasonal trends in the five major invertebrate groups
in Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976,
plotted as means of all sites combined 31
7 Mean standing crop of benthic macroinvertebrates in
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to April 1977 . . . 35
8 Seasonal trends in macroinvertebrate diversity, density,
and biomass at Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1976 to April
1977, plotted as means of sites C2 and C4 combined 43
VI
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TABLES
Number Page
1 Water quality data from Trout Creek, Colorado, compared
with water quality criteria 6
2 Trace metals found in waters of Trout Creek, Colorado,
compared to reported toxic levels 7
3 Mean biomass values for major taxa from Trout Creek,
Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 14
4 Mean percentage composition of the five major invertebrate
groups by density and biomass retain Trout Creek, Colorado,
July 1975 to June 1976 16
5 Major taxa and percentage of total density, Trout Creek,
Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 19
6 Mean standing crop for the sampling sites on Trout Creek,
Colorado, compared to mean specific conductance, July 1975
to June 1976 20
7 Analysis of variance table for the sampling sites on
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 21
8 Number of species in each major taxon for the sampling
sites on Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 22
9 Mean temperature and range of temperature at the sampling
sites on Trout Creek, Colorado (°C), July 1975 to June 1976 .... 24
10 Mean number of taxa and the range of values for the
Shannon-Weaver index and equitability for the sites on
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976 26
11 Seasonal values in macroinvertebrate standing crop and
number of species at Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to
June 1976, means of all sites combined 28
12 Mean density (organisms/m2) of the five major invertebrate
groups on the sampling dates (July 1975 to June 1976) for
Trout Creek, Colorado 30
vn
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Number Page
13 Seasonal trends for the major genera on the sampling dates
(July 1975 to June 1976), Trout Creek, Colorado
(organisms/m2) 32
14 Analysis of variance table for the sampling dates (July
1975 to June 1976), Trout Creek, Colorado 34
15 Mean biomass values for the major taxa found at sites C2
and C4 (July 1976 to April 1977) on Trout Creek, Colorado 36
16 Mean percentage composition of the five major invertebrate
groups by density and biomass for sites C2 and C4 (July
1976 to April 1977), on Trout Creek, Colorado 38
17 Analysis of variance for the sites C2 and C4 (July 1975 to
April 1977), on Trout Creek, Colorado 39
18 Number of species in each major taxon for sites C2 and C4
(July 1976 to April 1977), on Trout Creek, Colorado 40
19 Mean number of taxa and the range of values for the
Shannon-Weaver index and equitability for the sites on
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1976 to April 1977 42
20 Seasonal values in macroinvertebrate standing crop and mean
number of species at Trout Creek, Colorado (July 1976 to
April 1977), means of sites C2 and C4 combined 44
21 Mean density (organisms/m2) of the five major invertebrate
groups at sites C2 and C4 for July 1976 to April 1977,
Trout Creek, Colorado 45
22 Seasonal trends for the major genera for sites C2 and C4
(July 1975 to April 1977) on Trout Creek, Colorado
(organisms/m2) 46
23 Analysis of variance for the dates (July 1976 to April
1977) of Trout Creek, Colorado 48
vm
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University,
provided support facilities and coordinated research activities. The
authors wish to thank Mr. R. 6. Dufford, Department of Botany and Plant
Pathology, Colorado State University, for assistance in identification of
algae.
This report is based in part on a thesis submitted by S. P. Canton in
partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science in
Zoology in the Graduate School of Colorado State University, Fort Collins,
Colorado.
This research was funded in part by a National Science Foundation
Energy Traineeship awarded to S. P. Canton, and by U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth, Research Grant
No. R803950, awarded to Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State
University, and Fisheries Bioassay Laboratory, Montana State University.
IX
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
The detrimental effects of drainage from coal strip-mine spoils on
aquatic life have been well documented for eastern high-sulfur coal (Riley
1960, Parsons 1968, Warner 1971, Herricks and Cairns 1972, Koryak et al.
1972). However, little is known of the effects of drainage from the low-
sulfur coal strip-mines in the west. Coal has been extracted from the Edna
mine, adjacent to Trout Creek in northwestern Colorado, for approximately 30
years. With the increased importance of western, low-sulfur coal, the
effects of drainage from these spoils on the aquatic life should be more
fully elucidated. Research was undertaken to determine the effects of
drainage from the spoils of Edna mine on the aquatic macroinvertebrates of
Trout Creek.
Acid mine drainage (AMD) from coal mine spoils has been a major factor
in the pollution of streams in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Acid
mine drainage occurs with the oxidation of pyritic materials found in the
overburden of strip-mines as they are exposed to air. At pH values below
4.5, this oxidation can be facilitated by the bacteria Thiobaoillus
ferroxidans (iron) and Thiobacillus thiooxidans (sulfur). The oxidized
products, chiefly ferric hydroxide and sulfate, are buffered when they enter
a stream, which causes the Fe(OH)3 to precipitate leaving the rocks coated
with a yellow slime (Koryak et al. 1972). The problem arises when the acidic
products enter a stream in quantities that cannot be buffered by the stream
or other buffering compounds such as limestone and marly clay also found in
the overburden (Riley 1960).
As AMD develops, with pH values below 4.0-4.5, there is a sharp drop in
numbers of species in the stream with the elimination of nontolerant forms.
This is often followed by an increase in standing crop of the tolerant forms
resulting in a much simplified food web (Parsons 1968, Warner 1971, Koryak
et al. 1972). This pattern in the macroinvertebrate community seems to be
accounted for by the loss of alkalinity in natural waters below pH values of
4.2 with resultant loss of any buffering capacity (Warner 1971, Dills and
Rogers 1972).
Recovery of a stream from AMD takes place in accordance with the degree
of stress encountered (Herricks and Cairns 1972). This includes destruction
of macrobenthic habitat by physical alteration, such as coating of the rocks
with Fe(OH)3 slime; the removal of an essential chemical, such as the loss of
bound C02; and the destruction of biota through various toxic agents, espe-
cially heavy metals, which are more soluble under AMD conditions. The biotic
1
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recovery from these stresses can be a function of time with temporary
stresses or a function of distance when the stress is continuous.
Goodnight (1973) and Harrel et al. (1973) indicate several reasons for
using macroinvertebrates as indicators of pollution: (1) they collectively
show a wide range of tolerance to a variety of pollutants; (2) their long
life cycles can reflect temporary stresses difficult to detect by periodic
chemical sampling; (3) their relatively low motility keeps them in the area
of pollution; (4) they occupy central positions in the food web; and (5) they
are easily adapted to laboratory study. The early use of invertebrates was
with indicator species to classify degrees of pollution (Hynes 1960). The
recent trend is to analyze pollution on the community level (Gaufin 1973).
Methods for analysis of communities have been reviewed by Goodnight (1973).
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SECTION II
CONCLUSIONS
1. Coal mining adjacent to Trout Creek in northwestern Colorado commenced
about 30 years ago. An extensive and relatively undisturbed watershed
occurs upstream from the mine spoils.
a. With the degree of resolution applied during the present study, no
detrimental effects from mining activity on the macroinvertebrate
community were discernible.
b. Increases in macroinvertebrate standing crop below the mine indi-
cate an enrichment effect on the stream.
c. Diversity and equitability values do not indicate stressed condi-
tions.
2. During the two years of study, mining activity was confined to a loca-
tion more than 1 km from the stream. In addition, all spoils lie at
least 30 m from the stream.
a. This strip of 30 rn or more may act as a buffer zone which reduces
amounts of potentially detrimental substances entering the stream.
b. Increases in specific conductance below the mine occurred primarily
during periods of high runoff (McWhorter et al. 1975) which indi-
cate that many ions may be held in the soils of the buffer zone and
move into the stream mainly during periods of groundwater "flushing."
c. The benthic fauna seem to tolerate these relatively short periods
of water quality degradation without visible effects on the com-
munity structure. Increased abundance of macroinvertebrates was in
fact correlated with higher specific conductance values.
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SECTION III
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The "buffer zone" of unmined land between the mine spoils and Trout
Creek should be retained and protected from other disturbances. Tribu-
tary streams, even if interim'ttant, should likewise be protected.
2. Physical, chemical, and biological processes which occur in the soils of
the buffer strip should be investigated further to elucidate any mech-
anisms which improve the quality of surface or ground water traversing
this zone.
3. Several ponds occur in the mine spoils and receive seepage directly from
the spoils. Preliminary analyses indicate that the chemical environ-
ments of some ponds are quite different from those of others. Since
remarkably little biological work has been conducted on spoils ponds in
the western U.S., it is suggested that the biota of the ponds in the
Edna Mine spoils be investigated in conjunction with physical and
chemical analyses.
4. The practice of spoil pile contouring and revegetation should include
both new spoils and old spoils.
5. The type of strip-mining operation adjacent to Trout Creek, which leaves
the valley floor intact, does not appear to harm the macrobenthos of the
stream and is recommended.
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SECTION IV
DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA
Trout Creek basin runs roughly north-south beginning in the Dunkley
Flat-Tops area and ending in the Yampa River west of Milner, Colorado. The
upper portion of the basin lies in the Routt National Forest and is well
vegetated with aspen and conifers. The middle portion of the watershed is a
mixture of forested and farm lands. Lower portions of the basin are more
xeric with sage and other woody shrubs and grasses predominating. Agricul-
tural practices (primarily grazing) variously affect the middle and espe-
cially lower portions of the basin. The altitude in the study area ranges
from 2260 to 2050 m. From 2160 to 2100 m the stream is bordered on the east
by the Edna coal mine.
The coal at Edna mine is extracted from the Wadge seam in the Williams
Fork unit of the Mesa Verde group. The overburden of the Williams Fork
formation consists mainly of shale, thin beds of sand, and sandy shale
(McWhorter et al. 1975). During the study, mining activity was located more
than 1 km from Trout Creek. Strip mining leaves the overburden in large
spoil piles that are at present being regraded. The spoil piles lie at least
30 m from the stream. The coal at Edna mine is low sulfur coal compared to
eastern coal, but the 2.4% sulfur content and the 30.8% iron oxide in the ash
are the highest values for coals studied in Colorado (Deurbrouck 1970).
Water quality data from Trout Creek, Colorado are compared to other
water quality criteria in Table 1. For Trout Creek this site and date
generally exhibited the maximum values for the parameters indicated. In the
west, the overburden is generally low in pyritic materials and quite shaley.
This provides better buffering and higher pH values than those found in areas
of AMD. Trout Creek water quality exceeds the AMD criteria for total hard-
ness and total dissolved solids due to the formations of soluble salts (e.g.,
sodium, calcium, bicarbonates and sulfates) in the overburden rather than
from oxidized sulfides found in AMD (McWhorter et al. 1975). The high levels
of sulfates in Trout Creek below the mine appear to be from the gypsum
(CaSOit-^O) found in the overburden. It should be noted that the values for
Trout Creek are during spring runoff. Yet, even with increased stream flow,
dilution could not compensate for the flushing of groundwater from the mine
(Skogerboe 1976).
Table 2 presents the dissolved trace metals found in Trout Creek in
comparison to levels lethal to an aquatic insect (Warnick and Bell 1969).
For Trout Creek, this site and date generally exhibited the maximum values
for the trace metals indicated. All values on Table 2 are below toxic levels
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TABLE 1. WATER QUALITY DATA FROM TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, COMPARED
WITH WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
cr>
Water quality criteria
Acidity (mg CaC03/ liter)
Alkalinity (mg CaC03/liter)
Alkalinity/acidity
Total hardness (mg/liter)
Specific conductance (umhos/cm)
Total dissolved solids (mg/liter)
Suspended solids (mg/liter)
PH
Total iron (mg/liter)
Sulfate (mg/liter)
Trout ,
Creek-7
<1.0
126
>126
418
640
509
5.5
7.8
0.24
250
Public
. , water
AMD supplies
>3.0
0.0
<1.0
>250
__ --
>500 50(£/
>250
<6.0 5.0-9.0^
7.5 0 . 3
>250 250^-/
Water for
aquatic life
__
20+-/
300(£/
2000-/
-/ 6.5-9.(£/
!.(£/
--
-/Site C-8, April 1976 (Skogerboe et al., in press).
-/Herricks and Cairns (1972).
-/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1976).
-/McKee and Wolf (1963).
-/U.S. Public Health Service (1962).
-/National Academy of Science-National Academy of Engineering (1973).
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TABLE 2. TRACE METALS FOUND IN WATERS OF
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, COMPARED TO
REPORTED TOXIC LEVELS
Trace
metals
Zinc
Iron
Nickel
Mercury
Copper
Trout Creek-/
0.007 mg/ liter
<0.02 yg/ liter
0.007 mg/ liter
<0.03 pg/liter
<0.005 mg/liter
Median
toxic level .,
for Ephemerella
16.0 mg/liter @ 10 days
0.32 mg/liter @ 96 h
4.0 mg/liter @ 96 h
2.0 mg/liter @ 96 h
0.32 mg/liter @ 96 h
-/Site C-2, April 1976 (site and date of generally
maximum values for the trace metals indicated)
(Skogerboe et_al_., in press).
-/Warnick and Bell (1969).
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reported by Warnick and Bell for Ephemerella. One should note that site C2
was above most mining activity. Although not shown in the table, values for
the trace metals generally decreased downstream, which may be partially due
to precipitation associated with increased pH. Skogerboe (1976) also found
that trace element concentrations were considerably higher in the sediment of
runoff beds in the mine than in the sediment of Trout Creek and postulated
that as the water flows across the strip of unmined land ... "those elements
contained in the runoff are largely removed from solution, perhaps by precipi-
tation, before the runoff reaches the creek." At site C2 (April 1976) the
water temperature was 0°C, the pH 7.5, the alkalinity 110 mg/liter CaC03, and
the hardness 131 mg/liter CaC03. Warnick and Bell used filtered Lake Superior
water at 18.5°C, with pH ranging from 6.9 to 8.2, alkalinity from 30 to 54
mg/liter CaC03, and hardness from 40 to 54 mg/liter CaC03.
Six study sites were established July 1975 to correspond to a gradient
of mining activity (Figure 1). Five of these correspond to chemical sampling
locations of McWhorter et al. (1975). An additional sampling site (C9) was
added September 1975 3 km downstream from site C8.
(1) Site CO: 2260 m. This upstream sampling site had a substratum of
rubble with sand and gravel underneath. The riparian vegetation is
mainly willows and other woody vegetation which shade the creek.
(2) Site Cl: 2254 m. This was the upstream sampling site of McWhorter
et al. (1975). It has large rubble substratum with gravel and sand
underneath. The stream narrows making the channel deeper and
swifter than at site CO. The vegetation is woody with some open
areas of grass providing less shade than at site CO.
(3) Site C2: 2208 m. This is immediately above the Edna mine and at this
point the stream leaves a narrow valley and enters a flood plain.
The substratum is rubble with sand and gravel underneath. Riparian
vegetation is mainly willows providing shade for the creek.
(4) Site C4: 2150 m. This site is above the present mining operation and
immediately below the old mine spoils where mining ceased approxi-
mately 18-20 years ago. The substratum is rubble with gravel and
sand underneath. The sand is more prominent here due to erosion of
the sandy west bank. The vegetation is woody plants and grasses.
(5) Site C6: 2140 m. This site is near the downstream limit of the mine.
The substratum is rubble with sand and gravel underneath. Sand is
deposited on the inside of meanders near the site. The riparian
vegetation is willows and grasses and some effects of grazing are
apparent on the banks of the stream.
(6) Site C8: 2138 m. This site is immediately below the present mining
activity. The east bank is very steep with shale and sand eroding
from the side. The substratum is made up of large slabs of shale
and rubble. Gravel and sand are underneath. Riparian vegetation
of willows and grasses provides some shade for the creek.
8
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Coal
Mine
Shaft
Kilometers
Figure 1. Sampling stations and mine spoils at Trout Creek, Colorado.
Mine spoils indicated by crosshatching.
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(7) Site C9: 2050 m. This site is located 3 km downstream from site C8 at
a point where the valley broadens. The substratum is
rubble with sand and gravel underneath. There are considerably
more fines, especially silts, in the substratum than at the other
sites. The low banks are primarily sand and clay. Increased
grazing leaves mainly grasses on the bank, providing little shade.
10
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SECTION V
METHODS
Trout Creek was sampled monthly from July 1975 through April 1977.
However, due to inclement weather or high water, it was not possible to
sample sites C6 and C8 in December 1975, site C4 in January 1976, or site C8
in June 1976. Mining activity relocated during the second year of study and
only sites C2 and C4 were sampled from July 1976 to April 1977 to cover the
area above and below the drainage from the new mining activity. Using a
Surber square-foot sampler with a mean mesh size of 700 ym, five or six
samples were taken at each site on rubble substratum in the riffle sections
of the stream. From January 1977 to April 1977, 8 to 10 samples were taken
with a modified Surber sampler (based on Lane 1974). This sampler encloses
an area of 0.04 m2, has a screened front to reduce inflow of leaves and
twigs, enclosed sides to reduce loss of benthic organisms from backwash, and
a net with mean mesh size of 700 ym. The organisms collected were stored in
5% formalin and subsequently sorted from the debris and placed in 80% ethanol.
The contents of each sample were stored and enumerated separately to allow
for future statistical analysis of variance within and between sites.
Biomass (wet weight) was determined by volumetric displacement in a graduated
centrifuge tube (assuming a specific gravity for the invertebrates of 1.0, a
close approximation). With excessively large samples, subsamples were
taken.
Identifications to the generic (and in some cases specific) level were
based upon the keys of Pennak (1953), Usinger (1956), Edmondson (1959), Mason
(1973), Baumann (1975), and Wiggins (1977). Other species identifications
were based upon Smith (1968) for Khyacophila (larvae); Allen and Edmunds
(1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965) for Ephemerella (nymphs); Jensen (1966) for
Ameletus (nymphs); Gaufin et al. (1972) for Arcynopteryx (adults); Brown
(1972) for the Elmidae beetles (adults); and Usinger (1956) for Brachycentrus
(adults) and Simulium (pupae). Because all Simuliidae pupae were S-imuliwn
aretiaum, all simuliids were designated S. arotiaum even though it was not
possible to identify the larvae. The Arcynopteryx parallela species desig-
nation was based upon identification of adults collected at the stream
margin.
The Shannon-Weaver index used by Wilhm and Dorris (1968) was used to
calculate macroinvertebrate diversity. The index is derived from the equa-
tion: 3 = - zn-j/N (log2n-j/N) where N = total number of individuals and n-j
= number of individuals in the ith species. One of the greatest strengths of
the index is its flexibility. Because rare species play a minor role in
determining the index value, the index should give a good measure of
11
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community structure when a majority of the species present are collected
(Wilhm and Dorris 1968). The Shannon-Weaver species diversity index is
dimensionless and biomass units have been used instead of density values with
a corresponding change in the interpretation (Wilhm 1968). Species diversity
index calculations were made with the computational formula as follows: 3 =
C/N (Nlog10N - zn-jlogion-j) where N = total number of individuals, n^ = number
of individuals in the itn species, and C = 3.32 converting Iog2 to Iog10
(Weber 1973).
Equitability, a component of species diversity, is computed from the
equation: s'/s where s = number of species and s1 = derived number of
species calculated from a table based upon MacArthur's model (Lloyd and
Ghelardi 1964). This value may be more sensitive to differences in samples
than the species diversity index (Weber 1973).
Statistical analysis of variance was calculated on Iog10 transformations
of the raw density data (organisms/sample prior to conversion to per meter
square values) to allow use of parametric tests (Elliott 1973).
12
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SECTION VI
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A. YEAR ONE: JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
1. Macrobenthos
During the first year of study, 88 taxa were identified at the seven
sites on Trout Creek (Appendix A), although only 27 were numerically
abundant.
The mean standing crop, all sites and dates combined, was 3713.8 organ-
isms and 17.2 g per m2. This placed Trout Creek in the "rich" category using
U.S. Fish and Wildlife standards (Madsen 1935). Annual mean density showed a
general increase downstream with a range of 2178 to 7089 organisms/m2 (sites
Cl and C9, respectively). Biomass annual means exhibited a similar trend
(Table 3) with a range in values of 11.7 to 31.4 g/m2 (sites Cl and C9,
respectively). In general, there was a drop in standing crop from CO to Cl
(Figure 2) with a subsequent rise at C2. There was a slight decrease at C4
followed by a general increase through C9, except for a drop in biomass at C8
due to decreases in Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera biomass. The sharp rise at
C9 was due primarily to the extreme richness at this site for the November
sampling date (20,000 organisms/m2).
Aquatic insects comprised over 90% of the annual mean standing crop at
all sites (Table 4) and thus determined much of the downstream pattern
(Figure 3). The drop at Cl was due mainly to decreases in Trichoptera.
Decreases in abundance of Lepidostoma sp., Agapetus sp., Oligophlebodes sp.,
and elmid beetles (Optioservus seriatus and Zaitzevia parvula) overwhelmed
the slight increase in BraahyaentTrus amerieanuSj Atherix variegata, Simuliton
arcticum, and Chironomidae. The increase at C2 occurred in all major groups.
Hydroptila sp. increased in abundance at this site and made up for the loss
of numbers of Oligophlebodes sp. All major groups except Trichoptera
decreased at C4. The large increase in numbers of Agapetus sp. and
Hydropsyahe sp. was overshadowed by an equally large decrease in Brachycentrus
amerisanusj Lepidostoma sp., Hydroptila sp., Baetis sp. , Braohyptera sp., and
Criaotopus sp. These are all major components of their respective faunal
groups. Increases in all major genera, except Simulium aroticum and Rhithrogena
sp., accounted for the increased standing crop at site C6. At site C8, there
was again a general further increase in the major genera, but decreases in
Glossosoma sp. and Rhithrogena sp. resulted in a slight decrease in biomass.
Increases in Hydvopsyohe sp., Ephemerella inevmis, Baetis sp., and
Orthoeladius sp. coupled with tremendous increases in Atherix variegata,
13
-------
TABLE 3. MEAN BIOMASS VALUES-/ FOR MAJOR TAXA FROM
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Taxa
Trichoptera
Di ptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Hemi ptera
Odonata
Acari
Mollusca
Oligochaeta
Nematoda
Turbellaria
Total
CO
6.5
2.5
2.7
2.6
0.9
+
0.2
+
+
+
16.1
Cl C2
3.3 4.3
2.1 2.5
3.3 3.0
2.7 2.5
0.5 0.9
+-' "
+ +
+ 0.1
+
+ +
11.7 14.1
C4
5.1
1.8
2.8
1.3
0.4
+
--
+
0.1
+
+
11.8
C6
11.3
1.7
4.0
3.5
1.0
+
+
0.8
+
+
22.3
C8
10.6
1.8
2.6
4.2
0.9
+
+
+
0.4
0.1
+
--
19.9
C9
13.0
9.4
2.2
2.9
1.9
+
+
1.3
0.6
+
31.4
g/m2 wet weight based upon volumetric conversion.
-/+ = present but less than 0.1 g/m2.
14
-------
o
o
o
o
o
o
E
to
(O
o>
o
o
o
o
ID
o
o
o
o
o
o
CO
o
o
o
CM
o
o
o
Numbers
Biomass
\
o
IT)
CM
o
CO
o
CQ
o
CM
CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8 C9
Sampling stations
Figure 2. Mean standing crop of benthic macroinvertebrates in Trout Creek,
Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976.
15
-------
TABLE 4. MEAN PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OF THE FIVE
MAJOR INVERTEBRATE GROUPS BY DENSITY AND BIOMASS FOR
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Taxa
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Total
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Total
CO
50
13
13
5
18
99
40
16
17
16
6
95
Cl
28
27
22
6
14
97
28
17
28
22
4
99
C2
29
22
22
9
17
99
34
18
21
18
6
97
C4
Density
55
12
19
3
9
98
Biomass
43
15
24
11
3
96
C6
55
8
20
4
11
98
51
8
18
16
4
97
C8
53
15
16
4
10
98
53
9
13
20
4
99
C9
33
33
16
2
14
98
41
30
7
9
6
93
All
sites
42
20
17
4
14
97
44
17
16
15
5
97
16
-------
cvj
I/)
o
o
in
OJ
O
O
O
CM
c
«3
O1
1 s
in
to
a)
Q
o
o
o
o
o
in
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8 C9
Sampling stations
Figure 3. Mean density for the five major invertebrate groups from
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976.
17
-------
Si.muli.um arct-icwn, Mierotendipes sp., Helieopsyehe sp., and Chewnatopsyohe
sp. accounted for the sharp rise in standing crop at site C9, more than
compensating for the dramatic decreases in Brachycentrus sp., Agapetus sp.,
and Rhithrogena sp.
Much of the downstream pattern in density was determined by relatively
few taxa. From 55% to 83% of the density was the result of eight taxa at
each site (Table 5). Most of these eight taxa were among the top eight in
abundance at many of the sites with Baetis sp. being among the top eight at
all the sites.
Generally the trend showed an increase in numbers of organisms and
biomass in the downstream direction. This is a common occurrence in streams
(Hynes 1970), although normally not to the degree seen here. The increase
could also be due to an enriching effect of the agricultural practices near
the stream (e.g., grazing and irrigation return water). Chemical changes in
the stream through the study area could also affect the density and biomass.
Specific conductance increased in the study area during the first year of
study (Table 6) and was positively correlated with density (r = 0.9) and
biomass (r = 0.8). Another factor may have been the increased hardness in
the stream below the entrance of groundwater from the mine spoils (McWhorter
et al. 1975), which has been postulated as a factor in increased productivity
THynes 1970).
Statistical analysis of variance was run on the raw numbers of organisms
per sample for the year's data (with Iog10 transformation) in an attempt to
determine the strength of the trend seen above. The results of the analysis
(Table 7) showed a significant difference between the sites (at 0.01 level),
which supports the trend discussed.
2. Macrobenthic composition
Aquatic insects comprised over 83% of the total number of taxa found
during the first year of the study on Trout Creek, with Trichoptera and
Diptera making up 56% of the insect species. Trichoptera accounted for 42%
of the numbers of individuals and 44% of the biomass for all sites combined
(Table 4). Diptera comprised 20% of the density and 17% of the biomass with
the Ephemeroptera making up 17% of the density and 15% of the biomass.
Plecoptera accounted for 4% of the density but 16% of the biomass, while the
Coleoptera comprised 14% of the density but only 5% of the biomass.
The number of species remained rather constant at all the sites with a
drop at C9 (Table 8). This drop in numbers of species with the increased
standing crop at C9 may point to a slightly stressed community at this site.
The greater numbers of species at C8 was mainly due to increased diversity of
Trichoptera. The lower numbers of species at C9 resulted from fewer species
of Trichoptera, Diptera, and Ephemeroptera.
The number of species of Trichoptera remained fairly constant at the
sites, with a higher value at C8 due to increased numbers of rare species.
Oligophlebodes sp. was restricted to upper sites while Chewnatopsyohe sp.
was predominately restricted to the lower sites. The other genera varied in
18
-------
TABLE 5. MAJOR TAXA-/ AND PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL DENSITY,
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Taxa
Brachycentrus americanus
Lepidostomx sp.
Agapetus Sp.
Oligophlebodes sp.
Hydropsyehe sp.
Cheumatopsyehe sp.
Orthocladius sp.
Cricotopus sp.
Eukiefferiella sp.
Atherix vari-egata
Simulium aratioum
Baetis sp.
Rhithrogena sp.
Ephemerella m-tdhenevi.
Allopevla sp.
Prostoia besametsa
Optioservus seviatus
Zaitzevia parvula
Percentage of total
CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8 C9
X X X X X X
X X
X X X X X X
X
X X X X
X
X XX
X X
X
X
X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X
X
X
XX X X X X
X X X X
55 63 75 83 75 73 70
Eight most abundant taxa at each site.
19
-------
TABLE 6. MEAN STANDING CROP FOR THE SAMPLING SITES ON
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, COMPARED TO MEAN SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE,
JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Density, biomass, CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8 C9
specific conductance
Density 9
(organisms/nt) 2929.5 2177.9 3146.4 2729.5 3800.4 4124.1 7088.6
Biomass (g/m2) 16.1 11.7 14.1 11.8 22.3 19.9 31.4
Specific
conductance
(ymhos/cm)i/ 145.8 144.9 250.0 288.0 288.0 1530.0
-/R. K. Skogerboe (unpublished data).
-------
TABLE 7. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLE FOR THE SAMPLING
SITES ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Source of
variation
Between sites
Within sites
Total
Sum of
squares
1.17
3.16
4.33
Degrees of
freedom^-'
6
70
76
Mean
square F-ratio
0.200 4.4^
0.045
Based upon unequal sample size.
-'Significant at the 0.01 level.
2-1
-------
TABLE 8'. NUMBER OF SPECIES IN EACH MAJOR TAXON FOR THE
SAMPLING SITES ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Taxa
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Henri ptera
Odonata
Hydracarina
Mollusca
Oligochaeta
Nematoda
Turbellaria
Total
CO
13
16
10
7
5
0
0
4
3
1
1
1
61
Cl
12
14
10
10
5
1
0
4
3
1
1
0
61
C2
12
18
10
9
5
0
0
4
2
1
1
0
62
C4
13
14
10
8
9
1
0
4
2
1
1
0
63
C6
13
14
11
9
6
1
0
4
3
1
1
0
62
C8
17
15
11
7
6
1
1
3
4
1
1
0
67
C9
12
13
8
7
2
1
0
3
4
2
1
0
53
22
-------
abundance throughout the study area with no one species predominant at all
the sites. There is an increase in the net-spinning caddisflies, Hydropsyche
sp., and Cheumatopsyohe sp. at the downstream sites, possibly due to
increased suspended matter below the mine. Temperature was apparently not
the factor restricting the abundance of Oligophlebodes sp. or Cheumatopsyohe
sp. since values were rather constant at the sites (Table 9).
Dipteran species were also similar at all sites, with CO and C2 having
the greatest number of species, due to the larger number of chironomids.
Again, no species was abundant at all sites, though certain species show an
increase at the lower sites (Atherix vavi,egata3 S-imul-Lum arctio-ium,
Ovtlnooladius sp., and M-icvo tendipes sp.). This increase was probably due to
the increased particulate matter in the stream below the mine (e.g., SimuUwn
a fil terfeeder) or the si 1 tier substrata at the lower sites.
Rather constant numbers of ephemeropteran species were prevalent. None
of the species was very abundant at all the sites, but most species occurred
at all sites. Ephemerella -inevmls and E. midheneTi, showed a marked increase
at the lower sites.
Plecoptera exhibited a greater number of species at the upstream sites.
This was due to the winter stoneflies, Zapada sp., Pavaleuctra sara, and
Leuctra glabra. Other stoneflies occurred throughout the study area.
Two species comprised the vast majority of the Coleoptera found in Trout
Creek. The larvae and adults of Optioservus seriatus and Zaitzevia parvula
were important at all sites. 0. seriatus increased in abundance downstream,
while Z. parvula decreased in numbers at the lower sites.
Hemiptera and Odonata were found only occasionally, mainly at the sites
adjacent to or below the mine. They may have come from ponds in the mine
spoils.
The number of species of Hydracarina was quite constant at all sites and
it was numerically most abundant at the upper sites. Only M-ideopsis sp.
showed an increase at the lower sites.
The number of molluscan species increased slightly at the downstream
sites and was highest at C6. Here Physa sp. was dominant; Ferrissia sp. was
most abundant at C9. All of the genera found are widespread in their dis-
tribution in North America (Clench 1959).
Only two species of Oligochaeta were identified. Limnodrilus sp. was
found only at C9 and was relatively abundant. A few specimens of the large
lumbricid earthworm, Eiseniella tetraedrat were collected, but were probably
accidentals which washed in from the stream banks (Ward 1976).
Nematoda occurred infrequently and could not be properly identified.
23
-------
rv>
TABLE 9. MEAN TEMPERATURE AND RANGE OF TEMPERATURE AT THE SAMPLING SITES
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO (°C), JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Temperature CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8
Mean temperature 5.6 5.7 5.1 6.4 6.2 5.1
Range of
temperature 0.0-16.0 0.0-16.0 0.0-16.5 0.0-17.5 0.0-17.5 0.0-18.0
-------
3. Diversity
Diversity did not show the downstream pattern seen with standing crop
(Table 10). Although the mean number of species at the sites was similar,
the composition did change from site to site. Diversity index and equi-
tability values were similar at all sites with the range of values masking
any differences between sites. The within site range of values partly repre-
sented seasonal changes resulting from life history phenomena. As life
histories of the various stream macrobenthos progress, the species diversity
index fluctuates. These fluctuations are enhanced by sampling, since the
sampling efficiency is partially a function of life cycle stages of the
organisms. At undisturbed locations, this fluctuation should be seasonal
showing definite periodicity; whereas at disturbed sites, the fluctuations
become random (Dills and Rogers 1972). However, values varied somewhat
randomly at all the Trout Creek sites. The average diversity index values at
the sites on Trout Creek fall essentially within the "normal" range defined
by Wilhm (1970).
4. Seasonal trends
Seasonal density, all sites combined, ranged from 1813 organisms/m2 in
June 1976 to 6451 organisms/m2 in November 1975. Density peaked in November
and April (Figure 4). Biomass values ranged from 9.7 in May 1976 to 29.8
g/m2 in November 1975 (Table 11). The seasonal pattern of density was
followed closely by the biomass. Diversity, however, was relatively constant
throughout the year.
The sites differed in their seasonal trends (Figure 5). Sites CO and C4
seemed to fluctuate somewhat randomly providing little contribution to the
peaks in fall and spring. The fall peak seemed to be largely due to the
extreme abundance found at C9 in November; while the spring peak occurred at
both C9 and C2.
The pattern exhibited in Figure 4 can be explained by examination of
the seasonal trends for the five major invertebrate groups (Table 12 and
Figure 6). The increase in fall was apparent for all the groups with few
aberrations. The drop in the Trichoptera density in August was due in part
to decreased density of Brachycentrus amevieanus 3 Lepidostoma sp., and
Hydroptila sp. (Table 13), which may emerge at this time. The decrease of
Ephemeroptera in September was due mainly to the large drop in Baetis sp.
abundance. The sharp decline in standing crop in December occurred in most
major genera. Only Oligophlebodes sp. and Cv-icotopus sp. increased in
numbers at this time. The increase to the spring peak in April was not as
consistent as that seen in the fall. Trichoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera
continued to decrease from December to January, especially Lepidostoma sp.,
Hydropsyche sp., Cheumatopsyche sp., Orthooladius sp., Cricotopus sp., and
Zaitzewia parvula. Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera increased during this period
with Rhitkfogena sp. and Alloperla sp. showing the greatest change. The
general increase in February occurred especially in Agapetus sp., Hydropsyche
sp., Cr-icotopus sp., Eukiefferiella sp., Prostoia besametsa, and Optioservus
seriatus. A decrease in the abundance of Rhithrogena sp. accounted for the
25
-------
TABLE 10. MEAN NUMBER OF TAXA AND THE RANGE OF VALUES FOR THE SHANNON-WEAVER INDEX
AND EQUITABILITY FOR THE SITES ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO, JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976
Number, index,
equitability CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8 C9
Mean number of
species 33 30 32 30 33 36 34
Shannon-Weaver
Index 3.1-4.1 2.6-3.9 2.3-3.8 2.5-3.8 2.4-3.8 2.6-4.0 2.9-4.0
Equitability 0.42-0.80 0.30-0.66 0.20-0.86 0.30-0.61 0.27-0.62 0.26-0.64 0.37-0.68
-------
o
o
o
O
O
O
Lf)
t/1
(/)
to
s-
o
O
O
O
(/>
O
O
o
O) CO
o
o
o
o
C\J
o
o
o
0
Numbers
_ Biomass
Number of taxa
-ro
o
CO
cu ^
-Q C7)
to
-------
TAIiLE 11. SEASONAL VALUES IN MACROINVFRTEHRATE STANDING CROP AND NUMBER OF SPECIES AT TROUT CREEK, COLORADO,
JULY 1975 TO JUNE 19/6, MEANS OF ALL SITES COMBINED
Density, hioniass,
species 28 July 11 Aug. 25 Aug. 28 Sept. 1 Nov. 6 Dec. 15 Jan. 13 Feb. 13 March 16 April 16 May 12 June
00 Density (organisms/in2) 1830 3045 3485 4384 6451 2862 2990 4049 3866 5302 2039 1813
Biomass (q/m2) 9.8 12.0 14.2 21.6 29.8 12.2 14.8 17.6 21.7 29.6 9.7 13.7
Mean species 28 28 31 35 34 33 34 32 34 36 33 28
-------
o
o
o
I
#
M
o
o
o
CO
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
in
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Site CO
Site C2
Site C4
Site C9
/ ,y
CO --IC1 CCJ-i >
c\j z: z: CNJZ: cxj c . o
-r. =t =c o z:
oo
Sanpling dates
Figure 5. Seasonal trends in mean macroinvertebrate
density for sites CO, C2, C4, and C9 on
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June
1976.
29
-------
to
o
TAUI.L 12. MLAI1 ULNSITY (OliGAIHSMS/M^) Of Till. I:1VL MAJOR INVUm.HRATE GROUPS ON HIE SAMPLING UATLS
(JULY 1975 TO JUflC 1976) FOR TROUT (,RITK, COLORADO
Taxa 28 July
richoptera 1344
iplera 11)7
(/hemeroptera 93
lecoptera 32
aleoptera 200
Dtal 1830
11 Aug.
1805
357
316
87
468
3045
25 Auy.
12/18
771
891
84
492
3485
28 Sept.
1780
788
699
193
868
4384
1 Nov.
27/1
1226
1265
338
917
6451
6 Dot.
1405
516
529
90
301
2862
15 Jan.
1317
432
719
207
250
2990
13 Keb.
1648
983
709
255
395
4049
13 March
1469
882
792
269
409
38f>6
16 April
2056
1362
854
359
474
5302
16 May
720
445
349
47
396
2039
12 June
751
273
409
29
208
1813
-------
o
o
o
ro
o
o
LD
OJ
CXI
O
O
O
C\J
CO
e
to
T3 ^D
O") ^D
S- LD
O r
o>
O
o
o
o
O
O -
LT>
Trichoptera
Diptera
-- Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleptera
COi
CnLDCDCD-t-1 >
I3CM3C\JCLi O
GO
OLOC COJD POO lO-i U3 n3 CNJC
Oli lT5i QJ i S_ i S_i 21 i ^
Sampling dates
Figure 6. Seasonal trends in the five major invertebrate groups in
Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975 to June 1976, plotted
as means of all sites combined.
31
-------
TABLE 13. SEASONAL TRENDS FOR THE MAJOR GENERA ON THE SAMPLING DATES (JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976),
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO (ORGAMtSMS/Mz)
CO
Taxa
Bifichu^fintrue ameriacmua
Lepidoutoma S|i.
Atjt.ipe.lnB Sp.
Glnsocaoma sp.
Hi'dropnyahe Sp.
Cheumat-opeych'1 sp.
Oligophleboden sp.
Hydroptila sp.
Atherix vari.e
-------
slight drop in the Ephemeroptera. A slight increase in March was offset by
decreased trichopteran and dipteran abundance (Agapetus sp., Hydropsyche sp.,
Cricotopus sp., and Eukiefferiella sp.). Though Atherix variegata and
SimuHum araticum decreased in April, other major genera showed a consider-
able increase accounting for the peak seen on this date. In May, with the
increased runoff, there was a drastic decline in abundance of the major
genera. In June there was a slight recovery in Glossosoma sp. and S-imuUwn
arcticum, but the rest of the taxa remained fairly low in density.
This pattern of seasonal abundance is common in streams. The fall
increase is prevalent in streams of this type as a result of the hatching of
eggs and subsequent growth of the larvae of summer emergent species (Hynes
1970). The sharp decline in the early winter samples may result from a
variety of factors including initial ice formation, downward migration of the
macrobenthos into the hyporheic and the emergence of fall species (Hynes
1970). The increased numbers in spring may result from the hatching of
overwintering eggs and the renewed growth of the existing organisms (and thus
increased sampling efficiency). The peak was reached before the spring
runoff. Runoff from snowmelt in the upper basin could account for much of
the decreased abundance at the sites in late spring. The emergence of some
organisms could also account for the drop in density on these dates. The
standing crop of the stream macroinvertebrates varies temporally according to
the life history patterns of the dominant organisms, and this is seen in
Trout Creek (Table 13 and discussion above).
Statistical analysis of variance was run on the raw numbers with Iog10
transformation for the dates to determine the degree of strength in the trend
seen above. The results of the analysis (Table 14) show significant dif-
ference between the dates (at 0.01 level), which supports the trend seen in
Figure 4.
B. YEAR TWO: JULY 1976 TO APRIL 1977
1. Macrobenthos
During the second year of study, 69 taxa were identified at the two
sites (C2 and C4) on Trout Creek (Appendix B). Only 17 were considered
numerically abundant. Many of these were also the abundant species found
during the first year of study.
Mean standing crop at C2 was 3991 organisms and 12.5 g per m2 compared
with 3522 organisms and 15.3 g per m2 during the same period the Preceding
year. For site C4, the values were 3111 organisms and 11.7 g per m^ (19/6-
1977), and 2935 organisms and 12.0 g per m2 (1975-1976).
Mean density over the 10 months showed a general decrease from C2 to C4
(Figure 7) as in the first year (Figure 2), although at higher density
values. Biomass also decreased from site C2 to site C4 (Table 15). As in
the first year, the general trend shows a drop in standing crop at C4, which
is below the older mine spoils and drainage from the current mining activity.
33
-------
TABLE 14. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLE FOR THE
SAMPLING DATES (JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976), TROUT CREEK, COLORADO
Source of
variation
Between dates
Within dates
Total
Sum of
squares
1.52
2.51
4.33
Degrees of
freedom-'
11
65
76
Mean
square
0.16
0.04
F-ratio
4.0^
Based upon unequal sample size.
-/Significant at the 0.01 level.
34
-------
Density
Biomass
o
o
o
C\J
o
o
O
(C
en
to
c
-------
TABLE 15. MEAN BIOMASS VALUES-/ FOR THE
MAJOR TAXA FOUND AT SITES C-2 AND C-4
(JULY 1976 TO APRIL 1977), ON TROUT CREEK,
COLORADO
Taxa
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Hydracarina
Mollusca
Oligochaeta
Hirudinea
Nematoda
Total
C2
4.8
2.4
1.2
2.2
0.9
0.1
0.1
+
+
12.5
C4
6.9
1.1
1.2
1.4
0.6
+&/
0.7
+
+
11.7
g/m wet weight based upon volumetric
conversion.
h / 0
'+= present but less than 0.1 g/m .
36
-------
The aquatic insects comprised over 90% of the standing crop at both
sites as in the first year (Table 16). The decrease in standing crop at C4
was due primarily to a reduced abundance of Diptera, Plecoptera, and
Hydracarina (especially Pericoma sp., Orthocladius sp., Prostoia besametsa,
and Protzia sp.). Trichoptera increased in relative abundance (notably
Hydropsyahe sp. and Glossosoma sp.), dominating both the density and biomass
at site C4.
Statistical analysis of variance was run on the raw numbers of organisms
per sample with Iog10 transformation for the 22 months of data to determine
if there was a difference between sites C2 and C4. The results (Table 17)
showed no difference between the sites. This suggests that differences are
due to more subtle changes in relative abundance of a few taxa rather than
gross changes in the entire fauna.
2. Macrobenthic composition
Aquatic insects comprised roughly 80% of the total number of taxa found
during the second year of study, with the Trichoptera and Diptera accounting
for 58% of the insect species (Table 18). Trichoptera dominated the fauna
with 56% of the density and 48% of the biomass (Table 16). Diptera comprised
13% of the density and 14% of the biomass while Ephemeroptera made up 8% of
the density and 10% of the biomass. As in year one, the stoneflies and
beetles mirrored each other with the Plecoptera accounting for 4% of the
density and 15% of the biomass, while Coleoptera accounted for 15% of the
density and 6% of the biomass.
The number of species at the two sites during the second year of study
(Table 18) was similar, although slightly lower than the number of species
found in the first year (Table 8). The lower number of species at site C4
was due mainly to fewer species of aquatic insects.
Trichoptera species were quite similar at both sites with only a few
rare specimens found at just one site (e.g., Oligophlebodes sp. and
Helicopsyche sp. at C2 and C4, respectively). In the data for year one
(Appendix A) these two sites appear to be the boundary zone between those
species found only at the upper sites (e.g., Ol-Lgophlebodes sp.) and those
found mainly at the lower sites (e.g., Chewnatopsyohe sp.). The sites had
similar fauna! components with the differences being primarily in abundance.
Hydropsuche sp. and Glossosoma sp. exhibited greater density at C4, while
Lepidostoma sp. decreased greatly at this site. There were relatively fewer
Hydroptila sp. at site C2 compared to the previous year.
Dipteran species were also similar at the two sites; however, large
decreases in abundance of Periooma sp. and Orthocladius sp. at the lower site
accounted for the lower density. The main difference from year one in this
group is the absence of large numbers of SimuHum arcticum at C4 during the
second year.
Ephemeroptera were very similar at both sites for both years. The
greater abundances of Rhitfoogena sp. at C2 and EphemereUa inermis at C4
were the only major differences between the two sites for this group.
37
-------
TABLE 16. MEAN PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OF THE
FIVE MAJOR INVERTEBRATE GROUPS BY DENSITY AND
BIOMASS FOR SITES C2 AND C4 (JULY 1976 TO
APRIL 1977), ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO
Taxa
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Total
Trichoptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
Plecoptera
Coleoptera
Total
C2
Density
48
19
8
5
16
96
Biomass
38
19
10
18
7
92
C4
66
5
8
3
14
96
59
9
10
12
5
95
Both
sites
56
13
8
4
15
96
48
14
10
15
6
93
38
-------
TABLE 17. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE FOR THE SITES C2 AND
C4 (JULY 1975 TO APRIL 1977), ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO
Source of
variation
Between sites
Within dates
Total
Sum of
squares
0.07
2.48
2.55
Degrees ,
of freedom^-'
1
41
42
Mean
square
0.07
0.06
F-ratio
1.2^
-Based upon unequal sample size.
Not significant.
39
-------
TABLE 18. NUMBER OF SPECIES IN EACH MAJOR
TAXON FOR SITES C2 AND C4 (JULY 1976 TO
APRIL 1977), ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO
Taxa
Tri choptera
Diptera
Ephemeroptera
PI ecoptera
Coleoptera
Hydracarina
Mollusca
Oligochaeta
Hirudinea
Nematoda
Total
C2
13
16
8
9
4
4
3
2
0
1
60
C4
12
15
7
7
5
4
5
2
1
0
58
40
-------
The greater number of species of Plecoptera at site C2 was again due to
the presence of the winter stoneflies (Leuctra glabra and Paraleuotra sara)
not found at C4. Generally, the other stoneflies were found at both sites
with Prostoia besametsa providing the higher density at C2.
The Coleoptera were dominated by two species, Optioservus seriatus and
Zaitzevia parvula. Z. parvula showed decreased abundance at site C4, whereas
0. ser-iatus had similar density values at both sites in both years.
The number of species of Hydracarina was the same at both sites,
although all of the species had greater abundance at site C2 (as in year
one).
More species and numbers of Mollusca occurred at C4, although the
reasons for this are unclear.
As in the first year, only two species of Oligochaeta were identified at
the two sites, with neither of them being very abundant. One specimen of the
leech, Helobdella stagnates, was collected at the lower site.
Nematoda occurred infrequently during the second year and could not be
properly identified.
3. Diversity
Diversity values (Shannon-Weaver index and equitability) were similar at
the two sites for the second year (Table 19). Mean number of species was
lower at site C4 due mainly to reduced diversity of dipterans. The diversity
index values fall essentially in the "normal" range of Wilhm (1970).
4. Seasonal trends
The seasonal density values, both sites combined, ranged from 838
organisms/m2 in October 1976 to 5123 organisms/m2 in July 1976. Density
peaked in September and April (Figure 8). Biomass values ranged from 2.7
g/m2 in October to 22.0 g/m2 in July 1976 (Table 20), closely following the
pattern of density values. Diversity (as mean number of species) showed
greater periodicity than in the first year and closely followed the standing
crop.
The sites followed somewhat the pattern of the first year with site C2
again peaking in the spring. This was mainly due in both years to the large
number of Chironomidae found associated with the Hydrurus foet^dus
(Chrysophyta), which coats the substratum at this site in spring.
As in year one, trends can be explained by changes in the five major
faunal groups (Table 21). The slight decrease in August was due primarily to
decreases in Trichoptera and Coleoptera abundance, especially Brachycentrus
americanus, Glossosoma sp., and Zaitzevia parvula (Table 22). The subsequent
rise of Diptera and Coleoptera in September more than compensated for
decreases in the Trichoptera. The large increases in Orfhooladius sp.,
Cricotopus sp., Xheotanytarsus sp. and Optioservus seriatus overshadowed
41
-------
TABLE 19. MEAN NUMBER OF TAXA AND THE RANGE OF
VALUES FOR THE SHANNON-WEAVER INDEX AND
EQUITABILITY FOR THE SITES ON TROUT CREEK,
COLORADO, JULY 1976 TO APRIL 1977
Number, Index,
equitability C2 C4
Mean number
of species 35 30
Shannon-Weaver
index 2.6-4.0 2.4-3.8
Equitability 0.26-0.59 0.29-0.70
42
-------
o
o
o
CM
to
to
(O
O
CO
CO
O
C\J
o
o
o
to O
E O
«/) O
i- n
c
to
Ol
s_
o
o
r- O
to O
C CM
O Z
CO
CD r ^5 ^j i^j i
i O) r S- i
to
0)
O
O d)
Q.
to
O)
O C
CM
C
(U
Figure 8. Seasonal trends in macroinvertebrate diversity, density, and biomass at Trout Creek,
Colorado, July 1976 to April 1977, plotted as means of sites C2 and C4 combined.
-------
TABLE 20. SEASONAL VALUES IN MACROINVERTEBRATE STANDING CROP AND MEAN NUMBER OF SPECIES AT
TROUT CREEK, COLORADO (JULY 1976 TO APRIL 1977), MEANS OF SITES C2 AND C4 COMBINED
Density, biomass,
species 9 July 6 Aug. 10 Sept. 8 Oct. 13 Nov. 14 Dec. 14 Jan. 11 Feb. 16 March 15 April
Density (organisms/m2) 5123 4180 4858 838 2331 2987 2424 3380 4392 4995
Biomass (g/m2) 22.0 10.2 13.0 2.7 10.8 12.7 8.6 11.0 13.8 16.0
Mean species 28 29 36 22 31 36 31 36 40 34
-------
01
TABLE 21. MIAN Ul.fMlY (OI
-------
TABLE 22. SEASONAL TRENDS FOR THE MAJOR GENERA FOR SITES C2 AND C4 (JULY 1975 TO APRIL 1977)
ON TROUT CREEK, COLORADO (ORGANISMS/M2)
Taxa
Braahyaentrue anericanua
Lepidoatoma sp.
Agapetue sp.
GloBBOsoma sp.
Hydrapsyche sp.
Pericoma sp.
OfthoaladiuB sp.
Cricotopue sp.
CM
Kkeotanytareue sp.
Baetie sp.
Rhithrogena sp.
Ephemerella inezmia
Alloperla sp.
Proetoia h^ecanetaa
Optioeervus aeriatue
Zaitzevia parvula
Protsia sp.
P%sa sp.
9 July
1580
445
1688
315
48
1
14
22
47
168
1
--
27
--
187
435
3
--
6 Aug.
363
1256
1295
13
95
27
79
14
104
14
3
28
--
186
319
10
1
10 Sept.
198
889
1582
34
262
32
103
233
132
116
120
--
27
--
360
364
57
36
8 Oct.
4
86
33
8
16
9
5
26
1
2
--
15
--
214
249
42
2
13 Nov.
82
355
759
21
129
111
5
20
51
72
29
108
7
198
112
53
38
14 Dec.
64
400
400
221
152
118
228
70
3
24
75
59
144
4
309
262
40
110
14 Jan.
Ill
180
261
554
166
75
10
17
28
35
225
80
37
1
285
104
8
62
11 Feb.
155
510
295
680
149
142
--
28
13
45
151
88
116
53
305
219
110
75
16 March
150
564
330
861
178
150
154
22
21
157
199
102
155
175
392
274
45
105
15 April
182
368
194
777
101
94
1479
19
35
141
200
77
88
272
323
226
19
27
-------
large decreases in BrachyeentPUS amevioanus and ^epidostoma sp. The tremen-
dous decrease in standing crop in October occurred in all major groups, with
the smallest decrease occurring in Coleoptera. The increase through December
was present in all major groups with the largest occurring in the Trichoptera
in November and the Diptera in December. The Coleoptera decreased in Novem-
ber, but recovered in December. Ephemeroptera (Rhithrogena sp.) and Trichop-
tera (Braehyaentrus amerieanus, Glossosoma sp.) increased in abundance in
January, although the other groups exhibited decreased numbers.
Statistical analysis of variance was run on the raw data with Iog10
transformation to determine the strength of the trend seen above. The
results (Table 23) showed significant difference between the dates (at 0.05
level).
5. Epilithic Algae
Qualitative samples of epilithon scraped from the upper surfaces of
rubble-sized rocks showed a diverse algal flora. Appendix C lists the
epilithic algae collected from sites C2 and C4. Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
comprised approximately 80% of the species at both locations. Chlorophytes
and cyanophytes were also represented. A single species of Chrysophyta
(Hydrurus foetidus] occurred at both sites and the chantransia stage of a
Rhodophyta was identified from site C2.
47
-------
TABLE 23. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE FOR THE DATES (JULY 1976
TO APRIL 1977) OF TROUT CREEK, COLORADO
Source of
variation
Between dates
Within dates
Total
Sum of
squares
1.23
0.30
1.53
Degrees
of freedom
9
10
19
Mean
square
0.14
0.03
F-ratio
4.6^
-/Significant at 0.05 level.
48
-------
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52
-------
APPENDIX A
Macrobenthos species list and mean density for the
sampling sites on Trout Creek, Colorado, July 1975-June 1976
Taxa
TRICHOPTERA
Braahyeentrus ameriaanus
Lepidostoma sp.
Agape tus Sp.
Glossosoma sp.
Rhyacophila angelita
Aretopsyehe sp.
Hydropsyehe sp.
Cheumatopsyehe sp.
Oligophlebodes sp.
Neothrerrma sp.
Hesperophytax sp.
Lirrmephilus sp.
Pyenopsyehe sp.
Wormaldia sp.
Helicopsyche sp.
Hydroptila sp.
Leuaotriehia sp.
Psyehomyia sp.
DIPTERA
Atherix variegata
Simulium aretieum
Hexatoma sp.
Tipula sp.
Palpomyia sp.
Deuterophlebia sp.
Euparyphus sp.
Density
CO
1388
136
263
450
29
9
21
42
4
343
11
+
+
--
31
366
37
51
10
17
" ~
+
+
~ "
Cl
560
338
38
179
2
4
22
30
1
4
+
+
--
2
598
91
81
8
+
V «
--
+
^
C2
950
457
256
301
9
7
13
45
1
+
+
~
+
128
~ "~
728
32
44
13
5
+
+
. ""
p
(organisms/m )
C4
1505
240
30
846
78
7
37
322
+
"
2
~ "
+
5
_ .
^ ^
333
18
167
15
+
+
C6
2095
373
27
958
318
15
15
284
1
+
~ ~
5
^
+
8
^ ^
""
308
12
16
23
11
C8
2202
511
52
1034
87
13
13
388
30
r\ 1
21
15
+
2
13
~~
+
611
9
9
24
22
2
C9
2314
91
14
38
16
1
47
541
1376
_ «.
"
"~
"~
~~
117
61
1
2304
271
513
24
42
+
53
-------
Appendix A. Cont.
Taxa
DIPTERA (Cont.)
Chelifera sp.
Wiedemannia sp.
PevLooma sp.
Eukiefferiella sp.
Rheotanytarsus sp.
Orfhoeladius sp.
Cpicotopus sp.
Pentaneura sp.
Miarotendipes sp.
Cardiocladius sp.
Brillia sp.
Heterotrissoaladius sp.
Pseudodiamesa sp.
Diamesa sp.
Pseudoohironomus sp.
EPHEMEROPTERA
Baetis sp.
Epeorus longimanus
Rh-ifhrogena sp.
Ephemerella grand-is
E, inermis
£". miohenevi
E. margarita
E. heauba
Triaorythodes sp.
Paraleptophlebia heteronea
Ameletus sparsatus
Ameletus oregonensi.s
PLECOPTERA
Pteronarcella bad-la
Pteronarcys oalifornioa
Claasseni-a sabulosa
Aeroneuria sp.
/iZZoperla sp.
2
Density (organisms/m )
CO
1
--
43
33
12
67
48
1
--
2
--
+
6
--
388
133
14
123
81
4
3
+
--
+
2
+
154
82
+
9
+
23
Cl
+
--
26
23
--
102
131
+
--
38
--
--
+
81
--
425
136
43
258
29
2
2
+
+
--
2
+
_ «
136
39
+
5
--
49
C2
2
--
64
no
1
110
286
+
+
4
2
--
30
10
706
313
26
325
27
3
7
+
-i-
6
2
305
29
12
--
63
C4
3
8
28
14
48
18
+
--
--
--
3
451
114
8
325
49
11
26
+
+
--
4
--
+
83
13
+
10
--
46
C6
9
+
4
32
2
96
63
2
16
--
--
16
761
229
3
239
88
77
105
3
+
+
3
+
""
149
17
2
9
106
C8
4
+
3
116
--
258
44
2
11
--
--
--
64
-
646
257
2
124
60
88
107
+
4
+
15
+
154
15
4
~
103
C9
8
+
123
--
718
121
--
154
--
-
--
35
1142
412
55
9
177
271
--
37
9
133
10
~
89
54
-------
Appendix A. Cont.
Taxa
PLECOPTERA (Cont.)
Isogenus sp.
Aroynopteryx parallela
Prostoia bescanetsa
Zapada sp.
Paraleuctra sara
Leuatra glabra
COLEOPTERA
Optioservus seriatus
Zaitzevia parvula
Narpus sp.
Eel-Lahus sp.
Deronectes sp.
Oreodytes sp.
Agabinus sp.
Bryohius sp..
Hydat-ious sp.
HEMIPTERA
Corixidae
Notoneata sp.
ODONATA
Ophiogomphus sp.
HYDRACARINA
Protsi-a sp.
Mideopsis s p .
Lebertia sp.
Lirrmoa'hares sp.
MOLLUSCA
Physa sp.
Lymnaea sp.
Ferrissia sp.
T5j»* *» rf» W*i < /wi C t"l
2
Density (organisms/m )
CO
2
3
527
264
246
3
1
+
--
--
~
^
--
48
27
7
8
3
3
+
+
2
Cl
+
2
40
+
3
+
390
120
110
+
+
+
--
~ ~
_ _
+
--
26
11
6
3
3
1
+
+
+
C2
+
3
195
+
+
+
533
175
245
2
1
+
~ *
_ ^
--
39
18
9
5
3
+
+
+
C4
4
3
6
+
--
238
131
112
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
_
+
--
9
2
2
+
+
9
9
+
+
C6
4
6
6
+
+
--
430
341
98
+
1
+
+
""
+
--
10
2
3
2
+
54
48
1
C8
7
10
11
__
--
431
333
93
+
1
1
+
""
" "*
+
""
+
15
2
5
4
. M
37
32
4
C9
12
6
16
--
--
-
987
890
97
~
~ ~
~
_-
+
12
--
+
1
25
10
14
+
55
-------
Appendix A. Cont.
Taxa
OLIGOCHAETA
Eiseniella tetraedra
Lirnnodrilus sp.
NEMATODA
TURBELLARIA
Dugesia sp.
Total
2
Density (organisms/m )
CO Cl C2 C4 C6 C8 C9
+ 2 1 1 + 5 106
+ 211 + 57
99
2 2 1 + + 1 8
2930 2178 3146 2730 3800 4124 7089
I O
'+ = present but less than 1.0/m .
56
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APPENDIX B
Macrobentho species list and mean density values
(organisms/m2) for sites C2 and C4, July
1976-April 1977, on Trout Creek, Colorado
Density (organisms/m )
Taxa
C2 C4
TRICHOPTERA 1918 2066
Brachyaent'rus amepieanus 225 353
Lepidostoma sp. 882 129
Agapetus sp. 555 811
Glossosorm sp. 171 526
Rhyaoophila angelita 3 2
Hydropsyohe sp. 41 227
Aretopsyehe sp. 4 5
Chewnatopsyohe sp.
Helicopsyehe sp. 6
HydroptUa sp. 20 2
Neotrichia sp. 16 1
Leucotriohia sp. +
Wormaldia sp. 1 2
Oligophlebodes sp. 1
Limnephilus sp. +
DIPTERA 754 171
Athevix variegata 30 15
Simuliwn arct'lown 7 2
Hexatoma sp. 28 19
Periaoma. sp. 139 8
Chelifera sp. 8 5
Deuterophleb'ia. sp. +
>ln£0cfo: sp. 10 2
Hesperooonopa sp. 1
Palpomyia sp. 6 +
Maruina lanoeolata 1
57
-------
Appendix B. Cont.
Taxa
2
Density (organism/m )
DIPTERA (Cont.)
Orthocladius sp. 375 30
Rheotanytarsus sp. 34 20
Cricotopus sp. 79 28
Mierotendipes sp. 3 10
Diamesa sp. 14 3
Eukiefferiella sp. 6 1
Psect-pocladius sp. 26 7
EPHEMEROPTERA 343 265
Baetis sp. 93 75
Rhithrogerta sp. 158 53
Epeorus longimanus 13 2
fi^hemerelZa grand-is 37 44
ff. inermis 14 74
E. margorita 3 4
Ameletus sparsatus 5
Paraleptophlebia heteronea 15 13
PLECOPTERA 219 84
Alloperla sp. 89 68
Proatoia besametsa 101 2
ClaaasewLa sdbuloaa 20 7
Aeroneuria sp. +
PteronareeZZa badia 6 2
Pteronarays
Avoynapteryx parallela 11
Leuotra glabra +
COLEOPTERA 637 432
Optioservus aeriatus 289 263
Zaitzewia parvula 345 168
Narpus sp. 1
Helichus sp. 2 +
Laccophilus sp. +
Oreodytes sp. +
58
-------
Appendix B. Cont.
Taxa
2
Density (organisms/m )
C2 C4
HYDRACARINA 106 14
Protzia sp. 71 6
Lebert'ia. sp. 14 1
Mideopsis sp. 14 4
Lirnnoahares sp. 21 3
MOLLUSCA 3 97
Physa sp. 1 90
Lymnaea sp. 2 6
Pisidium sp. + +
Gyvaulus sp. +
Ferrissia sp. +
OLIGOCHAETA 4 +
Eiseniella tetraedra 3 +
sp. + +
HIRUDINEA
Helobdella stagnalis +
NEMATODA +
Total 3991 3111
59
-------
APPENDIX C
Species of epilithic algae collected at
sites C2 and C4 on Trout Creek, Colorado-''
Taxa C2 C4
BACILLARIOPHYTA
Achnanthes lanoeolata
A. minutissima
Asterionella formosa
Cocaoneis pediculus
C. plaoentula
Cyclotella sp.
Cymbella minuta
C. prostrata
C. tumida
Diatoma hiemale
D. vulgar e
Epithemia sorex
Eunotia peotinalis
Fragilaria construens
F. vaucheriae
Frustulia rhomboides
Gorrrphonema olivacewn
G. subelavatum
Gyrosigma obtusatum
Hannea araus
Bantzschia amphioxys
Melosira varians
Meridian oiroulare
Navicula sp.
N. cryptocephala
N. exigua
S. gastrum
H. pupula
N. radioea
N. rhyncocephala
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
60
-------
Appendix C. Cont.
Taxa C2 C4
BACTILLARIOPHYTA (Cont.)
N. tripunctata
N. viridula
Nitzschia sp.
N. aoioular-is
N. apieulata
N. dissipata
N. hungcari-ca
N. linecans
N. palea
N. sigmoidea
Pinnularia mesolepta
Rhoioosphenia curvata
Khopalodia gibbet
Surirella augustata
S. ovalis
Synedra ulna
Synedra ulna var. imppessa
CHLOROPHYTA
Chlamydomonas sp.
Closterium sp.
J]l.r>±lrY^i^r. SD.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CHRYSOPHYTA
Hydrurus foetidus X X
CYANOPHYTA
Anabaena sp. ^ X X
Daetylocoacopsis faphLdioides X
Lyngbya sp. X X
Nostoo palmelo-ides X X
Oscillatoria sp. x *
Phormidium sp. X X
Tolypothrix sp. X X
61
-------
Appendix C. Cont.
Taxa C2 C4
RHODOPHYTA
Nemalion "chantransia" X
Total number of species 55 39
-/From qualitative samples scraped from upper surfaces of
rubble-sized rocks on October and November 1976, April
and May 1977 at C2, and January, February, and March 1977
at C4.
62
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/3-78-095
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF WESTERN COAL SURFACE MINING
PART II - THE AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES OF TROUT CREEK
LULL/HAUL)
5. REPORT DATE
October 1978
i ssuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
Steven P. Canton and James V. Ward
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Department of Zoology and Entomology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
R803950
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Research Laboratory - Duluth,
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/03
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
A study was conducted on Trout Creek in northwestern Colorado to assess
effects of coal mine drainage on stream macroinvertebrates. Density and
biomass exhibited a general increase in the downstream direction throughout
the study area and showed marked seasonal variation. Aquatic insects com-
prised over 90% of the fauna with caddisflies (Trichoptera) predominating
Diversity did not vary significantly throughout the study area. None of the
parameters measured showed any definite indication of stressed conditions in
the^macroinvertebrate community during the study period. Water quality was
diminished primarily during spring runoff and the invertebrates seemed able
to withstand this short period of water quality degradation. The buffer zone
present between the mine area and Trout Creek may decrease the effects of
mine drainage and should remain to insure the maintenance of a stable
macroinvertebrate community in Trout Creek.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI F''ield/Group
Coal
Coal mining
Invertebrates
Water pollution
Biological survey
Benthos
Effects of mining
Environmental effects
Environmental biology
06/F
13/B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report!
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
73
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page/
UNCLASSIFIED'
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
63
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1978-657-060/!5!3 Region No. 5-11
------- |