Water quality of selected effluent-dependent stream reaches in southern Arizona as indicated by concentrations of periphytic chlorophyll a and aquatic-invertebrate communities

Gebler, Joseph B.

Abstract:

Concentrations of chlorophyll a and indices computed for aquatic- invertebrate communities in two effluent-dependent stream reaches on the Santa Cruz River and one on the Salt River were compared to those in noneffluent-dependent streams to examine potential differences in water quality. Periphytic chlorophyll a from riffle habitats and aquatic-invertebrate communities from riffle and multiple habitats were used for the comparison. Concentrations of chlorophyll a from effluent-dependent streams were elevated compared with concentrations in noneffluent- dependent streams. Aquatic-invertebrate communities from effluent-dependent streams were characterized by an abundant, yet taxonomically depauperate fauna of tolerant organisms; whereas, noneffluent-dependent streams supported a diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrates including taxa considered sensitive to water-quality degradation. These results indicate that water quality of the effluent-dependent streams is poor compared with water quality of noneffluent-dependent streams. Patterns of taxonomic composition of aquatic-invertebrate communities and abundances of aquatic invertebrates from effluent- dependent streams are the same as patterns discussed in the scientific literature.

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USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

27268

Citation Author:

Gebler, Joseph B.

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ENGLISH

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12 p. :col. ill., col. maps ;28 cm.

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U.S. Geological Survey ; Information Services [distributor],

Citation Series:

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Citation Series Code:

WRI

Citation Series Number:

98-4199

Citation Search Results Text:

Water quality of selected effluent-dependent stream reaches in southern Arizona as indicated by concentrations of periphytic chlorophyll a and aquatic-invertebrate communities; 1998; WRI; 98-4199; Gebler, Joseph B.