Macroinvertebrate Communities and Habitat in Luxapalila Creek, Mississippi and Alabama
Abstract
A survey of macroinvertebrates and their habitat was conducted in Luxapalila Creek soon after completion of flood control measures in the lower reach near Columbus, MS, 1998-2000. The results of this study were compared with a similar preconstruction survey conducted in 1987-1989. There was no evidence of adverse effects of construction on the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Recently channelized, unchannelized, and historically channelized portions of the stream differed somewhat in geomorphological (e.g., stream width) and other physical habitat characteristics (e.g., canopy coverage). However, at all sites macroinvertebrate community composition was marked by similarity, both fluictionally and structurally. Substrattmi and water quality conditions were also similar throughout the stream. Density of macroinvertebrates was greatest in the recently channelized downstream reach. Collector-filterers (mostly the Asian clarn, Corbiculafluminea) were least abundant in the upstream reach that was channelized 80 years ago. It is likely that these patterns reflect quantitative trophic difference along an upstream to downstream gradient usual for streams of this size. Short-lived, small invertebrates such as midges and worms (chironomids, oligochaetes, and nematodes) numerically dominated the fauna. Drift of the wonns and aquatic stages of midges, combined with aerial dispersal of adult midges, contributes to the rapid colonization ability and uniformity of community composition of the macroinvertebrate community that characterizes Luxapalila Creek.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA399416
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne
- Peter Smiley
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center