Publication Citation

USGS Series Water-Resources Investigations Report
Report Number 96-4152
Title An application of bioassessment metrics and multivariate techniques to evaluate central Nebraska streams
Edition -
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Frenzel, S. A.
Year 1996
Originating office
USGS Library Call Number (200) WRi no.96-4152
Physical description iv, 12 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
ISBN

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Abstract

Ninety-one stream sites in central Nebraska were classified into four clusters on the basis of a cluster analysis (TWINSPAN) of macroinvertebrate data. Rapid bioassessment protocol scores for macroinvertebrate species were significantly different among sites grouped by teh first division into two clusters. This division may have distinguished sites on the basis of water-quality imparement. Individual metrics that differed between clusters of sites were the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, the number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa, and the ratio of individuals in EPT to Chironomidae taxa. Canonical correspondence analysis of 57 of 91 sites showed that stream width, site altitude, latitude, soil permeability, water temperature, and mean annual precipitation were the most important environmental variables describing variance in the species-environment relation. Stream width and soil permeability reflected streamflow characteristics of a site, whereas site altitude and latitude were factors related to general climatic conditions. Mean annual precipitation related to both streamflow and climatic conditions.