Changes in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in Relation to Water Chemistry in 17 Lakes in South-Central Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Benthic macroinvertebrates can be strong indicators of lake conditions, integrating the effects of all physical and chemical aspects of the environment. In lake systems that have been exposed to acid deposition, benthic community structure may be impacted by changes in water chemistry associated with either acidification or subsequent recovery. Multivariate analysis was used to examine temporal changes (from 1988 to 2002) in the benthic macroinvertebrate communities of 17 acid-sensitive lakes to evaluate the relationship between benthic community structure and water chemistry associated with acidification. Over the 15 years, chemical variables were found to explain 45-87% of the total variation in the benthic community. Temporal changes in community structure were most apparent from 1991 to 1999, while chemical parameters explained the greatest amount of variance from 1993 to 1997. During this period, relationships were evident between specific invertebrate groups and a number of chemical parameters, with covariables such as calcium and sodium often explaining significant additional variation. Overall, the correlation between benthic community structure and water chemistry suggests a strong association between temporal changes in the macroinvertebrate community and changes in lake chemistry associated with acidification and gradual recovery.
- Publication:
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AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005AGUSMNB52F..03R
- Keywords:
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- 9810 New fields (not classifiable under other headings);
- 1800 HYDROLOGY;
- 9901 NABS Student Award - Basic Research