Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Volume 158, Issue 2, Pages 543-550Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.08.008
Keywords
Suspended sediments; Sedimentation; Stream invertebrates; Lowland rivers; Ecological risk
Categories
Funding
- Australian Research Council (ARC) [LP0882481]
- Australian Postdoctoral Industry (APDI)
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The effects of suspended and deposited sediments on the macroinvertebrates are well documented in upland streams but not in slower flowing lowland rivers. Using species found in lowland lotic environments, we experimentally evaluate mechanisms for sediments to affect macroinvertebrates, and in one experiment whether salinity alters the effect of suspended sediments. Suspended kaolin clay reduced feeding of Ischnura heterosticta (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) at high turbidity (1000-1500 NTU) but had no effects on feeding of Hemianax papuensis (Odonata: Aeshnidae) and Micronecta australiensis (Hemiptera: Corixidae). In freshwater (0.1 mS/cm), survival of Ischnura aurora was poor in clear water, but improved with suspended kaolin. Growth and feeding of L aurora were unaffected by suspended sediments and salinity. Burial (1-5 mm) of eggs with kaolin or sand reduced hatching in Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae), Gyraulus; tasmanica (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) and Chironomus cloacalis (Diptera: Chironomidae). Settling sediments may pose greater risk to lowland lotic invertebrates than suspended sediments. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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