MODELING TO EVALUATE MACROPHYTE INDUCED IMPACTS TO DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN A TAILWATER RESERVOIR1

ABSTRACT: Effects of aquatic macrophytes are not considered in most standard water quality models. This study used field measurements and water quality models to help determine the effects of aquatic macrophytes on dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in a shallow tailwater reservoir. Installation of a hydropower plant and macrophytes (primarily Potamogeton and Chara) in a large shallow portion of the lake are possible causes of reduced DO levels in the tailwater reservoir. A water quality model (WASP5) was used to quantify the various DO sources and sinks and to evaluate the effects of the hydropower operations on DO levels in the lake. It was found that the macrophytes in Lake Ogallala had a significant effect on the DO levels in the lake. At an average macrophyte density of about 6,360 g/m² (wet weight) in 2000, the DO fluctuated daily from about 3 mg/l to about 12 mg/l. At an average macrophyte density of about 2,120 g/m² (wet weight) in 2002, the DO fluctuated from about 5 mg/l to about 9 mg/l daily. The model predicted that the DO would remain near 5 mg/l without macrophytes. The photo‐synthetic and respiration rates developed in the model (4.4 mg/g‐hr and 1.4 mg/g‐hr, respectively) agree well with literature values.     

PREDICTING INFLUENCES OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT ON THERMAL HABITAT IN A WARM WATER STREAM1

ABSTRACT: Watershed and aquatic ecosystem management requires methods to predict and understand thermal impacts on stream habitat from urbanization. This study evaluates thermal effects of projected urbanization using a modeling framework and considers the biological implications to the fish community. The Stream Network Temperature Model (SNTEMP) was used in combination with the Hydrologic Simulation Program Fortran (HSPF) to assess changes in stream thermal habitat under altered stream‐ flow, shade, and channel width associated with low, medium, and high density urban developments in the Back Creek watershed (Roanoke County, Virginia). Flow alteration by the high density development scenario alone caused minimal heating of mean daily summer base flow (mean +0.1°C). However, when flow changes were modeled concurrently with reduced shade and increased channel width, mean daily temperature increased 1°C. Maximum daily temperatures exceeding the state standard (31°C) increased from 1.1 to 7.6 percent of the time using summer 2000 climatic conditions. Model results suggest that additional urban development will alter stream temperature, potentially limiting thermal habitat and shifting the fish community structure from intolerant to tolerant fish species in Back Creek. More research is needed on the sub‐lethal or chronic effects of increased stream temperature regimes on fish, particularly for those species already living in habitats near their upper limits.     

Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring: Experiences with Pulp and Paper and Metal Mining Regulatory Programs

In Canada, Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) programs exist within two regulations: the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and the newMetal Mining Effluent Regulations under the Canadian Fisheries Act. EEM provides a biological, effects-based feedback loop to assess the effectiveness of technology-based regulations in protecting receiving environments. The promulgation of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, in 1992, represented a significant step forward in the Canadian regulatory approach by incorporating directly into a regulation a requirement to assess the effects of effluent discharges on receiving environments using proven scientific monitoring methodologies. Similarly, an assessment of the aquatic impacts of mines resulted in recommendations to amend the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations, recently promulgated in 2002, and includes an EEM program as a science-based feedback loop. As such, these regulations recognize the possibility that national, technology-based standards may not necessarily protect all receiving environments because of the diversity and variability of both discharges and receiving sites across the country. Since that time, EEM has improved its flexibility by considering both advances in science and the uniqueness of monitoring sites across Canada to allow the most appropriate and cost-effective monitoring approaches at each site while maintaining national consistency. This paper discusses the use of monitoring under two Canadian regulations to assess effects on aquatic ecosystems. As well, the National EEM approach to maintaining up-to-date scientific practices in a national regulatory program is discussed using examples.     

LIMITING NUTRIENT DETERMINATION IN LOTIC ECOSYSTEMS USING A QUANTITATIVE NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT PERIPHYTOMETER1

ABSTRACT: The decline of water quality in United States’ lotic ecosystems (streams and rivers) has been linked to nonpoint source nutrient loading (U.S. EPA, 1990). Determining limiting nutrients in streams is difficult due to the variable nature of lotic ecosystems. We developed a quantitative passive diffusion periphyton nutrient enrichment system, called the Matlock Periphytometer, to measure the response of attached algae (periphyton) to nutrient enrichment. The system is simple to build and provides quantitative nutrient enrichment of a surface for periphytic growth. The periphyton grow on a glass fiber filter, which allows complete recovery of periphyton for chlorophyll a analysis. A 14-kilodalton dialysis membrane was used as a biofilter to prevent bacterial and algal contamination of the nutrient solution. We determined the rates of diffusion of nitrogen and phosphorus ions across the Matlock Periphytometer's dialysis membrane and glass fiber filter over a 21-day period (42 and 22 μg/cm²/hr, respectively). We used the Matlock Periphytometer to determine the limiting nutrient in a woodland stream. Six replicates each of a control, nitrogen, and phosphorus treatment were placed in the stream for 14 days. The results indicated that phosphorus was the limiting nutrient in the stream for the period and location sampled.     

REGIONAL SCALE TREND MONITORING OF INDICATORS OF TROPHIC CONDITION OF LAKES1

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a sample survey design to answer questions about the ecological condition and trends in condition of U.S. ecological resources. To meet the objectives, the design relies on a probability sample of the resource population of interest (e.g., a random sample of lakes) each year on which measurements are made during an index period. Natural spatial and temporal variability and variability in the sampling process all affect the ability to describe the status of a population and the sensitivity for trend detection. We describe the important components of variance and estimate their magnitude for indicators of trophic condition of lakes to illustrate the process. We also describe models for trend detection and use them to demonstrate the sensitivity of the proposed design to detect trends. If the variance structure that develops during the probability surveys is like that synthesized from available databases and the literature, then the trends in common indicators of trophic condition of the specified magnitude should be detectable within about a decade for Secchi disk transparency (0.5–1 percentiyear) and total phosphorus (2–3 percent/year), but not for chlorophyll-a (> 3–4 percent/year), which will take longer.     

CONTROL OF SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND PHYTOPLANKTON WITH FISHES AND A MUSSEL1

ABSTRACT: Filtering efficiency of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), carp (Cyprinus carpio), and a freshwater mussel (Elliptio coinpianata) was measured in field and laboratory trials to assess the ability of each species to control phytoplankton and suspended solid densities. All fish species tested were ineffective filterers and generally increased, rather than suppressed, algal and suspended solid concentrations. Filtering efficiencies of fish varied between -354 and 84 percent, depending on the size, shape, abundance, palatability, composition, and resistance to digestion of the particles. Because of poor filtering abilities, unpredictable feeding habits, and sensitivity to stress, the fish species examined are not effective biological controls in waste lagoons. In contrast, the freshwater mussel Elliptio was a highly effective control organism, averaging 66 percent filtering efficiency over a wide size range of algal and suspended particles. Filtration efficiency was positively correlated with mussel density. Elliptio was efficient at filtering small particles, which are particularly difficult to remove. Mean filtration rates ranged from 53 to 134 ml/mussel/h depending on the algal species consumed and algal densities (range 50–180,000 cells/ml) and 3 mg/L/mussel/h on suspended solids (range 14 to 112 mg/L). Water clarification was facilitated by both direct consumption and pseudofeces deposition. Elliptio and probably other mussel species can effectively control algae and suspended solids in wastewater lagoons and eutrophic lakes, if environmental conditions, especially dissolved oxygen levels, are suitable (>5 mg/L) for their survival.     

EFFICACY AND COST OF AQUATIC WEED CONTROL IN SMALL PONDS'

ABSTRACT: Twenty, 0.2 hectare ponds were utilized for a four-year evaluation of three aquatic vegetation control techniques: a combination of inorganic fertilization and mechanical harvesting, aquatic herbicides, and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Ponds used for herbicide and grass carp treatments were managed at three levels of aquatic vegetation (none, 40 and 70 percent plant occupation). Submersed vegetation was not controlled with inorganic fertilization. Vegetation levels were maintained for less than 30 days after mechanicai harvesting. Submersed macrophytes were not completely eliminated with herbicides, but the herbicide treatments utilized were effective at maintaining aquatic vegetation above 30 percent pond volume occupation. Grass carp consumed all species of submersed vegetation at the stocking densities used in this study; therefore, planned levels of submersed macrophytes were not maintained. Grass carp did not consume all floating leaf vegetation, but after four years some grass carp ponds did have lower densities of floating leaf plants. Fertilization costs were $608/hectare/year, and mechanical harvesting costs were $1979/hectare/year, resulting in a total aquatic vegetation treatment cost of $2587/hectare/ year. Herbicide costs for the different treatment levels ranged from $417/hectare/year to $1339/hectare/year over the four-year period. Grass carp were the most economical vegetation control measure tested, with costs ranging from $159/hectare/year to $248/hectare/year for the four-year study.     

THE CASE FOR DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS1

ABSTRACT: Direct measurement of response thresholds of complex biological systems to toxic chemicals is now possible using microcosms and other simulation techniques. Extrapolation to no-observable response using application factors and data from single species toxicity tests is less precise than direct measurements.     

TOXIC EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM AND SHALE JP-4 AND JP-8 AVIATION FUELS ON FATHEAD MINNOWS1

ABSTRACT: Static 96-hour median lethal concentrations were determined for the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of both petroleum-derived and shale-derived avaiation fuels (JP-4 and JP-8) using fathead minnows. JP-8 was more toxic than JP-4 except for one shale JP-4 sample that was as toxic as the JP-8. Petroleum and shale JP-8 were similar in toxicity. The toxicity of shale JP-4 was less clear. Shale JP-4 from three vendor sources revealed differing toxicity values. One shale JP-4 sample was more toxic and one less toxic than its petroleum analogue, with the third being equally toxic. Toxicity of the fuels may be enhanced by compounds in the WSF that correspond to chemicals containing 10 or more carbon atoms.     

THERMAL AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOUTH CAROLINA COOLING RESERVOIR1

ABSTRACT: Temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations were measured monthly from January 1971 to December 1982 at 1-m depth intervals at 13 stations in Keowee Reservoir in order to characterize spatial and temporal changes associated with operation of the Oconee Nuclear Station. The reservoir water column was i to 4°C warmer in operational than in non-operational years. The thermo-dine was at depths of 5 to 15 m before the operation of Oconee Nuclear Station, but was always below the upper level of the intake (20 m) after the station was in full operation; this suggests that pumping by the Oconee Nuclear Station had depleted all available cool hypolimnetic water to this depth. As a result summer water temperatures at depths greater than 10 m were usually 10°C higher after plant operation began than before. By fall the reservoir was nearly homothemious to a depth of 27 m, where a thermocine developed. Seasonal temperature profiles varied with distance from the plant; a cool water plume was evident in spring and a warm water plume was present in the summer, fall, and winter. A cold water plume also developed in the northern section of the reservoir due to the operation of Jocassee Pumped Storage Station. Increases in the mean water temperature of the reservoir during operational periods were correlated with the generating output of the power plant. The annual heat load to the reservoir increased by one-third after plant operations began. The alteration of the thermal stratification of the receiving water during the summer also caused the dissolved oxygen to mix to greater depths.