Experiments to determine the influence of leaf pack size on estimates of breakdown rates were con... more Experiments to determine the influence of leaf pack size on estimates of breakdown rates were conducted in Stony Run, a moderately hardwater stream in central Pennsylvania draining mature second-growth forest. We deployed 5-mm mesh bags containing different initial amounts (2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 g) of white oak leaves at 3 sites in Stony Run during October 2004. Bags
Episodic coal mine drainage, caused by fluctuations in mine discharges relative to stream flow, h... more Episodic coal mine drainage, caused by fluctuations in mine discharges relative to stream flow, has devastating effects on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Seven stream reaches in the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania were identified as chronically, episodically or not impaired by mine drainage, and sampled seasonally for 1 year to determine the effect of episodic mine drainage on macroinvertebrates. Specific conductance fluctuated seasonally in episodic sites; it was lower in winter when discharge increased and higher in summer when discharges decreased and mine drainage made up a larger proportion of stream flow. Although we hypothesized that episodic streams would have higher macroinvertebrate richness than chronic streams, comparisons showed no differences in richness between treatments. Episodic pollution may result from undersized or poorly maintained passive treatment systems; therefore, intensive macroinvertebrate monitoring may be needed to identify streams being affected by episodic mine drainage because macroinvertebrate richness may be sensitive to water quality fluctuations.
Experiments to determine the influence of leaf pack size on estimates of breakdown rates were con... more Experiments to determine the influence of leaf pack size on estimates of breakdown rates were conducted in Stony Run, a moderately hardwater stream in central Pennsylvania draining mature second-growth forest. We deployed 5-mm mesh bags containing different initial amounts (2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 g) of white oak leaves at 3 sites in Stony Run during October 2004. Bags
Episodic coal mine drainage, caused by fluctuations in mine discharges relative to stream flow, h... more Episodic coal mine drainage, caused by fluctuations in mine discharges relative to stream flow, has devastating effects on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Seven stream reaches in the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania were identified as chronically, episodically or not impaired by mine drainage, and sampled seasonally for 1 year to determine the effect of episodic mine drainage on macroinvertebrates. Specific conductance fluctuated seasonally in episodic sites; it was lower in winter when discharge increased and higher in summer when discharges decreased and mine drainage made up a larger proportion of stream flow. Although we hypothesized that episodic streams would have higher macroinvertebrate richness than chronic streams, comparisons showed no differences in richness between treatments. Episodic pollution may result from undersized or poorly maintained passive treatment systems; therefore, intensive macroinvertebrate monitoring may be needed to identify streams being affected by episodic mine drainage because macroinvertebrate richness may be sensitive to water quality fluctuations.
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