Date of Award

1999

Degree Name

Biological Sciences

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Don Tater

Second Advisor

Tom Pauley

Third Advisor

Dan Evans

Abstract

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are utilized widely as indicators of water quality. Many indices are in use today that provide a means of applying a numeric value to the water quality of a particular stream. However, these indices have been designed for use on small streams and creeks. The primary objective of this study was to lay a foundation for the development of a marcroinvertebrate index to be used on the Ohio River. Secondarily, this study examined for longitudinal trends, trends in correlation with effluent location and the determination of least impacted or reference conditions on the Ohio River. Regression correlation analysis was used in order to determine if longitudinal and distance below effluent trends exist. Of the several metrics analyzed, the following four displayed trends that were significant: (1) the number of individuals, (2) percent Chironomidae, (3) number of zebra mussels, and (4) percent zebra mussels. All four metrics were significant against longitude, and were skewed by the presence of zebra mussels in the samples. No trends were observed with distance below an outfall. Multivariate analysis was conducted in order to analyze several factors at once. This analysis demonstrated a significant correlation with longitude, distance below an outfall, and distance below a dam. These results indicated that factors affecting the macroinvertebrate community were a combined effort.

Subject(s)

Ohio River -- Water quality.

Marine invertebrates -- Ohio River.

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