Benthic macroinvertebrate response to sedimentation in a Typha angustifolia L. wetland

Authors: Martin D.C.; Neely R.K.

Source: Wetlands Ecology and Management, Volume 9, Number 5, October 2001 , pp. 441-454(14)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Fiberglass mesh enclosures (1 × 1 m^2) in a Typha angustifolia L. marsh were employed to examine the effects of clay additions on the resident macroinvertebrate communities. Total invertebrate density, insect density, and number of insect families decreased significantly by 33%, 37%, and 17%, respectively, in enclosures receiving sediment. More specifically, incoming clay adversely affected densities of Coleoptera larvae, Diptera larvae, Megaloptera larvae, Odonata larvae, Pelecypoda, and Gastropoda. Densities of specific families within the Diptera (larvae) and Coleoptera were also affected; Dolichopodidae, Stratiomyidae, Hydrophilidae, Tabanidae, Dytiscidae adults, and Scirtidae larvae decreased significantly in numbers in sedimented enclosures. In contrast, the effect of sedimentation on Carabidae (adults and larvae) and Dytiscidae larval densities varied significantly with time, whereby densities were higher in the sedimented treatment only for the initial two months of the study. Densities of predator-engulfer, collector-filterer, and scraper feeding groups were reduced in sedimented plots by 28%, 44%, and 27%, respectively. Significant short- and long-term increases in turbidity and suspended solids in enclosures treated with clay, as well as sediment deposition, were probably responsible for changes in the invertebrate communities.

Keywords: invertebrates; sediment; Typha

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2001-10-01