Environmental Effects of Western Coal Surface Mining. Part II:The Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of Trout Creek,Colorado.

摘要

A study was conducted on Trout Creek in northwestern Colorado to assess effects of coal mine drainage on stream macroinvertebrates. Density and biomass exhibited a general increase in the downstream direction throughout the study area and showed marked seasonal variation. Aquatic insects comprised over 90% of the fauna with caddisflies (Trichoptera) predominating. Diversity did not vary significantly throughout the study area. None of the parameters measured showed any definite indication of stressed conditions in the macroinvertebrate community during the study period. Water quality was diminished primarily during spring runoff and the invertebrates seemed able to withstand this short period of water quality degradation.