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WATER QUALITY
AT SELECTED STATIONS
IN THE CONECUH-ESCAMBIA RIVER
DURING 1988
Table 1
\.,later quality parameters and their respective methodsmeasured on water samples from the
Conecuh-Escambia Rivers 19 October 1988
Parameter Method
Dissolved oxygen
Temperature °c
Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BODS)
Sludge oxygen consumption rate(SOD) (mg/g)/h
Nitrite (N02)
Nitrate (N03)
Ammonia (NH3)
Orthophosphate (P04-)
YSI oxygen meter
YSI oxygen meter
Standard Methods, APHA, 1985 1
Standard Methods, APHA, 1985 1
Colorimetric, Boyd, 1979 2
Cadmium Reduction-StandardMethods-APHA, 1985 1
Phenate Method-StandardMethods-APHA, 19851
Ascorbic Acid-StandardMethods-APHA, 19851
1. American Public Health Associations. American \.Jater Works Associations,and \-Iater Pollution Control Federation. 1985. Standard methods forthe examination of water and wastewater, 16th. ed. APHA.Washington, DC. 134 pp.
2. Boyd, C.E., 1979. Water Quality in Warmwater Fishponds.Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University,
1
AlabamaAL, 359 pp.
Table 2
Water quality paralneters measured at selected stations in theConecuh-Escambia River, 19 October 1988
D.O.Station Rep ppm
°cTemp.
BODeJ
(mg/l)SOD
(mg/g)/hN02
(mg/l)N03
(mg/l )NH3 F04-
(mg/1) (mg/1)
1 A 8.2 19.4 2.6 20. 51 0.0022 0. 219 0.169 0.0072B 2.6 19 .20 0.0022 0 .214 0.089 0.0072
3 A 8.3 19.2 2.6 0 0.0025 0.218 0.105 0.0085B 2.6 00.31 0.0024 0.218 0.109 0.0078
4 A 8.1 19.4 2.6 3.12 0 .0022 0.215 0.139 0.0084B 2.8 3.41 0 0023 0.202 0.182 0.0079
5 A 8.0 19.9 4 .8 5.09 0 .0034 O. 22" 0.409 0.0116B 5 .8 4.45 0 0041 O. 167 0.292 0.0121
6 A 8.1 20.8 4.0 24.39 0 .0036 0 169 0 192 0.0109B 4.0 25.55 0 0037 O. 176 O. 232 0.0225
9 A 7.9 21.1 3.4 12.93 0.0030 0.245 0.157 0.0100B 3.6 14.15 0.0033 0.271 0.207 0.0103
2
A BIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE CONECUH-ESCAMBIA RIVER
IN THE VICINITY OF BREWTON, ALABA}~, 1988
Submitted by
E. Cliff WebberD. R. Bayne
Wendy Seesock
Department of Fisheries and Allied AquaculturesAgricultural Experiment Station
Auburn University, Alabama 36849
Narch, 1989
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.
II.
III .
PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES. CONECUH-ESCAMBIARIVER. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACROINVERTEBRATE CO~ruNITIES, CONECUH-ESCA}lBIA RIVER.
FISH COMMUNITY STUDIES, CONECUH-ESCAMBIA RIVER ....
5
9
16
LITERATURE CITED
APPENDIX TABLES
ii
.23
.24
INTRODUCTION
The 1988 study is the 18th yearly survey of biological productivity in
the Conecuh-Escambia River System conducted by the Rivers and Reservoirs
Laboratory of the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures of Auburn
University. Prior to this study, the Institute of Paper Chemistry of
Appleton, Wisconsin had conducted 15 surveys on the stretch of these rivers
between Brewton, Alabama and Escambia Bay in Florida.
The primary objective of these studies is to deterlnine if major
changes in water quality due to paper mill effluents can be detected from
studies of the biota. During the period of low river flow in September and
October, phytoplankton, chlorophyll, macroinvertebrates, and fish
populations were sampled at stations above and below the discharge from the
Container Corporation of America paper mill. The results of the 1988 study
are summarized in this report.
All sample stations were located in the same general vicinity as those
utilized in previous surveys. The location of all stations is shown in
Figures 1 and 2, which are maps of the Conecuh and Escambia Rivers. Table
1 provides a description of each station including physical and
hydrological features of each location. The mileage index was calculated
using the Brewton Lake outfall as mile 0.0. Sta tions ups tream of the
outfall were assigned negative distances.
1
Figure 1. Sample Stations (e) in the Conecuh River.
\v./ <.
--~
N
'29 &. 31D. s.
Brewton Lake(Point of Discharge)
,/,'~Pollard / .,' "" ' ,
EscambiU\ 6Creek
- - - ~ ?.... ~Ia ..Fla.
2
I I1 mile
j
Figure 2. Sample Starions (e) in the Escambia River.
....Ala,Fla.
Pine Barre
Cottage Hill
I
. ,
Pensacola
12
,
Little EscambiaCreek
I I
3 miles
, .
3
Table 1
Description of sampling stations on the Conecuh-Escambia Rivers
MileageIndex* Station
- 9.9 1
- 6.9 2
Location Current
Vicinity of Edward's RapidBridge
ln Murder Creek, Rapidupstream from mouth
Location of Sample
Right bank (downstream), 500 ydsbelow Edward's Bridge
Right bank of creek(dO\ms tream)
-1. 0
-0.3
0.1
1.0
3.1
5.2
8.6
20.1
38.6
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
One mile upstreamContainer CorporationOutfall
Just below Gay Lake
One hundred fifty ydsdownstream ContainerCorporation Outfall
1 mile downstreamContainer CorporationOutfall near Pollard
Above mouth LittleEscambia Creek
Vicinity of pipelinecrossing
Century Bridge,Florida
Pine Barren, Florida
Molino, Florida
Cottage Hill Landing
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Moderate
Right bank of river(downstream)
Right bank of river(downstream)
Right bank of river(downstream)
Right bank of river(dO\ms tream)
Right bank of river(downstream)
Upstream pipeline 1/4mile, left bank(downstream)
Upstream of bridge400 yds, right bank(downstream)
Right bank of river(upstream), 1/2 mileup river
East side of river
Both sides of river
*Mileage based on Brewton Lake outfall as 0.0. Upstream distances expressedas negative.
4
I. PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES, CONECUH-ESCAMBIA RIVER
Phytoplankton samples were collected at three stations on 17 August
1988 and six stations on 19 October 1988. A sample consisted of 500 ml of
river water preserved with merthiolate (Weber 1973). Two samples were
collected at each site, identified, counted and mean numbers of algae were
reported for each station. Chlorophyll analyses were also conducted on
separate water samples. Results from the phytoplankton and chlorophyll
analyses are presented in Tables 2,3 and 4.
Phytoplankton densities were low relative to plankton numbers typical
of standing waters. However phytoplankton numbers are usually low in
riverine habitats since rapid flows and fluctuations in water level are not
conducive to dense plankton communities. While diatoms are often dominant
in these running waters, plankton introduced from riverside lakes, ponds
and swamps is also significant. These slack water forms include green
(Chlorophyta) and blue green (Cyanophyta) algae which were prevalent in
these Conecuh-Escambia water samples (Tables 2 and 3). Phytoplankton
densities decreased on both dates past the outfall (stations 5 and 6) but
increased at subsequent downstream stations (stations 6, 9 and 12).
Chlorophyll values were variable among stations on both dates but
exhibited little differences between stations above and below the outfall
(Table 4). Chlorophyll £ values were higher on 19 October 1988, reflecting
the higher numbers of diatoms present at all stations on the river.
5
Table 2
Mean number of phytoplankters by group at selected stationsin the Conecuh-Escambia River, 17 August 1988
Station
Algal Taxa 1 6 12
organisms/mlDiatoms (Chrysophyta)
Pennate 165 36 47Centric 11 6 9Other 0 0 0
Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
Filamentous 4 3 0Coccoid 105 75 176Flagellates 163 161 241
Bluegreen Algae (Cyanophyta)
Filamentous 0 3 6Coccoid 116 174 139
Other Pigmented Flagellates 79 70 120
Total 643 528 738
6
Table 3
Mean number of phytoplankers by group at selectedstations in the Conecuh-Escambia River, 19 October 1988
Station
Algal Taxa 1 3 4 5 6 9
organisms/mlDiatoms (Chrysophyta)
Pennate 63 29 23 79 64 66Centric 299 126 121 139 209 303Other 0 0 0 0 0 3
Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
FilamentousCoccoid 6/, 70 110 28 92 66Flagellates 45 58 75 29 58 49
Bluegreen Algae (Cyanophyta)
Filamentous 16 2 4 14 3 14Coccoid 76 81 172 62 116 93
Other Pigmented Flage11a tes 49 37 40 38 65 38
Total 612 403 545 389 607 632
7
Table 4
Chlorophyll concentrations (~g/l) at selected stations on theConecuh-Escambia River, 17 August 1988 and 19 October 1988
Sta tion
1
6
12
Station
1
3
4
5
6
9
17 August 1988Chlorophyll(~g/l)
Rep i! 11. .£
A 1.386 0 0B 1. 384 0 0
A 4.696 0 0B 3.318 0 0
A 2.227 0 0B 4.463 0 0
19 October 1988Chlorophyll(~g/l)
Rep i! 11. .£
A 0.291 0.000 0 .000B 6.708 11.125 40. 333
A 2. 743 2.628 10.058B 2. 936 3.212 14.601
A 0.487 0.394 5.761B 3.894 4.549 17.989
A 4.141 2.752 7.641B 4.919 3.047 13 . 263
A 2.508 2.111 11 .922B 3.896 4.458 19. 344
A 4.759 4.528 13.508B 2.696 2.878 13.75i,
j
8
II. MACRO INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES, CONECUH-ESCAMBIA RIVER
Hacroinvertebrate communities were again sampled to evaluate extended
term water quality above and below the discharge from the Brel>Jton Mill of
Container Corporation of America (CCA). This was the 33nd biological
survey of this river system documenting long-term effects on the benthos by
paper-making effluents from CCA.
PROCEDURES
Artificial substrates (plate samplers) were used to sample the
macroinvertebrate community. This is a standardized technique allowing
quantitative comparisons between locations in a river system like the
Conecuh-Escambia (Weber 1973). Each sampler consisted of a set of nine 3 x
3 x 1/8 inch plexiglass plates placed on an eye bolt and separated by 1/8
inch-thick spacers. The upper and lower surfaces of each plate were sanded
providing a textured surface for organism attachment. The total surface
area (exclusive of edges) for each sampler was approximately one square
foot. The plate samplers were suspended using nylon string, one to two
feet below the surface of the water. Four samplers were placed at each
station usually on one side of the river.
During 1988 plate samplers were placed in the river on 17 August for a
four week incubation. Retrieval consisted of lifting the suspending line
until the sampler was just under the surface; then a wide-mouthed container
was placed under the sampler as it was lifted from the water. The plate
samplers were held in river water and stored in an ice chest for transport
9
to the laboratory. In the laboratory macroinvertebrates were scraped from
the plates, sieved through a U.S. Standard No. 30 screen (0.5 mm mesh) and
preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol until they could be counted and identified.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Rain, followed by high water in the river, forced a delay in picking up
samplers until 19 October 1988. Samplers were lost from several stations
so a second set of samplers were placed at four stations. Two stations
above the CCA outfall (station 1 and 4) and two stations below the outfall
(station 6 and 9) were chosen for the second set of salnplers. These
samplers were picked up 16 November, after approximately four weeks in the
river. Samplers from station 4 were again lost. Data presented in Tables
5, 6, and 7 include the number of taxa, mean abundance of major insect
orders, and the number of intolerant (I), partially tolerant (PT) and
tolerant (T) macro invertebrates indentified at each station. A cOlnplete
taxa listing of all samples collected on both 19 October and 16 November
appears in Appendix Tables 1-12 along with their tolerance classification
and mean density.
Current aquatic studies relating biological productivity and water
quality still rely on benthic macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity as
an indicator of stream conditions. Additionally, Inacroinvertebrates are
often categorized on the basis of their tolerance to a range of
environmental stresses, particularly organic enrichment. Organisms that
survive only a narrow range of environmental stress are called intolerant
forms. Organisms that can withstand wide fluctuations in habitat
disturbances are called tolerant. Organisms that can tolerate occasional
periods of stressed conditions are called partiallY tolerant. This system
10
of classification has been based mainly on the response of the organisms to
organic enrichment and was applied to macro invertebrates collected in this
study.
The river bottom within the study area was composed mostly of shifting
sands. During periods of high water the current is swift and the capacity
for transporting sand is great. This results in scouring of the various
substrates colonized by macroinvertebrates and usually reduces benthic
abundance. The multiple plate samplers allowed a reasonable comparison
between sample stations even though these substrates were subjected to the
scouring action of suspended sediment.
The macroinvertebrate fauna at each station consisted mostly of
immature aquatic insects in three orders: ephelneropterans (mayflies),
trichopterans (caddisflies) and dipterans (midges and blackflies) (Tables 5
and 6 and Appendix Tables 1-12). Standing crops (abundance) varied widely
between stations. Station 3 above the CCA outfall and station 5 just below
the outfall had the highest macroinvertebrate densities (Table 6). Station
1 located near Edward's Bridge had the lowest macroinvertebrate density but
density at all three locations in Novelnber was low (Appendix Tables
10,11,12). Few differences were found between stations 6 through 12. The
higher density just below the CCA outfall may indicate nutrient enrichment
in the river. Species richness, as measured by the number of different
taxa, was highest at station 3 just above Gay Lake (Table 5).
Macroinvertebrate community structure consisted mostly of taxa adapted
to erosional habitats typical in a river like the Conecuh. Examples of
these taxa include mayflies (Stenonema spp., Heptagenia spp., Caenis spp.
and Tricorythodes spp.), caddisflies (Hydropsyche spp., Cheumatopsyche spp.
11
and Oecetis spp.), beetles (Elmidae), stoneflies (Perlidae) and dipterans,
most of which were chironomids (Appendix Tables 1-12). The morphological
adaptations of these insects are related primarily to problems of feeding
and growth rather than concealment from predators and competition (Cummins
1972).
The classification of macroinvertebrates as intolerant, partially
tolerant and tolerant was modified from previous reports based on
additional information regarding certain genera (Georgia Water Quality
Control Board 1972; Weber 1973; Hilsenhoff 1977). Little difference
existed among stations with respect to the numbers of these three groups
found at each station (Table 7). The high macro invertebrate density at
station 5 consisted predominantly of filter-feeding caddisflies (e.g.
Hydropsyche). Greater quantities of silt and organic matter were observed
on the samplers from this site which probably explains the greater
abundance of these caddisflies since food appeared to be abundant. In
summary, the plate samples revealed no deleterious effects of Container
Corporation of America effluents on benthic macroinvertebrates in the
Conecuh-Escambia River.
12
Table 5
Number of taxa collected at each station in theConecuh-Escambia River, 19 October and 16 November 1988 1
Stations
Taxon 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
AOUATIC INSECTSEphemeroptera 3 3 2 2 3 2 4 3 2 3Odonata 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 1 0 0Plecoptera 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 0Megaloptera 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0Trichoptera 4 6 3 2 4 2 2 5 4 5Coleoptera 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1Diptera 7 13 8 11 11 10 12 10 8 12
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESHydroida 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Turbe11aria 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Nematoda 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Oligochaeta 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1Hydracarina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Copepoda 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0Cladocera 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Ostracoda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Isopoda 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Gastropoda 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 2 0Pelecypoda 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Total 18 28 20 23 2/, 20 25 25 18 22
No. Samplers 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2
Taxa/Sampler 5 7 7 8 8 10 12 9 10 11
1 Station 1 data was collected on 16 November 1988 as part of a second set ofplate samplers placed in the river in October.
* Plate samplers lost from these stations.
13
Table 6
Insect orders and mean abundance of organisms/ft2
collected at stations in the Conecuh-Escambia River,19 October and 16 November 19881
Stations
Order 1 2* 3 4* 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Ephemeroptera 9 56 24 2 33 3 10 11 4 11Odonata 0 0 0 1 0 5 3 + 0 0P1ecoptera 0 + 6 + + 4 + 1 + 0Nega10ptera 0 20 + 1 + 0 2 + 0 0Hemiptera 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Trichoptera 1 251 691 22 177 4 4 45 3 9Coleoptera 0 1 3 + + + 0 + 0 1Diptera 6 229 216 25 51 40 62 155 52 40
Total 16 557 940 51 261 56 81 212 59 61
1 Station 1 data was collected on 16 November 1988 as part of a second set ofplate samplers placed in the river in October.
* Plate samplers los t from these 5 ta t ions.
14
Table 7
Number of taxa classed as intolerant, partially tolerant andtolerant at stations in the Conecuh-Escambia River on
19 October and 16 November 1988 1
Stations
Tolerance
Intolerant
Partially Tolerant
Tolerant
1
o
9
1
3
3
16
2
5
1
12
o
6
2
10
1
7
2
14
1
8
1
10
1
9
1
12
1
10
2
14
1
11
1
12
1
12
1
11
2
1 Station 1 data was collected on 16 November 1988 as part of a second set ofplate samplers placed in the river in October.
-.k Plate samplers lost from these stations.
15
III. FISH CO~U1UNITY STUDIES, CONECUH-ESCAMBIA RIVER
The same sites sampled during previous studies, above Ed\oJard' 5 Bridge
and below Pollard Landing, were electrofished on 16 November and 21
November 1988. T\<10 dates \.,Tere necessary because of equipment trouble on 16
November. Catch data are presented for each station in Tables 8 and 9.
Both sampling sites were electrofished for fifty minutes. At Edward's
Bridge 491 fish were captured representing 22 species from 11 families. At
Pollard Landing a total of 266 fish representing 19 species from 9
families was captured. Six species of sport fishes (Centrarchidae) were
collected at Edward's Bridge and four species at Pollard Landing. One
hundred six centrarchids weighing a total of 3.5 kg were captured at
Edward's Bridge and 29 centrarchids weighing a total of 2.5 kg were
collected at Pollard Landing. Numerous young-of-the-year centrarchids were
present at both locations.
Even though the nwnber of fish collected from each site differed,
diverse and apparently healthy fish communities existed at both sampling
sites during the 1988 study. Based on these data, there is no evidence of
adverse impact on fish communities below the eCA outfall.
16
Table 8
Electrofishing data collected during fifty minutes of shocking inthe Conecuh-Escambia River near Edward's Bridge, 16 November 1988
SpeciesNumberof Fish
Sizegroup(cm)
Total weight(grams)
Petromyzonidae (lamprey family)Ichthyomyzon~ (Southern brook
lamprey)
Lepisosteidae (gar family)Lepisosteus oculatus (spotted gar)
Cyprinidae (minnow family)Notropis venustus (blacktail shiner)
Notropis texanus (weed shiner)
Notropos sp. cf longirostris
Hybopsis sp. cf winchelli
Catostomidae (sucker family)Carpiodes cyprinus (quillback)
17
1 10 2
1 33 100
1 12 163 11 373 10 27
15 9 9523 8 101(,L, 7 13260 6 10747 5 4817 4 8
3 3 1
19 8 7635 7 105
8 6 1413 5 13
3 4 2
1 6 21 5 17 L, 4
10 5 105 6 104 7 10
1 39 6901 38 5461 36 5622 27 4401 26 192
Table 8 (continued)
Number Size Total ..eightSpecies of Fish Group (grams)
(cm)
Carpiodes velifer (highfin carpsucker) 1 29 3483 28 9384 27 11092 26 4972 25 4683 24 5553 23 5111 22 1262 21 2581 19 91
Minytrema melanops (spotted sucker) 1 36 494
Hoxostoma poecilurum (blacktailredhorse) 1 36 454
1 33 3692 32 6341 31 2971 30 2502 27 3702 26 2923 25 4252 24 2511 23 1171 20 711 9 6
Ictaluridae (fresh..ater catfish family)Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish) 1 25 117
Cyprinodontidae (killifish family)Fundulus olivaceous (blackspotted
topminnow) 1 7 31 6 21 5 1
Atherinidae (silvers ide family)Labidesthes sicculus (brook silvers ide) 1 7 2
1 5 11 4 1
18
Table 8 (continued)
NumberSpecies of Fish
Centrarchidae (sunfish family)Micropterus sa1moides (largemouth bass) 1
1111
Micropterus punctulatus (spotted bass) 11
Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) 11121
Lepomis microlophus (redear sunfish) 1
Ambloplites ariommus (rock bass) 11
Lepomis megalotis (longear sunfish) 131528
1211181312
L,
SizeGroup(em)
4031252220
1710
2019161514
25
1815
171514121110
987654
Total weight(grams)
738326184126
83
5010
140135
69113
53
296
12060
93193
58147
40123139
88924222
4Percidae (perch family)
Perc ina nigrofasciata (blackbandeddarter)
Mugi1idae (mullet family)Hugil cephalus (striped mullet)
Soleidae (sole family)Trinectes macu1atus (hogchoker)
19
22
11
1
54
4742
6
21
943766
3
Table 9
Electrofishing data collected during fifty minutes of shocking inthe Conecuh-Escambia River near Pollard Landing, 21 November 1988
NumberSpecies of Fish
Lepisosteidae (gar family)Lepisosteus osseus (longnose gar) 1
Lepisosteus oculatus (spotted gar) 11
Amiidae (bowfin family)Amia calva (bowfin) 1
Anguillidae (eel family)Anguilla rostrata (American eel) 1
Clupeidae (herring family)Alosa alabamae (Alabama shad) 1
Cyprinidae (minnow family)Hybopsis sp. cf winchelli 3
8
Notropis venustus (blacktail shiner) 156
32514720
7
Notropis sp. cf longirostris 1
Notropis texanus (weed shiner) 194
Catostomidae (sucker family)Carpiodes velifer (highfin carpsucker) 1
22111
20
SizeGroup(em)
78
4845
57
40
14
65
109876543
6
765
292827232120
Total weight(grams)
1078
380274
1930
129
24
59
93328
105915012
2
2
315
5
331610525159122108
Table 9 (continued)
Number Size Total weightSpecies of Fish Group (grams)
(em)
Minytrema melanops (spotted sucker) 2 42 17171 40 7461 39 698
Moxostoma poecilurlm (blacktailredhorse) 1 41 730
1 40 7161 39 6541 38 6181 37 4821 36 4701 33 3521 32 3151 29 2622 28 4403 27 5991 25 1602 11 272 10 211 6 3
Ictaluridae (freshwater catfish family)Noturus leptacanthus (speckled madtom) 1 9 6
Centrarchidae (sunfish family)Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) 1 35 538
1 32 4262 23 2981 21 971 12 201 11 17
Micropterus punctulatus (spotted bass) 1 13 21
Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) 1 20 1581 18 1001 17 1104 15 2411 13 43 11 12 351 11 221 10 181 9 111 5 2
21
Species
Table 9 (continued)
Numberof Fish
SizeGroup(em)
Total weight(grams)
Lepomis megalotis (longear sunfish)
Percidae (perch family)Ammocrypta bifascia (Florida sand
darter)
Perc ina nigrofasciata (blackbandeddarter)
22
121211
1
11
1514131211
9
6
75
54109
42642114
2
41
LITERATURE CITED
Cummins, K. W. 1972. What is a River?--Zoological Description. In:Oglesby, R. T., Carlson, C. A., and McCann, J. A. (Eds.), River Ecologyand Man. 465 pp., pp. 33-52. Academic Press, London and New York.
Georgia Water Quality Control Board. 1972. Chattahoochee River BasinStudy. Ga. Wtr. Qual. Cont. Bd., Atlanta, GA. 206 pp.
Hilsenhoff, W. L. 1977.streams. TechnicalMadison, WI.
Use of arthropods to evaluate water quality ofBulletin No. 100, Department of Natural Resources,
Weber, C. I. (Ed.).measuring theEnvironmental
1973. Biological field and laboratory methods forquality of surface waters and effluents. U.S.Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
23
APPENDIX TABLES
24
Table 1
Benthic macro invertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River one mile upstream of Container
Corporation Outfall (Station 3), 19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C D Total No/ft 2
AOUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
ElmidaeElmidae Adults 1 0 0 0 1 +Unidentified 2 0 1 1 I, 1
DipteraCeratopogonidae
Unidentified 0 1 0 1 2 +Chironomidae
Cladotanytarsus spp. PT 0 4 0 2 6 2Corynoneura spp. PT 6 0 0 2 8 2Eukiefferiella spp. PT 6 2 0 0 8 2Labrundinia neopilosella 0 0 1 0 1 +Nanocladius spp. PT 0 2 0 0 2 +Polvpedilum spp. PT 106 32 5 12 155 39Rheotanytarsus spp. PT 0 0 0 4 4 1Tanytarsus spp. PT 6 0 1 21 28 7Thienimanniella spp. PT 11 6 0 10 27 7Orthocladiinae 6 2 0 0 8 2Pupae 3 0 0 1 4 1Unidentified 0 0 1 0 1 +
SimuliidaePupae 13 396 0 11 420 105Uniden ti fied PT 70 69 3 98 240 60
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 23 28 1 5 57 14Caenidae
Caenis spp. PT 4 6 1 5 16 4Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PT 93 41 3 16 153 38Hegaloptera
CorydalidaeCorvdalus cornutus PT 0 0 2 79 78 20
PlecopteraPerlidae
Acroneuria spp. I 1 0 0 0 1 +Paragnetina spp. I 0 1 0 0 1 +
25
Table 1 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C D Total No/ft2
TrichopteraPupae 1 0 0 0 1 +
BrachycentridaeUnidentified 1 0 0 0 1 +Brachycentrus spp. PT 1 0 2 0 3 +
HydropsychidaeHydropsyche spp. PT 90 55 10 0 155 39Macronema spp. I 0 2 0 0 2 +Unidentified 627 145 24 53 849 212Type A 0 2 0 0 2 +
PhilopotamidaeChimarra spp. I 1 1 1 0 3 +
OTHER AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
Unidentified 0 0 1 2 3 +Ancylidae
Unidentified B 2B 7 38 81 20Hydracarina
Unidentified PT 0 1 0 0 1 +Qligochaeta
Unidentified T 0 1 2 0 3 +
TOTALS 1080 825 66 361 2332 583
26
Table 2
Benthic macroinvertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River just below the eCA outfall (Station 5),
19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
AOUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
ElmidaeUnidentified 2 4 2 8 3
DipteraChironomidae
Corynoneura spp. PT 3 3 0 6 2Eukiefferiella spp. PT 0 3 0 3 1Polvpedilum spp. PT 26 40 36 102 34Rheotanytarsus spp. PT 2 3 4 9 3Thienimanniella spp. PT 8 13 5 26 9Orthocladiinae 0 3 0 3 1Pupae 0 8 4 12 4
SimuliidaePupae 0 56 26 82 27Unidentified PT 0 240 164 40L, 135
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 0 12 14 26 9Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PT 0 32 12 44 15Hemiptera
Unidentified 0 0 2 2 +~legaloptera
CorydalidaeCorydalus cornutus PT 2 0 0 2 +
PlecopteraPerlidae
Paragnetina spp_ I 6 12 0 18 6Unidentified 0 0 2 2 +
TrichopteraPupae 6 24 0 30 10
HydropsychidaeHydropsyche spp. PT 410 520 346 1276 425Unidentified 126 452 180 758 253
LeptoceridaeOecetis spp. PT 6 0 2 8 3
27
Table 2 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
AncylidaeUnidentified 0 4 0 4 1
NematodaUnidentified PT 0 4 0 4 1
TurbellariaUnidentified PT 0 0 2 2 +
TOTALS 597 1433 801 2831 944
28
Table 3
Benthic macro invertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River one mile downstream from the eGA outfall
near Pollard Landing (Station 6), 10 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance 6A 6B 6C TotalMeanNo/ft2
AOUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
UnidentifiedDiptera
CeratopogonidaeUnidentified
ChironomidaeAblabesmyia spp.Cryotochironomus spp.Labrundinia neopilosellaNanocladius spp.Polypedilum spp.Rheotanytarsus spp.Tanytarsus spp.Thienimanniella spp.PupaeUnidentified
SimuliidaeUnidentified
EphemeropteraBaetidae
UnidentifiedHeptageniidae
Stenonema spp.Odonata
CoenagrionidaeArgia spp.Unidentified
CorduliidaeNeurocordulia molesta
PlecopteraPerlidae
Acroneuria spp.Neoperla spp.
TrichopteraHydropsychidae
Hydropsyche spp.Polycentropodidae
Cyrnellus spp.
PTPT
PTPTPTPTPT
PT
PT
II
PT
29
o
o
51o12o21o1
o
1
o
oo
o
oo
2
23
o
2
oo1oo14ooo
2
o
o
22
o
1o
1
2
1
o
52oooo
48221
4
o
5
oo
1
o2
o
38
1
2
1031121
54322
6
1
5
22
1
12
3
63
+
+
31++++
181++
2
+
2
++
+
++
1
21
Table 3 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance A B CMean
Total No/ft2
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
Unidentified 0 3 0 3 1Oligochaeta
Unidentified T 0 2 0 2 +
TOTALS 39 23 111 173 58
30
Table 4
Benthic macroinvertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River above the mouth of Little Escambia Creek
(Station 7), 19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance 7A
AQUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
Unidentified 0Diptera
CeratopogonidaeUnidentified 0
ChironomidaeCryptochironomus spp. PI' 0Eukiefferie11a spp. PI' 2Nilotanvpus spp. PI' 2Polypedilum spp. PI' 31Rheotanvtarsus spp. PI' 5Tanytarsus spp. PI' 2Thienemannimyia complex PT 2Thienimanniella spp. PI' 2P~ae 4Unidentified 0
SimuliidaePupae 0Unidentified PI' 6
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PI' 12Caenidae
Caenis spp. PI' 28Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PI' 0Megaloptera
CorydalidaeCorydalus cornutus 0
PlecopteraPerlidae
Acroneuria spp. I 1Neoperla spp. I 0
TrichopteraPupae 0
BrachycentridaeBrachycentrus spp. PI' 3
HydropsychidaeHydropsyche spp. PI' 149
31
7B
1
o
oo2
2732o5o1
o2
3
5
8
2
oo
1
o
44
7C
o
1
222
3066o44o
26
2
34
8
o
o1
o
o
133
MeanTotal No/ft2
1 +
1 +
2 +4 +6 2
88 2914 510 3
2 +11 4
8 31 +
2 +14 5
17 6
67 22
16 5
2 +
1 +1 +
1 +
3 1
326 109
Table 4 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft 2
Hydropsychidae (continued)Unidentified 125 33 43 201 67
PolycentropodidaeCyrne11us s pp . 0 0 2 1 +
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
AncylidaeUnidentified 16 0 3 19 6
OligochaetaUnidentified T 0 0 3 3 1
TOTALS 390 139 29L, 823 27L,
32
Table 5
Benthic macroinvertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River one-fourth mile upstream of the
Pipeline Crossing (Station 8), 19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance
AOUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
ElmidaeUnidentified
DipteraChironomidae
Ablabesmyia spp. PTCladotanytarsus spp.Corynoneura spp. PTNanocladius spp. PTNilotanvpus spp. PTPolypedilum spp. PTTanvtarsus spp. PTThienemannimyia complexThienimannie lla spp. PTPupaeUnidentified
EphemeropteraCaenidae
Caenis spp. PTHeptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PTOdonata
CoenagrionidaeUnidentified
LibellulidaeUnidentified
PlecopteraPerlidae
Acroneuria spp. ITrichoptera
HydropsychidaeHvdropsyche spp. PT
PolycentropodidaeCyrnellus spp.
33
A
1
141413
173o3o
2
3
5
o
1
3
3
B
o
65o5o3
17o2o2
o
o
o
4
7
o
o
MeanTotal No/ft 2
1 +
7 49 51 +9 51 +6 3
3/, 173 22 13 22 1
2 1
3 2
5 3
4 2
8 4
3 2
3 2
Table 5 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESCopepoda
UnidentifiedOligochaeta
Unidentified
Tolerance
T
A
1
2
B
o
a
MeanTotal No/ft2
1 +
2 1
TOTALS
34
58 51 109 55
Table 6
Benthic macroinvertebrates collec ted from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River at Century Bridge, Century, Florida
(Station 9), 19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B Total No/ft 2
AOUATIC INSECTSDiptera
CeratopogonidaeUnidentified 1 2 3 2
ChironomidaeAblabesmyia spp. PT 1 4 5 3Cryptochironomus spp. PT 3 8 11 6Nanocladius spp. PT 2 19 21 11Nilotanypus spp. PT 0 4 4 2Orthocladius spp. 1 0 1 +Polypedilum spp. PT 1 4 5 3Tanytarsus spp. PT 4 35 39 20Thienemannimyia complex PT 0 8 8 4Thienimanniella spp. PT 2 12 14 7Pupae 1 3 4 2Tanypodinae 0 4 4 2
SimuliidaeUnidentified PT 1 0 1 +
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 0 1 1 +Unidentified 3 0 3 2
CaenidaeCaenis spp. PT 3 8 11 6
HeptageniidaeStenonema spp. PT 1 2 3 2
MegalopteraCorydalidae
Corydalus cornutus PT 1 2 3 2Odonata
LibellulidaeUnidentified 5 0 5 3
PlecopteraPerlidae
Acroneuria spp. I 0 1 1 +Trichoptera
HydropsychidaeHydropsyche spp. PT 3 2 5 3
PolycentropodidaeCvrnellus spp. 2 0 2 1
35
Table 6 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance A B TotalMeanNo/ft2
OTHER AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
Unidentified 0 1 1 +Ancy1idae
Unidentified 1 1 2 1Q1igochaeta
Unidentified T 6 0 6 3Pe1ecypoda
Unidentified 1 0 1 +
TOTALS 43 121 164 82
36
Table 7
Benthic macroinvertebrates collec ted from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River at Pine Barren, Florida (Station 10) ,
19 Oc tober 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
AQUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
ElmidaeUnidentified 2 a 2 4 +
DipteraCeratopogonidae
Unidentified 2 a 1 3 1Chironomidae
Cryptochironomus spp. PT 3 a a 3 +Nanocladius spp. PT a a 3 3 1Nilotanypus spp. PT 2 a a 2 +Polypedilum spp. PT 56 35 32 123 41Rheotanytarsus spp. PT 13 12 26 51 17Tanvtarsus spp. PT 10 6 13 29 10Thienimanniella spp. PT a 20 6 26 9Pupae 1 5 1 7 2Unidentified a 1 1 2 +
SimuliidaePupae 0 4 5 9 3Unidentified PT 20 35 158 213 71
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 5 1 1 7 2Caenidae
Caenis spp. PT 6 5 8 19 6Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PT 2 6 a 8 3Megaloptera
CorydalidaeCorydalus cornutus PT a a 1 1 +
QdonataCoenagrionidae
Unidentified 2 a a 2 +Plecoptera
PerlidaeAcroneuria spp. I 2 1 a 3 1Unidentified 1 0 a 1 +
37
Table 7 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplica te
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
TrichopceraHydropsychidae
Cheumatopsyche spp. T 0 0 2 2 +Hydropsyche spp. PT 21 38 6 65 22Macronema spp. I 0 4 6 10 3Unidentified 7 34 18 59 20
Po1ycentropodidaeCyrnellus spp. 0 1 0 1 +
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
Ancy1idaeUnidentified 4 0 0 4 1
NematodaUnidentified PT 0 0 1 1 +
01igochaetaUnidentified T 0 2 0 2 +
TOTALS 159 210 291 660 220
38
Table 8
Benthic macro invertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River at Molino, Florida (Station 11),
19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance
AOUATIC INSECTSDiptera
ChironomidaeCryptochironomus spp. PTNanocladius spp. PTPolypedilum spp. PTRheotanytarsus spp. PTTanytarsus spp. PTThienimanniella spp. PTPupaeUnidentified
SimuliidaeUnidentified PT
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PTCaenidae
Caenis spp. PTPlecoptera
PerlidaeUnidentified I
TrichopteraPupae
BrachycentridaeBrachycentrus spp. PT
HydropsychidaeHvdropsvche spp. PTUnidentified
PolycentropodidaeCyrnellus spp.
A
o11
146
131o
8
4
o
1
o
1
24
o
B
226
1222
442
2
2
2
o
1
o
oo
1
MeanTotal No/ft2
2 13 27 4
26 1328 11,17 9
5 32 1
10 5
6 3
2 1
1 +
1 +
1 +
2 14 2
1 +
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
UnidentifiedAncylidae
Unidentified
39
o
3
1
1
1
4
+
2
Table 8 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon
NematodaUnidentified
OligochaetaUnidentified
Tolerance
PT
T
A
1
3
B
o
o
HeanTotal No/ft2
1 +
3 2
TOTALS
40
63 64 127 64
Table 9
Benthic macroinvertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River near Cottage Hill Landing
(Station 12) 19 October 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B Total No/ft2
AQUATlC INSECTSColeoptera
Unidentified 0 2 2 1Diptera
ChironomidaeCorynoneura spp. PT 3 0 3 2Cricotopus spp. PT 0 4 4 2Dicrotendipes spp. T 0 1 1 +Endochironomus spp. 0 1 1 +Nanocladius spp. PT 1 0 1 +Polypedilum spp. PT 5 13 18 9Rheotanytarsus spp. PT 4 6 10 5Tanytarsus spp. PT 10 3 13 7Thienimanniella spp. PT 10 3 13 7Pupae 5 3 8 4Tanypodinae 1 1 2 1Unidentified 2 0 2 1
SimuliidaePupae PT 2 2 4 2
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 4 1 5 3Caenidae
Caenis spp. PT 2 5 7 4Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PT 3 5 8 4Trichoptera
Pupae 0 1 1 +Hydropsychidae
Hydropsyche spp. PT 2 2 4 2Macronema spp. I 1 3 L, 2Unidentified 2 0 2 1
HydroptilidaeOrthotrichia spp. 0 2 2 1
PolycentropodidaeCyrnellus spp. 3 3 6 3
41
Table 9 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon
OTHER AOUATIC INVERTEBRATESOligochaeta
Unidentified
Tolerance
T
A
23
B
11
MeanTotal No/ft 2
34 17
TOTALS
42
83 72 155 78
Table 10
Benthic macroinvertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River near Edward's Bridge (Station 1),
16 November 19B8
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C D Total No/ft2
AQUATIC INSECTSDiptera
ChironomidaeCladotanytarsus spp. 0 0 0 1 1 +Corynoneura spp. PT 1 0 0 0 1 +Cricotopus spp. PT 0 1 3 1 5 1Nanocladius spp. PT 0 0 1 0 1 +Rheotanytarsus spp. PT 0 1 2 0 3 +Tanytarsus spp. PT 0 0 1 5 6 2Pupae 1 0 0 3 4 1Unidentified 2 0 1 3 6 2
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 0 0 0 1 1 +Caenidae
Caenis spp. PT 2 0 3 2 7 2Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PT 4 10 7 5 26 7Trichoptera
HydropsychidaeHydropsyche spp. PT 0 1 0 2 3 +Unidentified 0 2 1 1 4 1
HydroptilidaeOrthotrichia spp. 0 0 0 2 2 +Unidentified 1 0 0 0 1 +
OTHER AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
Unidentified 3 0 2 0 5 1Ancylidae
Unidentified 0 0 0 1 1 +Isopoda
Unidentified 0 1 0 0 1 +01igochaeta
Unidentified T 3 0 1 0 4 1
TOTALS 17 16 22 27 82 21
43
Table 11Benthic macro invertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River one mile downstream from the eCA outfall
near Pollard Landing (Station 6), 16 November 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
Taxon Tolerance
AQUATIC INSECTSDiptera
ChironomidaeAblabesmyia spp. PI'Corynoneura spp. PTCricotopus spp. PTCrvptochironomus spp. PTNanocladius spp. PTRheotanytarsus spp. PTThienemannimvia complex PTPupaeUnidentified
SimuliidaePupaeUnidentified PI'
EphemeropteraBaetiscidae
Baetisca spp.Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PTQdonata
CoenagrionidaeUnidentified
PlecopteraPerlidae
Neoperla spp. 1Trichoptera
BrachycentridaeBrachycentrus spp. PT
HydropsychidaeHydropsyche spp. PI'Unidentified
LeptoceridaeNectopsyche spp. PT
PolycentropodidaeCyrne11us spp.
A
1o2oo1111
o1
1
2
o
1
o
11
1
1
B
o1o141ooo
1o
o
o
7
o
1
oo
o
o
C
ooooooooo
oo
o
o
o
o
o
oo
o
o
MeanTotal No/ft2
1 +1 +2 +1 +4 12 +1 +1 +1 +
1 +1 +
1 +
2 +
7 2
1 +
1 +
1 +1 +
1 +
1 +
QTHER AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESCladoceraCopepoda
Unidentified
44
o
o
1
4
o
o
1
4
+
1
Table 11 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
GastropodaUnidentified 2 8 0 10 3
HydroidaHydridae
Hydra spp. 0 2 0 2 +Oligochaeta
Unidentified T 0 6 0 6 2Ostracoda
Unidentified 0 1 0 1 +Turbellaria
Unidentified PT 0 2 0 2 +
TOTALS 18 40 0 58 19
45
Table 12
Benthic macro invertebrates collected from plate samplers in theConecuh-Escambia River at Century Bridge, Century, Florida
(Station 9), 16 November 1988
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
AQUATIC INSECTSColeoptera
ElmidaeElmidae (Adults) 0 1 0 1 +Unidentified 1 1 0 2 +
DipteraUnidentified 1 0 0 1 +
ChironomidaeAblabesmyia spp. PT 1 0 1 2 +Chironomus spp. T 1 0 0 1 +Corynoneura spp. PT 1 0 1 2 +Endochironomus spp. 0 0 2 2 +Nanocladius spp. PT 3 0 2 5 2Nilotanypus spp. PT 1 0 0 1 +Polypedilum spp. PT 1 8 0 9 3Rheotanytarsus spp. PT 12 42 0 54 18Stictochironomus spp. 0 0 1 1 +Tanytarsus spp. PT 3 3 4 10 3Thienimanniella spp. PT 8 13 0 21 7Orthocladiinae 1 0 0 1 +Pupae 2 10 1 13 4Unidentified 1 5 0 6 2
EphemeropteraBaetidae
Baetis spp. PT 5 2 1 8 3Caenidae
Caenis spp. PT 8 1 1 10 3Heptageniidae
Stenonema spp. PT 3 7 1 11 4Odonata
CoenagrionidaeUnidentified a a 6 6 2
Libe11ulidaePerithemis spp. a 0 2 2 +Unidentified 2 0 0 2 +
PlecopteraUnidentified 1 0 0 1 +
PerlidaeAcroneuria spp. I 2 0 0 2 +
46
Table 12 (continued)
Plate SamplerReplicate
MeanTaxon Tolerance A B C Total No/ft2
TrichopteraBrachycentridae
Brachycentrus spp. PT 1 1 0 2 +Hydropsychidae
Hydropsyche spp. PT 0 19 0 19 6Unidentified 1 14 0 15 5
OTHER AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESGastropoda
Unidentified 0 1 0 1 +Ancy1idae
Unidentified 0 0 1 1 +Nematoda
Unidentified PT 2 0 0 2 +Oligochaeta
Unidentified T 29 37 10 76 25
TQTALS 91 165 34 290 97
47
Auburn UniversityAuburn University. Alabama 36849-5419
College of Agriculture
Deportment 01 FishenesClod Allied f..auocultUles
InTernational CenterfOI Aquacul!ure
J~nuRry 17, 1990
Terephc.r..=.: (205) odJ-J7E::T<;:IS') 510">'XJ23.;'.·F:·.x 20S-e4.1--!S"...:
Unltec SiDles of f.. merle_
r'lI". \'lilliillll BCCtlllley, Pl40jecL EngineerCOfiLalnel: Corporation of AmericaP.O. Ilo" 709nrewton, Alnbama 36426
Uear Mr. Brantley:
Our 1989 Conecuh-Escambia River ecological study reporL is enclosed. Thisyear we llave incorpot-ated additional water quality data in the report, noLas a separate addendum. If there are any questions abouL the data please doflOl hesitate to call.
Si..ncet-ely,
Il/l/' /ifi{/{vtl r'-' \ v~
elM l'IebberSenior Research Fellow
/mj
Enclosure
A l'\ND GR/·NT UNIV RSI!Y