2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

5/27/2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | A DIATOM INDEX FOR SOUTHEASTERN US STREAMS | Virtual Platform

A DIATOM INDEX FOR SOUTHEASTERN US STREAMS

Diatoms are critical components of stream ecosystems and an important part of the biological community. In addition, diatoms are especially sensitive to a wide range of stressors, especially nutrients. These attributes make them ideal candidates for indicator development and yet, of the three principal assemblages use in bioassessment (algae, invertebrates, fish), algal indicators lag behind in frequency and extent of application. We developed a diatom index for the southeastern US for use in aquatic life use assessment and in nutrient criteria development. We conducted an extensive taxonomic harmonization effort, facilitated by recent national efforts in this regard. We explored potential classification using uni- and multivariate modeling. We generated more than 200 metrics using known diatom traits. We combined those metrics into candidate indices using an all model subsets routine and selected top performing indices that were evaluated for overall discrimination, stressor sensitivity, and robust discrimination across ecoregions. We settled on a set of candidate region-wide indices composed of 8 metrics that reflect general disturbance sensitivity, tolerance, oxygen sensitivity, nutrient sensitivity, and motility. The index had a discrimination efficiency above 73% and ecoregional efficiencies ranging from 60% to 100%.

Management
Nutrients
Stressor

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Presenters/Authors

Michael Paul (), Tetra Tech, Inc., Michael.Paul@tetratech.com;