Composition of the Suspended Load as a Measure of Stream Health
Wilzbach MA, Cummins KW, Madej M. 2009. Composition of the Suspended Load as a Measure of Stream Health. Cal Fire Contract with HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation 1.22-1757. Arcata, Ca
Objectives of this exploratory research were: 1) to characterize the contribution of size-specific and total concentrations of organic and inorganic components to the suspended load during high and low flow periods in 4 streams in coastal northern California; and 2) to evaluate relationships between composition and nutritive quality of the suspended load with feeding efficiency and condition of salmonid fishes and the abundance of their invertebrate prey. In addition, we conducted laboratory feeding trials to evaluate the effects of suspended sediment concentration, organic: inorganic particle ratios, and their interaction on feeding rates of juvenile steelhead trout. Two levels of suspended sediment concentration (producing turbidities of approximately 25 and 50 NTU’s), and three levels of organic: inorganic particle ratios (25,50, and 75% organic suspended sediments) were tested.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Wilzbach, Margaret; Cummins, Kenneth; Madej, Mary Ann
- Date of Issue
- 2009
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- Caspar Creek, macroinvertebrates, NTU, Prairie Creek, Redwood Creek, salmonids, Suspended Sediments, Turbidity