A Baseline Study of Periphyton in the North Fork of the Flathead River
Thompson J. 2006. A Baseline Study of Periphyton in the North Fork of the Flathead River. 2006 REU Internship
Periphyton communities were compared in neighboring drainages of the Elk River and North Fork of the Flathead. Elk River water contained elevated concentrations of metals, especially selenium, and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur from mine drainage. In the Elk, the diatom community was reduced to 18 species, from 74 found in the Flathead River, and dominant soft algal species were different. Biomass as measured by AFDM and chlorophyll a was two and five times higher respectively in the Elk than the Flathead. The chlorophyll/phaeophytin ratio was higher in the Elk as well, indicating that Elk River algae were physiologically healthier. The response of the periphyton community to mine drainage is probably caused by metal toxicity eliminating all but tolerant species, as well as increased nutrient input enriching primary production. This study examines the effects of mining on the periphyton communities by comparing communities of two rivers in Southeastern British Columbia. The Canadian headwaters of the North Fork of the Flathead River are under threat from a proposed coal mine on Crab Creek, above Foisey Creek.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Thompson, Jessica
- Date of Issue
- 2006
- Publisher
- 2006 REU Internship
- Units
- GLAC
- Keywords
- Diatoms, Elk River, Flathead Lake Biological Station, Mining, North Fork Flathead River, Periphyton, REU