TY - JOUR
T1 - Benthic algae in episodically acidified Pennsylvania streams
AU - MacDougall, Sarah E.
AU - Carrick, Hunter J.
AU - DeWalle, David R.
PY - 2008/6
Y1 - 2008/6
N2 - Benthic algal assemblages were surveyed in five Pennsylvania streams in order to examine trends in biomass and taxonomic groups along an acidification gradient. Acidification severity of each stream was estimated from total dissolved aluminum (AlTD), and discharge regression equations were established for each stream using historic data from the EPA Episodic Response Program. Benthic algae were sampled once after an acidic episode in April and again during August base flows. Chlorophyll decreased with increasing episodic severity in April, thus acid episode severity and associated aluminum toxicity may have influenced algal biomass. Cyanophyta biovolume decreased with increasing severity, while Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, and Rhodophyta showed no distinct patterns. A diatom, Eunotia exigua, exhibited a parabolic response in April over the AlTD gradient. Episodic acidification severity may influence algal biomass and composition in streams.
AB - Benthic algal assemblages were surveyed in five Pennsylvania streams in order to examine trends in biomass and taxonomic groups along an acidification gradient. Acidification severity of each stream was estimated from total dissolved aluminum (AlTD), and discharge regression equations were established for each stream using historic data from the EPA Episodic Response Program. Benthic algae were sampled once after an acidic episode in April and again during August base flows. Chlorophyll decreased with increasing episodic severity in April, thus acid episode severity and associated aluminum toxicity may have influenced algal biomass. Cyanophyta biovolume decreased with increasing severity, while Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, and Rhodophyta showed no distinct patterns. A diatom, Eunotia exigua, exhibited a parabolic response in April over the AlTD gradient. Episodic acidification severity may influence algal biomass and composition in streams.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=74749107435&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1656/1092-6194(2008)15[189:BAIEAP]2.0.CO;2
DO - 10.1656/1092-6194(2008)15[189:BAIEAP]2.0.CO;2
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:74749107435
VL - 15
SP - 189
EP - 208
JO - Northeastern Naturalist
JF - Northeastern Naturalist
SN - 1092-6194
IS - 2
ER -