An assessment of combined sewer overflow and channelization impacts on an urban stream ecosystem
Start Date
29-4-2022 3:45 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 3rd floor
Abstract
Urban streams are often degraded due to a combination of human activities. Pollution from combined sewer overflows and habitat destruction from cement channelization have been permanent cofactors impacting streams in the Mill Creek Watershed of Cincinnati, Ohio. The main objective of this study was to assess the combined impact of multiple stressors on an urban stream ecosystem. Specifically, macroinvertebrate structure and function, fecal coliform abundance and chemical composition were compared between a natural and impacted (both with sewer overflows and channelization) stream locations. Macroinvertebrates were assessed in standardized riffle (n=3) and composite multihabitat timed-search samples (n=1) at each site. Macroinvertebrates were subsequently identified to family level, functional feeding groups assigned, and numerical data used to calculate common structural and functional metrics. A composite water sample was also collected from multiple habitats along the stream reach for chemical and fecal coliform testing. Preliminary results indicate greater macroinvertebrate diversity and taxa richness at the natural site; however, no significant difference in density was observed. Phosphate and chloride were higher at the downstream location; whereas, mean coliform concentration was significantly greater at the impacted site. This study will provide valuable information that can be used in the future management of this urban watershed.
An assessment of combined sewer overflow and channelization impacts on an urban stream ecosystem
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 3rd floor
Urban streams are often degraded due to a combination of human activities. Pollution from combined sewer overflows and habitat destruction from cement channelization have been permanent cofactors impacting streams in the Mill Creek Watershed of Cincinnati, Ohio. The main objective of this study was to assess the combined impact of multiple stressors on an urban stream ecosystem. Specifically, macroinvertebrate structure and function, fecal coliform abundance and chemical composition were compared between a natural and impacted (both with sewer overflows and channelization) stream locations. Macroinvertebrates were assessed in standardized riffle (n=3) and composite multihabitat timed-search samples (n=1) at each site. Macroinvertebrates were subsequently identified to family level, functional feeding groups assigned, and numerical data used to calculate common structural and functional metrics. A composite water sample was also collected from multiple habitats along the stream reach for chemical and fecal coliform testing. Preliminary results indicate greater macroinvertebrate diversity and taxa richness at the natural site; however, no significant difference in density was observed. Phosphate and chloride were higher at the downstream location; whereas, mean coliform concentration was significantly greater at the impacted site. This study will provide valuable information that can be used in the future management of this urban watershed.
