Thesis
A reconnaissance survey of the Benthic macroinvertebrate community and water quality in the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed, Washington
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102621
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the benthic macroinvertebrate community and water quality in the Rattlesnake Creek watershed, located in the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Five sites were sampled in August and again in October 2011; three in the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area, and two in the adjacent Wenatchee National Forest. Overall results indicated that the Rattlesnake Creek watershed was very productive in terms of benthic macroinvertebrate community richness and exhibited generally good water quality. The total number of taxa for benthic macroinvertebrates was very high at 81. Both taxa richness and abundances were higher in October when compared to August. Few differences were found in the benthic macroinvertebrate community between sites in the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area and sites in the Adjacent Wenatchee National Forest. Taxa richness at Site 5 located immediately upstream from the confluence of North Fork Rattlesnake Creek and Rattlesnake Creek has not changed appreciably when compared to results of a USGS study conducted at this site 21 vi years ago. All water quality metrics over the three month sampling period, with the exception of temperature and dissolved oxygen, were found to be well within the ranges of expected conditions for a minimally disturbed watershed in the Cascade Ecoregion. Some of the observed water temperatures in August (single measurements at each site) were higher than anticipated, up to 17.5 0C. Dissolved oxygen at all sites were on average 70% of saturation and of concern. Efforts made within the scope of the study to understand the cause of this anomaly were inconclusive. Additional research and periodic monitoring should be required to evaluate the on-going health of this highly valued ecosystem.
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Details
- Title
- A reconnaissance survey of the Benthic macroinvertebrate community and water quality in the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed, Washington
- Creators
- Michael Scott McGregor
- Contributors
- Vincent R. Hebert (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525281001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis