Abstract
Certain water quality and chloride levels are ideal for specific macroinvertebrate species. This study evaluates the water quality of three streams in and around Winona, Minnesota, using the macroinvertebrate communities present and chloride levels as indicators. Three upstream samples were taken and thoroughly examined at three different locations: Garvin Brook, Gilmore Creek, and Pleasant Valley Creek. During the snowmelt season, four sets of upstream and one set of downstream water samples were taken from each. The samples were analyzed using a Vernier chloride ion-selective electrode. The Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams invertebrate classification system was used to identify the invertebrates and estimate the populations in each stream. Each macroinvertebrate species was assigned a tolerance to pollution; sensitive, less sensitive, and tolerant. Utilizing the Save Our Streams biological monitoring index values for water quality rating, the criteria for establishing water quality were split into four index ranges, excellent (>22), good (17-22), fair (11-16), and poor (
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Neal Mundahl, Ph.D.
Second Advisor/Mentor
Jeanne Franz, Ph.D.
Start Date
4-19-2023 1:00 PM
End Date
4-19-2023 2:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2a=1pm-2pm
Poster Number
6
Included in
Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Life Sciences Commons
Utilizing Macroinvertebrate Communities and Chloride Levels to Evaluate Water Quality in Three Streams Near Winona, Minnesota
Certain water quality and chloride levels are ideal for specific macroinvertebrate species. This study evaluates the water quality of three streams in and around Winona, Minnesota, using the macroinvertebrate communities present and chloride levels as indicators. Three upstream samples were taken and thoroughly examined at three different locations: Garvin Brook, Gilmore Creek, and Pleasant Valley Creek. During the snowmelt season, four sets of upstream and one set of downstream water samples were taken from each. The samples were analyzed using a Vernier chloride ion-selective electrode. The Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams invertebrate classification system was used to identify the invertebrates and estimate the populations in each stream. Each macroinvertebrate species was assigned a tolerance to pollution; sensitive, less sensitive, and tolerant. Utilizing the Save Our Streams biological monitoring index values for water quality rating, the criteria for establishing water quality were split into four index ranges, excellent (>22), good (17-22), fair (11-16), and poor (
