Our objective was to quantify if macroinvertebrate assemblages in Indiana streams were better predicted from co-occurring fish assemblages or environmental variables. We used Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) with forward-selection of variables to identify significant environmental predictor variables for macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages. A partial Mantel test was used to determine if fish assemblage composition and macroinvertebrate assemblage composition significantly co-vary while controlling for environmental effects. The CCAs resulted in two significant predictors of macroinvertebrate distribution and relative abundance, and four significant predictors of fish distribution and relative abundance. Similarity matrices of fish and macroinvertebrates were significantly correlated in the Mantel (r = 0.22, p = 0.019) and partial Mantel tests (r = 0.23, p = 0.013). Our results suggest that macroinvertebrates respond to local and regional environmental variation, and less to local presence of fishes. / Department of Biology

The microbial Population of stream leaf litter was examined during the fall and winter of 1976 in Bell Creek, Delaware County, Indiana. Nylon-mesh bags containing leaves were placed in the creek and allowed to become colonized by bacteria and fungi. Of special interest was the enumeration and identification of cellulolytic anaerobic bacteria. This study revealed the presence of these bacteria in all sample cases. These bacteria were generally identified as belonging to the genus Clostridium. Two species of cellulolytic pseudomonads were also isolated. Non-cellulolytic bacteria belonging to the genera Flavobacterium and Beijerinckia were isolated. These aerobic organisms may function indirectly in cellulose degradation by removing toxic byproducts or growth limiting factors.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between fish assemblage structure and habitat in streams dominated by an agricultural landscape. Fishes from 20 natural and 20 channelized streams were sampled using electrofishing gear in East Central Indiana. Streams that had been channelized had a lower quality fish assemblage when compared to natural streams as measured by the Indiana V. Eastern Corn Belt Plain Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Stream habitat was evaluated using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI), which indicated that channelized streams had lower quality primarily due to a loss of heterogeneous habitat. Pearson correlation analysis relating ECB IBI and QHEI was positive and significant, and demonstrated that a reduction in riffle and pool areas associated with channelization was the most significant factor influencing the fish community. Furthermore, species lost when streams are channelized were predictable, and often represented environmentally sensitive species. The results of this study suggested that stream channel alterations have a negative and lasting influence on the fish assemblage which should be recognized prior to any stream development. / Department of Biology

Ecological restoration techniques are increasingly employed along urban stream corridors. In the past, flood-control projects had negative impacts upon our urban streams and many of these streams suffer from degradation. Cardinal Creek, a stream that flows through Ball State University's campus is one such example. With an increase in urbanization, and subsequent loss of habitat, the stream has become nothing more than an open drain, often carrying bacteria that pose a serious health risk. Following a review of stream restoration principles and "aesthetics of care" principles, the application of these ideas is explored. This project will incorporate, both stream restoration principles and "aesthetic of care" principles in order to produce a potentially ecologically healthy and visually appealing community amenity. / Department of Architecture

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The characterization of the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon (NPC) export to streams during storms is an integral part of understanding processes affecting water quality. Despite the fact that excessive levels of these nutrients in the Mississippi River basin adversely affects water quality in the Gulf of Mexico, little research has been conducted on NPC dynamics during storms on larger (>20 km2) agriculturally dominated Midwestern watersheds. This project examined the storm export of nitrate, ammonium, total phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the upper Eagle Creek Watershed (UECW) (274 km2) in Central Indiana, USA. Water samples were collected during five winter and spring storms in 2007 and 2008 on the rising and falling limb of the hydrograph, in order to characterize NPC dynamics during storm events. Stream discharge and precipitation was monitored continuously, and major cations were used to examine changes in source water over the duration of the storm and assist in the determination of potential flowpaths. DOC, total P, and TKN (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen) tended to peak with discharge, while nitrate usually exhibited a slight lag and peaked on the receding limb. Total phosphorus, NH3-, TKN, and DOC appear to be delivered to the stream primarily by overland flow. NO3--N appear to be delivered by a combination of tile drain and macropore flow. Overall UECW displayed smoother nutrient export patterns than smaller previously studied watersheds in the area suggesting that scale may influence nutrient export dynamics. Further research is underway on a 3000 km2 watershed in the area to further examine the role scale may play in nutrient export patterns.