O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade ambiental do reservatório de Salto Grande (Americana, SP), localizado em área de intensa urbanização e atividade industrial. Utilizou-se, para tanto, análises físicas e químicas na água e no sedimento, bioensaios de toxicidade e estrutura (composição e densidade) da fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em quatro períodos (Maio, Agosto, Novembro de 2000 e Fevereiro de 2001). Pela análise de nutrientes na água constatou-se que as concentrações são elevadas, principalmente do íon amônio e do fosfato total, os quais estiveram acima do limite estabelecido pela resolução CONAMA 20/86 e, com base no Índice do Estado Trófico o sistema caracteriza-se como eutrófico ou hipereutrófico, dependendo do período e da localização das estações amostradas, verificando-se a redução na concentração de nutrientes e conseqüentemente, do estado trófico, no sentido do rio para a barragem. A concentração de nutrientes no sedimento também foi elevada quando comparada a outros reservatórios e a análise granulométrica demonstra que as estações centrais do reservatório possuem sedimento silte-argiloso enquanto as estações marginais e o rio Atibaia apresentam sedimentos arenosos. A análise de metais indica que a água e o sedimento do sistema encontram-se contaminados para todos os metais estudados (Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg e Mn), exceto para Zn na água e Pb no sedimento. A análise de metais nos organismos bentônicos aponta para uma bioacumulação de Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, e Zn o mesmo não sendo observado para Pb e Cr. Nos bioensaios de toxicidade aguda verificou-se, para Chironomus xanthus, maior toxicidade no rio Atibaia, com 61% de mortalidade em Novembro/2000, enquanto que para Daphnia similis a toxicidade máxima (100% de imobilidade em Agosto/2000) foi registrada nas estações próximas à barragem. A análise da fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos demonstra a predominância, nas estações centrais do reservatório (mais profundas), de organismos pertencentes à Classe Oligochaeta e nas estações marginais (zona litorânea) a fauna é mais diversa, sendo composta pela Classe Oligochaeta, Filo Mollusca e Ordem Ephemeroptera (Classe Insecta). A fauna do rio Atibaia é formada, predominantemente, pelas Classes Hirudinea e Oligochaeta. O estágio avançado da eutrofização do reservatório fez com que a fauna de macroinvertebrados fosse reduzida, quando comparada à estudos anteriores, possivelmente devido ao desencadeamento de processos associados ao grande aporte de nutrientes, como a redução na concentração de oxigênio dissolvido ou devido ao aporte contínuo de diversos metais para o sistema e, provavelmente, esteja havendo uma processo de substituição de espécies por organismos da Classe Oligochaeta, como a Família Tubificidae, que são mais tolerantes aos diversos tipos de poluição. Conclui-se que as altas concentrações de nutrientes e metais, com valores fora dos padrões estabelecidos pelos órgãos ambientais, na água e no sedimento do reservatório, relacionam-se com as atividades desenvolvidas na bacia hidrográfica, e indicam os impactos decorrentes desta utilização e seu reflexo nas características físicas, químicas, toxicológicas e biológicas do sistema. / The goal of this work was to asses the environmental quality of Salto Grande reservoir (Americana, SP), located in an urban area with high industrial activities. Physical and chemical analyses were made in water and sediment, toxicity bioassays and structure (composition and density) of benthic organisms in four months (May, August, November 2000 and February 2001). The water nutrients analyses demonstrated high concentrations, mainly of ammonia ion and total phosphate, exceeding the limits from CONAMA 20/86, and based on the Trophic State Index, the reservoir was classified as eutrophic or hipereutrophic, depending on the months and the sampling stations, verified by a reduction on nutrients concentrations and in the trophic state, in the river-dam direction. The nutrients concentrations in the sediment was also elevated when compared with others reservoirs and the grain size composition demonstrated that the central sampling stations had silt-clay composition while the shore sampling stations and the Atibaia river had sand composition. The metals analysis indicates that water and sediment were contaminated by Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, e Mn, with exception for Zn in the water and Pb in the sediment. The metals analysis in the benthic organisms indicates a bioaccumulation of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn, with exception for Pb and Cr. The acute toxicity bioassays verified, for Chironomus xanthus, higher toxicity in the Atibaia river, with 61% of mortality in November 2000, while for Daphnia similis the maximum toxicity (100% of immobility in August 2000) was observed on the sampling stations near the dam. The analysis of benthic organisms demonstrates the predominance of Oligochaeta, on central sampling stations (with higher profundity), and a higher diversity fauna, mainly by Oligochaeta, Mollusca and Ephemeroptera (Insecta), on the shore sampling stations. The Atibaia river fauna is composed mainly by Hirudinea and Oligochaeta. The higher eutrophication process in the reservoir probably was the cause of the reduction of macroinvertebrates fauna, when compared with studies in the past. The major process of these problems are the elevated input of nutrients, reduction on the dissolved oxygen and the input of metals, resulting in the substitution of the species for Oligochaeta organisms (Tubificidae), which are tolerant to different pollutants. To conclude, the high concentrations in the water and sediment for nutrients and metals, with values that exceed the limits from Environmental Agency, were related to the activities developed in the Watershed, indicating impacts produced by this utilization and its effects on the physical, chemical toxicological and biological characteristics of the system.

No presente estudo foi realizada uma caracterização limnológica comparativa de dezoito lagoas pertencentes ao sistema lacustre do vale do médio Rio Doce e da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos, analisando-se a composição e a riqueza de espécies. A espécie exótica Melanoides tuberculata invadiu várias regiões do Brasil, e representa uma ameaça para a fauna de moluscos e outros invertebrados nativos das comunidades bentônicas onde se estabelecem. Para isto foram realizadas coletas nos períodos climáticos, chuvoso e seco, amostrando-se em cinco pontos em cada lagoa incluindo a região litorânea e limnética. Foram realizadas medidas físicas e químicas da água e a análise granulométrica, teor de matéria orgânica e classificação textural do sedimento das lagoas. A comunidade bentônica foi amostrada com draga de Van Veen nos diferentes pontos e o material foi lavado em peneiras de 210 \'mü\'m de abertura de malha, preservado em formol 8% e posteriormente triado e identificado. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a maioria das lagoas estudadas são ambientes de águas levemente ácidas, bem oxigenadas, com baixa concentração de nutrientes na coluna da água, sendo sistemas de baixa trofia (oligotróficos ou mesotróficos). As lagoas diferem quanto à profundidade e transparência da água e aquelas com profundidade superior a 10 metros observou-se estratificação térmica no período chuvoso e isotermia no período seco. A comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos foi bastante diversificada, com um total de 52 e 75 táxons registrados durante o período chuvoso e seco respectivamente. Os Chironomidae foram os mais abundantes e com maior diversidade taxonômica entre os grupos de artrópodes com representantes aquáticos. Houve variação na densidade dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos, com maiores densidades no período de seca. A ocorrência do molusco exótico Melanoides tuberculata foi registrada na maioria das lagoas (15 entre as 18 lagoas estudadas), sendo que em algumas delas as populações já se encontravam dominantes numericamente, como nas lagoas Águas Claras, Aníbal, Baixa Verde, Barra, Dom Helvécio, Jacaré, Ferrugem e Lagoinha. Recomenda-se que, pelo fato das lagoas do Vale do Médio Rio Doce representarem o maior sistema lacustre natural brasileiro, será necessário a curto prazo um grande esforço para impedir a dispersão deste molusco nas demais lagoas do sistema, e a longo prazo sua erradicação, visando restaurar e preservar as comunidades bênticas nativas. / In the present study a comparative limnological characterization of eighteen lakes belonging to the lacustrine system of middle Rio Doce was performed, as well as the analysis of the benthic macroinvertebrate community in relation to the taxonomic composition and population densities. Among the benthic organisms a greater emphasis was devoted to the exotic gastropod Melanoides tuberculata, an exotic species that has invaded many regions in Brazil, and represents a risk to native mollusks and also to other invertebrates in the communities when it becomes established. Samplings were performed in two periods, rainy and dry, and at five localities in each lake, including the littoral and the limnetic region. Physical and chemical variables were measured in lake waters and the granulometric fractions, organic matter content and textural classification were performed for lake sediments. At each site benthic community was sampled with the van Veen grab, and the material was pooled in an integrated sample that was then washed and sieved through a 210 \'mü\'m sieve and the material was preserved in 8% formol solution. The results showed that most lakes are environments with slightly acid and well oxygenated waters, with low concentration of nutrients in the water column, being oligotrophic or mesotrophic systems. The lakes differ regarding depth, and water transparency, and in those with depth greater than 10m a thermal stratification was observed at the time of the sampling performed in the rainy season and isothermy in that on the dry period. The benthic macroinvertebrates community was diversified and totals of 52 and 75 taxa were recorded during rainy and dry period samplings, respectively. Chironomidae members were the most abundant and the taxonomically richest group of aquatic Arthropoda. Changes in the density of benthic macroinvertebrates were observed between the samplings, with highest densities in the dry season. The exotic mollusk Melanoides tuberculata was found in the majority of the lakes (15 among 18 lakes studied) and in some lakes it was numerically dominant, such as in lakes Águas Claras, Aníbal, Baixa Verde, Barra, Dom Helvécio, Jacaré, Ferrugem and Lagoinha. Considering the fact the lakes of middle Rio Doce constitute the larges natural lacustrine system in Brazil, it is recommended that, in short term, a great effort must be done to prevent this mollusk dispersion to other lakes of the system and that at the long run its erradication is required aiming to restore and preserve native benthic communities.

Abstract Understanding of natural and human induced changes to freshwater biodiversity patterns is critical for efficiently conserving and managing these highly impacted ecosystems. In this doctoral thesis, I study the natural spatial and temporal variability of littoral macroinvertebrate communities, as well as aquatic biodiversity responses (of bryophytes, macroinvertebrates and diatoms) to human impact on forested headwater streams. I also study the temporal variability of natural and human-impacted stream communities. I show that littoral macroinvertebrate communities are most variable between individual samples and to some extent between littorals, and that the diversity patterns of rare and common littoral macroinvertebrates vary at different spatial scales. Temporal (interannual) variability is of minor importance, particularly for the core species of the community. For rare species, however, the temporal component was generally more important than spatial turnover. For headwater streams, I show that most taxonomic groups responded negatively to human impact on the adjacent riparian forest. Nevertheless, pristine riparian forest is not a sufficient surrogate for stream biodiversity as also streams with relatively disturbed riparian forests supported diverse benthic communities. A rapid classification method based on the physical structure of the stream channel and its riparian forest is able to identify the reference-state communities, as well as the most severely altered communities, but a reliable identification of the intermediately-disturbed sites would need more precise information about the key stressors of stream communities. I found that fine sediments originating from forest drainage were the main factor causing reduction of stream biodiversity. I also found that forestry impacted streams varied temporally more than pristine streams, emphasizing the importance of interannual sampling of impacted streams for a reliable status assessment. / Tiivistelmä Luonnollisen ja ihmisen aiheuttaman biodiversiteettivaihtelun ymmärtäminen hoito- ja suojelutoimissa on tärkeää pienvesien monimuotoisuuden turvaamiseksi. Tarkastelen väitöskirjassani järvien rantavyöhykkeen pohjaeläinten ajallista ja paikallista vaihtelua sekä latvapurojen eliöyhteisöjen (pohjaeläimet, sammalet, piilevät) vasteita ihmisen aiheuttamaan fysikaaliseen muutokseen rantametsässä ja purouomassa. Tarkastelen myös ajallisen vaihtelun eroja luonnontilaisten ja ihmisvaikutteisten latvapurojen eliöyhteisöjen välillä. Osoitan, että järven rantavyöhykkeen pohjaeläinyhteisöt vaihtelevat eniten yksittäisten näytteiden välillä ja pienessä määrin eri rantojen välillä, mutta ajallinen vaihtelu ei heikennä tulosten luotettavuutta muiden kuin harvinaisten lajien osalta yhteen vuoteen rajoittuvassa näytteenotossa. Purotutkimuksissa osoitan, että useiden vesieliöryhmien lajirunsaus muuttuu ihmisen aiheuttaman rantametsän muutoksen seurauksena, mutta luonnontilaista rantametsää ei silti voida pitää yksiselitteisesti myös puron suojelutason mittarina, koska se ei välttämättä turvaa eliöiden lajistollista eheyttä suhteessa alkuperäiseen alueelliseen lajistoon. Rantametsän ja uoman fysikaalisiin rakennepiirteisiin perustuvaa nopeaa luokittelumenetelmää voidaan käyttää eliöyhteisöltään monimuotoisimpien ja metsätalouden voimakkaimmin rasittamien purojen tunnistamisessa. Eliöyhteisöltään lievemmin muutettujen purojen luotettavaan erotteluun luokittelun pitäisi kuitenkin sisältää tarkempaa tietoa metsäojitusten aiheuttamasta liettymisestä, joka on tulosteni perusteella haitallisin metsätaloudesta johtuva puroyhteisöjä rasittava tekijä. Havaitsin myös metsätalouden rasittamien purojen tilanarvioinnin toistettavuuden olevan luonnontilaisia puroja heikompaa, joten metsätalouden rasittamien purojen pidempiaikainen seuraaminen tuntuu välttämättömältä luotettavien tilanarvioiden tuottamiseksi.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the water quality of the micro-basin of Córrego da Areia Branca, through analysis of hydrologic (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and clarity) and analysis of the benthic community of macroinvertebrates. Samplings were carried out at each fifth day in three distinctive sites of the micro-basin, from September 2005 to January 2006. The macroinvertebrates were identified at maximum level of family. It was carried out analysis of diversity and similarity to compare communities and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of biotic and hydrologic factors. Seven families were found: Chironomidae, Tipulidae, Simuliidae, Psychodidae, Glossiphoniidae, Tubificidae and Lymnaeidae. The family Chironomidae was the most abundant in the three sites sampled. The origin (Site 1) showed the best water quality compared as the other sites due to riparian vegetation around. The Site 2, located at 500m from the origin, had decreased water quality, however, showed the highest diversity. The worst water quality was observed in Site 3 which had near zero dissolved oxygen coupled with the high conductivity values (average 537,2 S/cm). In such site, the taxons Chironomus, Psychodidae and Tipulidae were the most abundant. Conductivity and water clarity were the principal factors determining the low diversity of macroinvertebrates in the micro-basin. The findings of this study can be used as a baseline for further environmental monitoring for the future recovery of the Córrego da Areia Branca micro-basin. / Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a qualidade da água da microbacia do Córrego da Areia Branca por meio de análises de variáveis hidrológicas (temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido, pH, condutividade e transparência) e da composição da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos. Amostragens foram realizadas quinzenalmente no período de setembro de 2005 a janeiro de 2006 em três trechos distintos da microbacia, incluindo a nascente. Os macroinvetebrados foram identificados ao nível máximo de família. Foram efetuadas análises de diversidade e eqüidade para comparar as comunidades e Análise de Componentes Principais com os fatores bióticos e abióticos. Sete famílias foram amostradas: Chironomidae, Tipulidae, Simuliidae, Psychodidae, Glossiphoniidae, Tubificidae e Lymnaeidae. A família Chironomidae foi dominante nos três pontos de amostragens. A nascente apresentou melhor qualidade da água em relação aos outros dois trechos por apresentar vegetação ripária em seu entorno. O ponto 2, localizado a 500m a da nascente apresentou reduzida qualidade da água, entretanto, mostrou maior diversidade. O ponto 3 apresentou pior qualidade da água, com valores de OD próximos de 0 e condutividade média de 537,2 S/cm. Neste trecho, os táxons Chironomus, Psychodidae e Tipulidae foram os mais abundantes. A condutividade e a transparência da água foram os principais fatores determinando a baixa diversidade na microbacia. Os resultados deste estudo poderão servir como base para futuro monitoramento ambiental visando a recuperação da microbacia do Córrego da Areia Branca.

In this study, two different field experiments were designed to assess the relative influence of urbanization on benthic communities. During spring and summer, four urban and one reference sites from Denton County, Texas were selected for benthic macroinvertebrate evaluation. Statistically significant differences in colonized benthic macroinvertebrate taxa on artificial substrates were observed among the four urban sites and the reference site. Oligochaetes and chironomids were the dominant taxa at all sites. Identification of chironomid larvae at the subfamily and genus level to detect differences between sites had higher statistical power than the evaluation based on total chironomids. At the reference site, Caenis, Cladotanytarsus, Orthocladius, and Ceratopogonidae were the dominant taxa, while the urban sites were dominated by Dero, Physella, Ancylidae, Chironomus, Dicrotendipes, Glyptotendipes, Polypedilum, Pseudochironomus, Stenochironomus, and Tanytarsus. These differences may have been dependent upon differences in hydrologic regime and water quality between sites. Significant differences (ANOVA, p < 0.01) in water quality parameters (alkalinity, hardness, nitrates, phosphates, chlorides, sulfates, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and triazine) were found among water samples collected from the reference and urban sites. During the transfer period, most of the Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera taxa and a few other taxa disappeared from artificial substrates that were colonized at the reference site and then moved to the urban sites. Also, local abundant taxa from the urban site significantly (t test, p < 0.05) increased in number on the transferred artificial substrates. Seasonal differences in colonization patterns were also observed between the spring and summer experimental periods, which indicate that temporal variation is equally important, as is the anthropogenic effect in benthic community evaluation. Field survival and growth experiments using Erpetogomphus designatus larvae were designed to detect differences between evaluated sites. Larvae were collected from the reference site, measured in the laboratory, and exposed at the urban sites for six weeks in using specially designed cages. The exposed larvae demonstrated a higher mortality rate at the urban sites compared to the reference site.

No description available.

Vam monitoritzar paràmetres físics i químics, macroinvertebrats bentònics, clorofil·la a, productors primaris i matèria orgànica durant un any (2001-2002) per examinar els efectes d'una font puntual sobre la composició taxonòmica, la estructura de la comunitat, l'organització funcional, la utilització de l'habitat i la estoquiometria al riu la Tordera (Catalunya).Aigües avall de la font puntual, concentració de nutrients, cabal i conductivitat eren majors que al tram d'aigües amunt, mentre que oxigen dissolt era menor. La densitat de macroinvertebrats era més elevada al tram d'aigües avall però la biomassa era similar als dos trams. La riquesa taxonòmica al tram de dalt era un 20% més alt que al tram de baix. Els anàlisis d'ordenació separen clarament els dos trams en el primer eix, mentre que els dos trams presentaven una pauta temporal similar en el segon eix. La similaritat entre els dos trams en composició taxonòmica, densitats i biomasses després de les crescudes d'abril i maig de 2002, indiquen que les pertorbacions del cabal poden actuar com a un mecanisme de reinici de la comunitat bentònica i jugar un paper important per a la restauració d'ecosistemes fluvials.Els dos trams presentaven una biomassa de perifiton, plantes vasculars, CPOM i FPOM similars, mentre que clorofil·la a, algues filamentoses, molses i SPOM eren majors al tram d'aigües avall. La densitat relativa de trituradors era menor sota la font puntual mentre que col·lectors i filtradors van ser afavorits. La biomassa relativa de trituradors també era menor sota la font puntual, però la biomassa de col·lectors i depredadors va augmentar. Les relacions entre densitat de grups tròfics i els seus recursos eren rarament significatives. La relació s'explicava millor amb la biomassa de macroinvertebrats. Els dos trams compartien la mateixa relació per raspadors, col·lectors i filtradors però no per trituradors i depredadors.La densitat i la biomassa de macroinvertebrats es trobaven positivament correlacionades amb la quantitat de recursos tròfics i la complexitat d'habitat, mentre que la riquesa taxonòmica es trobava negativament relacionada amb paràmetres hidràulics. La influència dels substrats inorgànics prenia menor rellevància per a la distribució dels macroinvertebrats. Els anàlisis d'ordenació mostren com les variables del microhabitat de major rellevància eren CPOM, clorofil·la a, algues filamentoses i velocitat. La cobertura de sorra només era significativa per al tram d'aigües amunt i les molses, al d'aigües avall. El número de correlacions significatives entre macroinvertebrats i les variables del microhabitat era més elevat per al tram de dalt que per al de baix, bàsicament per diferències en composició taxonòmica. La biomassa de macroinvertebrats va aportar una informació semblant a la obtinguda per la densitat.Perifiton i molses tenien uns continguts de nutrients similars en els dos trams. Els %C i %N d'algues filamentoses també eren similars en els dos trams però el %P sota la font puntual era el doble que al tram de dalt. Les relacions estoquiomètriques en CPOM, FPOM i SPOM eren considerablement menors sota la font puntual. Els continguts elementals i relacions van ser molt variables entre taxons de macroinvertebrats però no van resultar significativament diferents entre els dos trams. Dípters, tricòpters i efemeròpters presentaven una estoquiometria similar, mentre que el C i el N eren inferiors en moluscs i el P en coleòpters. Els depredadors presentaven un contingut en C i N més elevat que la resta de grups tròfics, mentre que el P era major en els filtradors. Els desequilibris elementals entre consumidors i recursos eren menors en el tram d'aigües avall. A la tardor i l'hivern la major font de nutrients va ser la BOM mentre que a la primavera i a l'estiu va ser el perifiton. / We monitored physical and chemical parameters, benthic macroinvertebrates, chlorophyll a, primary producers, and organic matter for one year (2001-2002) to assess the effect of a point source input on the taxa composition, community structure, functional organization, microhabitat distribution, and elemental stoichiometry in La Tordera stream (Catalonia, NE Spain).Below the point source, nutrient concentrations, discharge, and specific conductance were higher than at the upstream reach, while dissolved oxygen decreased. Total macroinvertebrate density was higher at the downstream reach than at the upstream reach. The two reaches did not differ in macroinvertebrate total biomass. On average, taxa richness at the upstream reach was 20% higher than at the downstream reach. Ordination analysis clearly separated the samples of the two reaches in the first axis and corroborated the effect of the point source on the benthic community. The two reaches followed a similar temporal pattern with respect to the distribution of taxa along the second axis. Higher similarities between the two reaches in taxa composition, densities and biomass after the spates of April and May 2002, suggest that flooding events may act as a reset mechanism for benthic communities and play an important role in stream restoration.The two reaches did not differ in standing stocks of periphyton, vascular plants, CPOM and FPOM. Chlorophyll a, filamentous algae, mosses, and SPOM concentrations were increased by the point source. Relative density of shredders was reduced at the downstream reach, whereas gatherers and filterers were enhanced. Relative biomass of shredders decreased below the point source as well, but gatherers diminished and predators increased. The relationships between density of functional feeding groups and their presumed food resources were rarely significant. The relation between consumers and their food resources was best explained through macroinvertebrate biomass. The two reaches had the same relationship for scrapers, gatherers, and filterers, but differed for shredders and predators.Macroinvertebrate density and biomass were positively correlated with food resources and complexity of habitat architecture while taxa richness was negatively correlated with hydraulic parameters. Inorganic substrate exerted a lesser influence on macroinvertebrate distribution. Ordination analysis revealed that the microhabitat variables of major relevance at the two reaches were CPOM, chlorophyll a, filamentous algae, and maximum water velocity. Sand coverage was only retained at the upstream reach and moss, at the downstream reach. The number of significant correlations between macroinvertebrates and microhabitat variables was higher at the upstream reach than at the downstream reach mainly because of higher taxa richness. Macroinvertebrate biomass provided similar information to that obtained from density in our study case.Periphyton and mosses had similar nutrient contents in the two reaches. The %C and %N filamentous algae was also similar in the two reaches, but %P below the point source was two times higher than that at the upstream reach. Stoichiometric ratios for CPOM, FPOM, and SPOM decreased considerably below the point source. Elemental contents and ratios were highly variable among macroinvertebrate taxa but did not differ significantly between the two reaches, indicating homeostatic regulation. Dipterans, caddisflies, and mayflies had similar elemental contents and stoichiometry, whereas C and N were lower in mollusks and P in beetles. Predators had the higher C and N contents, while %P was higher in filterers and lower in scrapers. Elemental imbalances between consumers and resources were amended at the downstream reach relative to the upstream reach. Macroinvertebrates represented, on average, relatively low nutrient storage in the ecosystem. At the upstream reach, autochthonous production represented the major input of nutrients into the ecosystem food web, whereas the major source of P for heterotrophic production at the downstream reach was represented by allochthonous inputs.

Rivers and their catchments are under mounting pressure from direct channel modification, intensification of land use, and from a legacy of decades of channelisation. Recent legislation, in the form of the EU Water Framework Directive, places a greater emphasis on the management of water bodies as holistic systems, and includes the explicit consideration of hydromorphological quality, which describes the hydrologic and geomorphic elements of river habitats. These are defined specifically as hydrological regime, river continuity and river morphology. This appreciates that sediment and flow regimes, along with the channel structure, provides the 'template' on which stream ecological structure and function is built. Invertebrate fauna contribute significantly to the biodiversity of rivers, and often form the basis of monitoring river health. However much of the fundamental ecological knowledge base on the response of invertebrates to hydromorphological change needed to make informed decisions and accurate predictions, is either lacking, inadequate or contradictory. This thesis addresses some of the key potential shortcomings in recent bio-assessment that others have alluded to, but which have rarely been explored in the context of direct channel manipulations. By using two case studies of, realignment in a natural upland catchment, and flood protection engineering in an urban stream, this study investigates the sensitivity of hydromorphological impact assessment methods that rely on biodiversity patterns of benthic riverfly (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) larva. This work employed widely used biomonitoring indices of benthic riverfly larva abundance, species richness, alpha and beta diversity, and community composition, applied over a range of spatial scales, in combination with spatially contemporaneous physical habitat data, to describe and explain community changes in response to disturbance, and patterns of natural variation. The effects of restoration were investigated using a high degree of sample replication within channels and across the wider catchment, as well as contrasting spring and autumn seasons. To assess change in a small urban channel, approaches that explicitly consider spatial elements of community data, using spatial eigenvectors analysis, were applied to spatially detrend community data and directly investigate spatial patterns. Restoration of the Rottal Burn was found to be successful in restoring habitat diversity and geomorphic processes, and in turn increasing reach scale species richness and beta diversity through the gradual arrival of rare and specialist taxa into novel habitats. Catchment scale replication revealed high variation in diversity indices of modified and undisturbed streams, and a strong temporal pattern related to antecedent flow conditions. Channels with greater habitat heterogeneity were able to maintain high gamma diversity during times of high flow stress by providing a number of low flow refuges along their length. The urban Brox Burn had surprisingly high riverfly richness and diversity driven by small scale hydraulic heterogeneity, created by bed roughness resulting in a range of microhabitats. Riverfly community responses to direct channel dredging could not be detected by measurements of average richness and diversity, however distinct changes were seen in gamma diversity, the identity of community members and their arrangement among sample patches. Impacts of sediment pollution release due to engineering were short lived and apparently had little detrimental impact on biodiversity. Strong spatial patterns of community assembly on the stream bed were uncovered, relating to longitudinal, edge and patchy patterns. Significant habitat drivers of community composition were confounded by high amounts of spatial autocorrelation, especially hydraulic variables. Due to the strongly physical and spatial nature of hydromorphological disturbance, turnover of species between sample locations at a range of scales, and the spatial arrangement of habitats and communities is of more use for detecting these types of subtle changes compared to mean richness or diversity. These findings have implications for the targeting of resources for monitoring of restoration, or engineering disturbances, in order to be sensitive to hydromorphological change. Efforts should target the main area of natural variability within the system, either replicating sampling in time or space to distinguish effects of impact. Spatial patterns, measures of beta diversity and species identity can be better exploited to identify systems with functioning geomorphological processes. Channel typologies proved misleading, and quantification of habitat and selection of control sites using multiple pre-defined criteria should be carried out. Studies of restoration operations and engineering impacts provide considerable opportunities for advancing our knowledge of the mechanisms that drive community response under a range of conditions to improve impact detection.

Abstract Describing how and why species composition of ecological communities varies across spatial and temporal scales is a primary objective for ecological research. A key challenge is to distinguish changes in community composition resulting from external factors from the natural background variability. In this thesis I aimed to study: 1) the level of temporal variation in community composition of stream macroinvertebrates, 2) the role of different environmental factors to temporal variability, 3) the effect of temporal variability on bioassessment outcomes, and 4) comparability of different approaches to study community variability through time. A majority of the studied macroinvertebrate communities showed lower level of inter-annual variation, i.e. temporal turnover, than expected by chance. The observation of high community stability was further supported by the low level of inter-annual variation in taxonomic completeness (quotient of observed and expected number of species, O/E). Despite the low absolute variation in O/E, ecological status assessments varied annually. Thus the use of one year data may bias management decisions. Macroinvertebrate communities experienced similar dynamics across several spatial extents, from riffles within a stream to streams among regions, suggesting that large-scale extrinsic factors are the major driver of community dynamics. Especially climatically exceptional years may have a strong imprint on community variability. However, at the within-stream scale, coherence was lower than expected, indicating that community dynamics may be driven by different processes at different spatial extents. Stream macroinvertebrate community dynamics were strongly related to in-stream vegetation, temporal variability decreasing with increasing macrophyte cover. Importantly, the effect of in-stream vegetation on temporal turnover of macroinvertebrate communities was masked by the stochastic effect of habitat connectivity, suggesting that unless stochastic effects are controlled for, the role of deterministic processes may be obscured, thus affecting our ability to understand and predict community changes through time. In addition, different approaches to study temporal variability may disagree on estimates for the level of temporal turnover and factors explaining it – a fact that should be taken into account when planning and comparing studies. / Tiivistelmä Yksi ekologisen tutkimuksen keskeisistä tavoitteista on kuvata, miten ja miksi eliöyhteisöjen koostumus muuttuu paikasta ja ajankohdasta toiseen. On tärkeää pystyä erottamaan erilaisten ulkoisten tekijöiden aiheuttamat muutokset luonnollisesta taustavaihtelusta. Väitöskirjani tavoitteena oli selvittää 1) miten paljon virtavesien pohjaeläinyhteisöissä tapahtuu ajallista vaihtelua 2) mitkä ympäristötekijät vaikuttavat yhteisöjen ajalliseen vaihteluun 3) miten ajallinen vaihtelu vaikuttaa ympäristön tilan arviointiin ja 4) kuinka vertailukelpoisia ovat eri lähestymistavat ajallista vaihtelua tutkittaessa. Valtaosa tutkituista pohjaeläinyhteisöistä vaihteli vuosien välillä vähemmän kuin olisi sattumalta odotettavissa osoittaen varsin suurta ajallista pysyvyyttä. Käsitystä yhteisöjen pysyvyydestä tuki myös vähäinen vuosittainen vaihtelu ekologista tilaa kuvaavassa taksonomisessa eheydessä (=havaitun ja odotetun lajiston suhde O/E). Huolimatta näennäisen pienestä vaihtelusta O/E suhteessa paikkakohtaiset tilaluokka-arviot saattoivat vaihtua vuodesta toiseen. Yhden vuoden aineistoon perustuvat tilan arvioinnit voivat siis johtaa virheellisiin johtopäätöksiin. Pohjaeläinyhteisöjen ajallinen vaihtelu oli samankaltaista eri mittakaavoilla niin peräkkäisten koskipaikkojen kuin eri alueilla sijaitsevien purojen välillä. Suuren mittakaavan ympäristötekijät näyttävät siis säätelevän eliöyhteisöjen ajallista vaihtelua. Erityisesti ilmastotekijöiltään poikkeukselliset vuodet säätelevät eliöyhteisöjä, ja niiden vaikutus voi näkyä vielä useiden vuosien kuluttua. Vaihtelun samankaltaisuus peräkkäisten koskipaikkojen välillä oli kuitenkin odotettua pienempää. Yhteisöjä voivat siis säädellä osittain eri tekijät eri mittakaavoilla. Tutkittujen pohjaeläinyhteisöjen ajallisen vaihtelun voimakkuus liittyi erityisesti vesikasvillisuuden määrään: vaihtelu väheni kasvillisuuden lisääntyessä. Kasvillisuuden määrän vaikutus peittyi kuitenkin satunnaisten tekijöiden alle. Jos satunnaisia tekijöitä ei huomioida, deterministiset syy-seuraussuhteet voivat jäädä huomaamatta heikentäen mahdollisuuksiamme ymmärtää ja ennustaa eliöyhteisöjen vaihtelua. Lisäksi eri lähestymistavat ajallista vaihtelua tutkittaessa voivat johtaa erilaisiin arvioihin vaihtelun suuruudesta ja siihen vaikuttavista tekijöistä, mikä tulisi ottaa huomioon tutkimuksia suunnitellessa ja niiden tuloksia vertailtaessa.

Abstract Streams and rivers have been extensively altered by humans. Channelization and land use have changed stream habitats and water quality with adverse effects on biota and ecosystem functions. Impacted streams have been targets for restoration, but there is considerable lack of understanding how streams should be restored in an ecologically effective way. In this doctoral thesis, I studied the impacts of channelization (for timber floating) and agricultural diffuse pollution on stream biota. I also studied the effectiveness of restorations of forestry impacted streams stressed by excessive sand sedimentation from catchment drainage. Finally, I also studied the effects of mosses, fine sediment and enhanced dispersal on stream macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem functions. I found that channelization did not have effect on diatom, macrophyte, macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages, whereas diffuse pollution had strong effects, with no interactions between the two stressors. I showed that excessive sedimentation from forest drainage was harmful for stream biota but had no effect on leaf decomposition and algal accrual rate. Restoration with boulders reduced sand cover and was more beneficial for in-stream biodiversity, whereas restoration with wood tended to increase hydrological retention of stream channels, thereby altering riparian plant assemblages toward more natural composition. In a mesocosm experiment, I found mosses to have a strong impact on macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem functions. Mosses increased organic matter retention and reduced algal accrual rate and leaf decomposition. The effect of mosses on macroinvertebrates was stronger than that of sand sedimentation, and mosses mitigated some of the negative effects of sand. Extensive dispersal had a distinct imprint on invertebrate community composition but did not blur the effect of mosses and sand on communities, suggesting strong local-scale environmental control of composition. My thesis emphasizes that priority in stream restoration should be in the mitigation of diffuse pollution rather than restoration of channel morphology, especially in streams where channel alteration has been fairly modest, as in the case of timber floating. Addition of both boulders and large wood likely yields the best biodiversity response in the restoration of forestry impacted streams. Mosses are a key component of boreal lotic ecosystems; therefore, the recovery of mosses may be a prerequisite for the full recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity of boreal streams. / Tiivistelmä Ihmisen toiminta on laajasti muokannut virtavesiä. Uomien kanavointi ja maankäyttö ovat muuttaneet virtavesien elinympäristöjä ja veden laatua, millä on ollut haitallisia vaikutuksia virtavesien luonnon monimuotoisuuteen ja ekosysteemin toimintaan. Huonokuntoisia virtavesiä on kunnostettu paljon, mutta ymmärrys siitä, kuinka virtavesiä tulisi kunnostaa parhaan ekologisen lopputuloksen saavuttamiseksi, on edelleen vajaata. Tutkin tässä väitöskirjassa uittoperkausten ja maatalouden hajakuormituksen merkitystä ja yhteisvaikutusta virtavesien eliöyhteisöihin. Tutkin myös kunnostusten vaikutusta hiekasta kärsivissä metsätalouden muokkaamissa puroissa, sekä vesisammalten, hiekan ja eliöiden levittäytymisen merkitystä purojen pohjaeläinyhteisöjen ja ekosysteemin toimintojen muovautumisessa. Havaitsin, että uoman perkauksilla ei ollut vaikutusta virtavesien eliöyhteisöihin, mutta hajakuormituksen vaikutus oli voimakas. Perkauksella ja hajakuormituksella ei ollut yhteisvaikutuksia eliöyhteisöihin. Osoitin, että metsäojituksista aiheutuva ylimääräinen hiekan sedimentaatio on haitallista virtavesien eliöille, mutta sillä ei ollut vaikutusta lehtikarikkeen hajotukseen tai päällyslevien tuotantoon. Kunnostukset joissa käytettiin kiveä vähensivät hiekan peittävyyttä ja olivat hyödyllisempiä uoman eliöstölle kuin kunnostukset, joissa tehtiin puurakennelmia. Puukunnostukset kuitenkin lisäsivät uoman vedenpidätyskykyä ja siten muokkasivat rantavyöhykkeen kasvillisuutta luonnontilaisemmaksi. Havaitsin, että vesisammalilla on voimakas vaikutus pohjaeläinyhteisöjen koostumukseen. Sammalet vaikuttivat ekosysteemin toimintoihin lisäämällä eloperäisen aineksen pidättymistä ja vähentämällä lehtikarikkeen hajotusta ja päällyslevien tuotantoa. Sammalten vaikutus pohjaeläimiin oli voimakkaampi kuin hiekan, ja sammalet kykenivät jopa lieventämään joitakin hiekan negatiivisia vaikutuksia. Eliöiden levittäytymisellä oli selvä vaikutus yhteisöjen koostumukseen, mutta se ei hävittänyt hiekan ja sammalen vaikutusta, mikä viittaa korkeaan ympäristötekijöiden merkitykseen yhteisöjen rakentumisessa. Tutkielmani korostaa, että maatalousjokien tilan parantamisessa hajakuormituksen hallinta tulisi olla ensisijainen kunnostustavoite uoman rakenteen kunnostamisen sijaan. Metsätalouden vaikutuksista kärsivissä puroissa kivi- ja puumateriaalin käyttö samanaikaisesti tuottaa luultavimmin laajimman vaikutuksen purojen monimuotoisuuteen. Sammalilla on merkittävä vaikutus muiden eliöiden yhteisökoostumukseen ja ekosysteemin toimintoihin, joten sammalten palautuminen on tärkeä kunnostustavoite virtavesissä, joissa on luonnostaan paljon sammalkasvustoa.