No description available.

The purpose of this study was to determine distributions of Rotifera and Cladocera in the Kanawha River in West Virginia. Rotifera were sampled monthly for twelve months with a Juday trap in the more lotic upstream end of Winfield pool (UW), and the more lentic downstream end of Winfield pool (LW) to determine seasonal distribution. During the period of peak rotifer abundance, rotifers were sampled along a longitudinal transect of Winfield pool and lower Marmet pool to determine longitudinal distribution. Cladocera were sampled with funnel traps at Marmet and Winfield Locks and Dams from lock wall, mid channel, and near shore sites. The seasonal study showed that both UW and LW total rotifer densities were characterized by a single summer population peak. The same physical and/or chemical parameters did not account for equivalent variation in rotifer densities at the two stations. The longitudinal profile showed that a shift in species composition occurred from bacteriophages and detritivorous species upstream to herbivorous species downstream. A new species of the genus Lecane Nitzsch 1827 (Lecanidae: Rotifera) was discovered, namely Lecane arietii n. sp. This species was found to have fungal parasites which apparently effect its distribution. The Cladocera study showed shore and lock wall areas had greater numbers of Cladocera from mud and vegetative habitats than mid channel areas, apparently due to differences in periphyton between the sites. Cladocera from mud and vegetative habitats in lotic systems may be useful organisms to study tow boat perturbations. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to analyze the production of the benthic macroinvertebrates in a commercially navigated river in order to assess the environmental impacts of increasing levels of traffic. Production was estimated for 16 taxa at two sites in the Winfield navigational pool (Upper Winfield - UW; Lower Winfield - LW). Total production of all taxa on cobble/pebble substrates was 43,838 mgDW/m²/yr at UW and 16,553 mgDW/m²/yr at LW. Production on sand/silt substrates was lower, 3,534 mgDW/m²/yr at UW and 2,405 mgDW/m²/yr at LW. On cobble/pebble substrates the production was mostly accounted for by Diptera (76.0% UW, 85.2% LW), Trichoptera (12.4% UW, 5.8% LW), and Ephemeroptera (10.8% UW, 5.8% LW). On sand/silt substrates virtually all production was accounted for by Diptera. Total macroinvertebrate production for an "average" square meter of the Winfield Pool was estimated as 6,228 mgDW/m²/yr. It was estimated that 59.1% of the production in the pool came from cobble/pebble substrates at UW, even though these substrates only made up 8.4% of the available substrates. Approximately 57.8% of all production was attributed to detritus consumption, 18.5% to all types of algae, 23.8% to animal matter, and 0.3% to vascular plant materials. The benthic macroinvertebrate community consumes only a miniscule fraction of the organic materials flowing through the pool, however, the community forms an important energy pathway between the lower (detritus, primary production) and higher (fish) trophic levels. It appears that the structure and function of the benthic macroinvertebrate community has adjusted to the present levels of traffic, and it is not likely that an increased increment of traffic would have an adverse impact. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 1999. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 235 p. : ill., maps Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 222-235).

Larval fish distributions were determined in the lower Winfield Pool, Kanawha River, West 85, Virginia, using a 0.5-m plankton net and a 1-m² dropbox. Five habitats were sampled with the plankton net, 3 habitats with the dropbox. The 5 deep water water habitats, greater than 1.5-m in depth, sampled by the plankton net included surface tows in Bill's Creek backwater, main channel border upstream and downstream of Little Guano backwater, and Little Guano Creek backwater, where deep tows (1.5 m deep) were also taken. The 3 shallow water habitats, less than 1 m in depth, sampled by the dropbox included open water over silt substrate, open water over a sand substrate, and emergent vegetation. <i>Lepomis</i> species, emerald shiners (<i>Notropis atherinoides</i>), and gizzard shad (<i>Dorosoma cepedianum</i>) were the dominant taxa. The emerald shiner taxa could also have included some larvae of <i>Notropis</i> species which are also present in the Kanawha River but whose larvae have not been described. Overall, the mean total larval density did not differ between the backwater or the main channel borders but the species associated with each habitat differed greatly. The <i>Lepomis</i> larvae were found predominantly in backwater areas. These areas provide suitable spawning sites for many centrarchids of this river. Upon leaving the nest, the <i>Lepomis</i> larvae moved into the deeper open water areas within the backwater. After reaching the juvenile stage, these same larvae returned to the shallow water habitats where they inhabited vegetated areas. Emerald shiner larvae, while present in both backwater and main channel habitats, were most abundant in the main channel borders. This is probably a result of their parent's pelagic spawning strategy. In all habitats, emerald shiner larvae predominated in the upper 1 m of water. Upon becoming larger, the emerald shiner larvae appeared in the backwaters. This increase in numbers could be due to movement, differential mortality, or higher growth rates. Other cyprinids (excluding emerald shiners and carp) were equally abundant in both backwater and main channel areas. These other cyprinid larvae were also distributed equally, Gizzard shad larvae were found predominantly in the main channel borders. Presumably, these higher densities were the result of main channel spawning. The gizzard shad larvae present in the backwater areas were distributed evenly throughout the water column. Overall, the backwaters were important for the nest-building species found in the river and also for the larger larvae of the pelagic species, and thus acts as a nursery area for these species. Therefore, the backwaters do seem to be important for the fishery of the Kanawha River. / Master of Science

Conserving the earth's precious water supply is of increasing importance in light of the growing population and climate dynamics; therefore, this study focuses on identifying those exotic species that are best suited for the changing climate and environment of the Lower Kanawha Valley Region in West Virginia without compromising the water sustainable qualities once exhibited by the indigenous species. This task was accomplished by reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating the plant hydraulics and habitat matching characteristics associated with the identified native and exotic species. These species were limited to those produced or found in the local nurseries and garden centers in the designated region, thereby providing a practical and water sustainable plant list for the local homeowners and design professionals. The final list of species was translated into a master planting design of an arboretum displaying and demonstrating water conservation on the grounds of the Hurricane Valley Park. / Department of Landscape Architecture

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 198 p. : ill. (some col.), maps. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 161-167).

An extensive study of the biota of the Kanawha River was integrated to examine the trophic basis of fish production and predict potential impacts of increased tow traffic at two sites in the Winfield Pool. Total standing stock and production of adult fish were estimated as 242 kg/ha and 188 kg/ha/yr, respectively. Sixtyâ one species were categorized into six trophic groups. Trophic generalists (omnivores and herbivore/detritivores) consumed a variety of foods including considerable detritus. These groups accounted for 73 to 83% of total ichthyomass and 81% of total adult production. Total fish consumption at the more riverine upper site was partitioned into 35% l detritus, 28% invertebrates, 20% plant matter, 12% other fish, and 5% crayfish. At the lower, more lentic site the diet consisted of 34% detritus, 25% plant matter, 21% other fish, 17% invertebrates, and 3% crayfish. The overall basis of production relies upon imports of allochthonous materials. / Master of Science

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investigating ways to improve lockage efficiency at the Marmet Locks on the Kanawha River, West Virginia. These improvements are needed to meet projected future river traffic demands. A physical effects prediction model has been developed to evaluate the changes on the river due to changes in future traffic patterns and tow configurations. The model has been verified based on the field measured data which cover a wide range of traffic conditions. The model consists of selected equations which simulate ambient velocities; wind waves; diverging waves; squat and backwater generated by the tows; and propeller jet velocities and its associated entrainment velocities. Based on the calculated velocities, concentrations of suspended sediment induced by the disturbance are estimated, at the time of disturbance and after suspended sediments have been allowed to settle. Field data on tow induced velocity changes in a back channel and a tributary are also analyzed. The effects of passing recreational boats has also been measured in the main channel. / Master of Science

Distributions of larval fishes in the Winfield Pool, Kanawha River, West Virginia, were determined by sampling two sites with bongo and push nets. Cyprinids, clupeids, and <i>Aplodinotus grunniens</i> dominated collections. Main channel densities were a fraction of the densities along the shoreline, indicating the importance of the shoreline as a nursery. Diel trends in abundance were evident for several taxa, but were likely caused by diel changes in gear avoidance and distribution of larvae. Vertical trends in abundance were apparent for several taxa at the deeper and more lentic sampling site (lower pool). <i>Aplodinotus grunniens</i> were generally more abundant near the bottom, especially during daylight. Cyprinids were more abundant near the bottom in mid-June, but displayed no vertical trends on other sampling dates. Clupeids were more abundant at middepth or surface during daylight, while equally dispersed or near the bottom at night. Vertical trends were not evident at the shallower and more lotic site (upper pool) except for <i>Aplodinotus grunniens</i>, which displayed the same preference for the bottom, as at the lower site. / Master of Science