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Estimating Macroinvertebrate Biomass for Stream Ecosystem Assessments

Author

Listed:
  • Kenneth W. Cummins

    (Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Margaret Wilzbach

    (Department of Fisheries Biology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95524, USA)

  • Brigitte Kolouch

    (Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, University of Pittsburg, Linesville, PA 16424, USA)

  • Richard Merritt

    (Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

Abstract

We propose a field procedure for estimating the dry biomass of stream macroinvertebrates. Estimates are calculated using the mean values of the a and b regression coefficients from unpublished data and an extensive review of the relevant literature. The regression equation employed for calculating dry biomass is one that has been extensively used: Y = aX b , where Y = mg dry mass of an individual macroinvertebrate; X = mm total body length of an individual macroinvertebrate; a = intercept coefficient of the Y on X regression; and b = slope coefficient Y on X. The procedure was developed for use in the field, but dry mass estimates can also be made on preserved specimens. The case is made for presenting stream macroinvertebrate dry biomass data categorized by functional feeding groups (FFGs) and their component higher level taxa. The tables summarize the FFGs and their food resources, mean regression coefficients, dry biomass estimates for FFG-taxa by size and a comparison of their numerical-to-gravimetric surrogate FFG ratios to predict the stream environmental condition. A sizing template for rapidly sorting macroinvertebrates in the field is described. Thresholds for surrogate FFG ratios that directly predict measured stream ecosystem conditions are described.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth W. Cummins & Margaret Wilzbach & Brigitte Kolouch & Richard Merritt, 2022. "Estimating Macroinvertebrate Biomass for Stream Ecosystem Assessments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3240-:d:767720
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Laura Sforzi & Agostina Tabilio Di Camillo & Tiziana Di Lorenzo & Diana Maria Paola Galassi & Valentina Balestra & Leonardo Piccini & Serena Benedetta Cabigliera & Samuele Ciattini & Marco Laurati & D, 2024. "(Micro-)Plastics in Saturated and Unsaturated Groundwater Bodies: First Evidence of Presence in Groundwater Fauna and Habitats," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Kurt S. Keljo, 2022. "Effects of Hydrologic Pulsing and Vegetation on Invertebrate Communities in Wetlands," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-24, September.

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