Bringing Back the Bugs

Freshwater ecosystems are characterized by their exceptional biodiversity, yet these ecosystems are among the most vulnerable environments on Earth. Riverine biota, notably benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI), are highly sensitive to water quality and are in many cases more useful as direct biological indicators of environmental condition than physicochemical water quality measurements. Consequently these organisms are commonly utilized in water quality monitoring programs. Notably, BMIs serve vital roles in establishing and maintaining aquatic ecosystem trophic structure and function. Understanding underlying biotic and abiotic factors that impact urban riverine BMI assemblages over time can reveal key information about ecosystem condition. Prioritization of creek drainage efficiency over native ecosystem integrity often results in channelized waterways with artificially reinforced banks and flattened beds that result in degraded habitat quality. Widespread degradation of freshwater ecosystems globally demonstrates that these habitats are often undervalued and that more information regarding the condition of these threatened environments is needed to support restoration and maintenance efforts. Prior to implementing major mitigation efforts we must first determine the location and degree of urban impact on the environment. Our project is focused on the assessment of environmental condition through sampling and analysis of BMI in local riverine habitats that have been impacted by urban activity.