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Evaluating the use of algal pigments to assess the biological condition of streams

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Abstract

Assessments of stream condition using benthic algal communities have traditionally relied on taxonomy-based approaches to compare community structure at sites exposed to a stressor versus reference sites. Taxonomy-based methods are often effective, but they require high levels of training and are relatively time consuming and expensive. We examined the utility of assessing stream biological condition using algal pigments. We used gradient and control–impact study designs in 2008 and 2009 to compare the extent that algal pigments versus taxonomic descriptors of algal community structure varied along a 10.5-km stretch of the Flat River (South Nahanni River watershed, NWT, Canada) encompassing a gradient of nutrients and metals at sites upstream, adjacent to and downstream of a northern metals mine. We also calculated costs to quantify algal pigments relative to taxonomy-based methods. Multivariate analyses (ANOSIM tests, redundancy analysis) identified that pigment concentrations from benthic algal samples differed significantly (p < 0.05) between non-exposed and exposed river sites and were related to variations in water physico-chemical conditions. By contrast, community composition determined from taxonomy-based enumeration to the Order and Family levels did not differ significantly between non-exposed and exposed sites, and relations with water physico-chemical conditions were weaker and inconsistent between the study years. In-house costs to quantify algal pigments were lower than commercial rates to describe community structure using taxonomy. Thus, our data suggests that analysis of benthic algal pigments represents a viable and cost-effective bio-monitoring method for assessing anthropogenic effects on stream condition that merits further evaluation.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded by Parks Canada Agency, NSERC Strategic Partnership Projects Grant (to R.I. Hall), Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Environment Canada, North American Tungsten, Canadian Zinc Corporation, Northern Scientific Training Program (student travel funding) and the University of Waterloo (graduate student assistance). We thank Dana Haggarty for assistance during fieldwork and logistical support. Shape files for map, copyright: Department of Natural Resources Canada and Parks Canada Agency, all rights reserved.

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

    Kathryn E. Thomas & Roland I. Hall

  2. Western and Northern Service, Parks Canada Agency, 1550, 635-8th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 3M3, Canada

    Garry J. Scrimgeour

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  1. Kathryn E. Thomas
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Correspondence to Kathryn E. Thomas.

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Thomas, K.E., Hall, R.I. & Scrimgeour, G.J. Evaluating the use of algal pigments to assess the biological condition of streams. Environ Monit Assess 185, 7895–7913 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3143-1

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