Aquatic macroinvertebrates in urban waterways: comparing ecosystem health in natural reference and urban streams

Ian A. Wright, Peter Davies, David Wilks, Sophia Findlay, Mark P. Taylor

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    A macroinvertebrate survey and water chemistry study of small coastal upland streams was conducted in the Ku-ring-gai Council area in the northern suburbs of Sydney. The purpose of this six year investigation was to provide information on the ecological condition of its waterways. The study revealed that all streams draining urbanised catchments exhibited clear signs of ecological impairment, in contrast to local reference sites. The macroinvertebrate survey reported lower SIGNAL scores and fewer pollution sensitive Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera in the urban streams when compared against naturally vegetated non-urban streams. Further, the urban waterways revealed different water chemistry than the reference sites that were soft, dilute and acidic.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 5th Australian Stream Management Conference
    Subtitle of host publicationAustralian rivers : making a difference
    EditorsA.L. Wilson, A. Curtis, R. L. Dehaan, R. J. Watts, K. J. Page, K. H. Bowmer
    Place of PublicationThurgoona, NSW
    PublisherCharles Sturt University
    Pages467-472
    Number of pages6
    ISBN (Print)9780646474793
    Publication statusPublished - 2007
    EventAustralian Stream Management Conference (5th : 2007) - Thurgoona, NSW
    Duration: 21 May 200725 May 2007

    Conference

    ConferenceAustralian Stream Management Conference (5th : 2007)
    CityThurgoona, NSW
    Period21/05/0725/05/07

    Keywords

    • EPT taxa
    • SIGNAL index
    • urban stream syndrome

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