MRBDC Minnesota River Assessment Project (MRAP): Biological and Toxicological Assessment - Diatom Assemblage Structure as an Indicator of Stream Habitat Condition in the Minnesota River Watershed

This Biological and Toxicological Assessment is performed on the following 16 minor watersheds: 33140, 28061, 28080, 31047, 28033, 28066, 30030, 30047, 30049, 30050, 30056, 31015, 31058, 32042, 32067, 30073.

The Biological and Toxicological Assessment component of the Minnesota River Assessment Project (MRAP) includes studies which assist in defining existing conditions in the Minnesota River and it's tributaries. This Diatom Assemblage study is completed as a part of the Biological and Toxicological Assessment component of the Minnesota River Assessment Project (MRAP). The use of diatom assemblage as an indicator of stream habitat conditions is examined in each of these 16 minor watersheds. The purpose of this study is to determine if diatom assemblages would respond to changes in the stream morphological features. Determination of physical habitat characteristics occurred using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) of the Ohio EPA (1987). A relative estimate of suspended sediment load is determined at each site and water chemistry data was obtained for some of the sites from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Utilizing both artificial and natural substrates, diatom assemblages assessments occurred to produce abundance estimates for each site from each substrate.

Biological Monitoring

DISCLAIMER

These data have been inventoried by the Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato.   Although every effort has been made to validate data, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the Water Resources Center as to the accuracy of the database; nor shall the fact of distribution constitute any such warranty.   The Water Resources Center continues to update and correct data as necessary.