Biodiversity And Water Quality In Streams

[Gloria]

Interesting that the overall diversity of the stream habitat creates niches for different species of algae, each of which is differently adapted to removing pollutants.

Biodiversity improves water quality in streams through a division of labor

Why are more diverse streams better pollutant filters? Niche partitioning, Cardinale said.
"And so one of the primary contributions of this study is that I was able to nail the mechanism and show exactly why streams that have more species are better at removing these nutrient pollutants from the water," he said

University of Michigan (2011, April 7). Biodiversity improves water quality in streams through a division of labor. ScienceDaily

Bradley J. Cardinale. Biodiversity improves water quality through niche partitioning. Nature, 2011; 472 (7341): 86 DOI: 10.1038/nature09904

[Gloria]

At the USGS link a video and text about negative effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems. Check it out.


USGS CoreCast: Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems

Development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas. As a watershed becomes covered with pavement, sidewalks, and other types of urban land cover, stream organisms are confronted with an increased volume of storm water runoff, increased exposure to fertilizers and pesticides, and dramatic changes in physical living spaces within the stream itself. In this episode, USGS scientist Jerry McMahon describes two take home messages for managers.

[Gloria]

Well that doesn't mean that we can not do anything. Making sure that a biodiverse buffer and erosion control are in place helps, right?



Stream Restoration Techniques | Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

YouTube - Stream Banks

YouTube - Stream Banks

YouTube - Stream Restoration Techniques

YouTube - Stream Restoration Techniques

[Gloria]

Benefits of Stream Restoration | Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

Streams and rivers that function well, with healthy aquatic ecosystems,
bring benefits to the entire County as well as to the neighborhoods adjacent to streams.
Well-functioning streams and rivers mean:

Better flood control.

Less trash in and around local waterbodies.

Higher property values adjacent to these beautiful amenities.

Higher quality stream valley trail systems for recreation such as walking, birding, and biking.

Wider, more lush buffer areas along streams.
Reintroduction of wildlife species.

Better protection of wetland areas.

Improved aesthetics for clean and well-functioning waterways
Stabilized stream banks.

Reduced local pollution, and reduced pollution flowing downstream into the Chesapeake Bay.

Improved habitat for fish, amphibians, insects, and other aquatic organisms that compose a balanced ecosystem food chain.

Cooler waters, which make it easier for fish to survive.

[Gloria]

Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook | NRCS

The document encourages locally led, public involvement in restoration planning and implementation. The challenges in restoring thousands of miles of degraded stream corridors must involve the participation of government agencies, public and private landowners, permit holders, and local volunteer, civic, and conservation groups and individuals. We encourage users of this document to supplement it with new literature, and regionally or locally specific information. We encourage restoration practitioners to share new information and case studies with others to advance the art and science of stream corridor restoration.

Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook | Case Studies | NRCS

Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook | Table of Contents | NRCS

Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook | Images | NRCS

[Gloria]

Old mills and the dams used for power many generations ago and mostly unknown to local planners, left behind much sediment that is easily dislodged by storms and runoff. A couple of scientists tackle the problem and discover a new piece of the puzzle that restorations must take into consideration in North eastern watersheds.
Watch the excellent video at the link to article at the NY Times.

The Science of Stream Restoration - NYTimes.com