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Patterns in Stream Fish Assemblage Structure and Function Associated With a PCB Gradient

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Abstract

Stream fish assemblage structure and function were examined for significant response along a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) gradient from two PCB-contaminated streams (Clear Creek and Richland Creek watershed) at three locations and a control stream (Little Indian Creek), Indiana, USA. Fish were sampled in the summer months of 1995 and from 1999 to 2002. 51 fish assemblage attributes—including structure (i.e., fish composition) and function (i.e., trophic, reproductive, condition guilds), biomass, and index of biotic integrity (IBI) metric scores—were evaluated for significance according to an increasing PCB gradient. Eight biomass attributes of fish assemblages decreased with increasing PCB concentration: number of species biomass, number of sunfish biomass, percent sunfish biomass, number of sucker biomass, percent sucker biomass, biomass of sensitive species, percent sensitive species biomass, and percent carnivore biomass. Three biomass attributes increased with PCB concentration: percent minnow biomass, percent pioneer species biomass, and percent tolerant species biomass. Seven species composition and relative abundance characters decreased with increasing PCB concentration: number of species; number of darter, madtom, and sculpin; number of darter; number of sunfish; number of sucker; number of sensitive species; and percent individuals as carnivores. Percent individuals as pioneer species increased with increasing PCB concentration. Two IBI metrics, percent individuals as headwater species and number of minnow species, increased as PCB concentrations increased, whereas number of sucker species and percent individuals as pioneer species decreased with increasing PCB concentration class. We observed a direct response between decreased relative abundance and biomass of carnivores and increased relative abundance minnows as the PCB gradient increased. Total IBI score did not detect subtle changes to the fish community that were observed along a PCB gradient, whereas diagnostic analysis of the individual metrics did.

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Acknowledgments

This document is intended for the exchange of objective information. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Statements or points of view made in this technical manuscript do not necessarily represent the position of the USFWS. We thank J. Exl, M. Tosick, and M. Litwin for assistance with field collections. This work was funded by the USFWS Environmental Contaminants program. Statements or points of view do not necessarily represent the position of the USFWS or the National Park Service.

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  1. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 620 South Walker Street, Bloomington, IN, 47403, USA

    Thomas P. Simon & Daniel W. Sparks

  2. Biology Department, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA

    Charles C. Morris

  3. School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 E. Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Thomas P. Simon

  4. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter, IN, 46304, USA

    Charles C. Morris

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  1. Thomas P. Simon
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Simon, T.P., Morris, C.C. & Sparks, D.W. Patterns in Stream Fish Assemblage Structure and Function Associated With a PCB Gradient. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 65, 286–299 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-013-9889-1

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