Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The influence of suburban land use on habitat and biotic integrity of coastal Rhode Island streams

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Watershed land use in suburban areas can affect stream biota through degradation of instream habitat, water quality, and riparian vegetation. By monitoring stream biotic communities in various geographic regions, we can better understand and conserve our watershed ecosystems. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between watershed land use and the integrity of benthic invertebrate communities in eight streams that were assessed over a 3-year period (2001–2003). Sites were selected from coastal Rhode Island watersheds along a residential land-use gradient (4–59%). Using the rapid bioassessment protocol, we collected biological, physicochemical, habitat, and nutrient data from wadeable stream reaches and compared metrics of structure and integrity. Principal component analyses showed significant negative correlation of indicators for stream physicochemical, habitat, and instream biodiversity with increasing residential land use (RLU) in the watershed. The physicochemical variables that were most responsive to percent RLU were conductivity, instream habitat, nitrate, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). The positive correlation of DIN with percent RLU indicated an anthropogenic source of pollution affecting the streams. The biotic composition of the streams shifted from sensitive to insensitive taxa as percent RLU increased; the most responsive biological variables were percent Ephemeroptera, percent Scrapers, percent Insects, and the Hilsenhoff biotic index. These data show the importance of land management and conservation at the watershed scale to sustaining the biotic integrity of coastal stream ecosystems.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Allan, J. D. (2004). Landscapes and riverscapes: The influence of land use on stream ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 35, 257–284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (2000a). Standard guide for selecting stream-net sampling devices for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates, D 4556-85 (Reapproved 1995). In Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 11.05 (pp. 78–86). Philadelphia, PA: American Society for Testing and Materials.

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (2000b). Standard practice for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates with Surber and related type samplers, D 4557-85 (Reapproved 1995). In Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 11.05 (pp. 87–88). Philadelphia, PA: American Society for Testing and Materials.

  • Anderson, J. R., Hardy, E. E., Roach, J. T., & Witmer, R. E. (1976). A land use and land cover classification system for use with remote sensor data. Geological Survey Professional Papers, Paper 964. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Interior, U.S. Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, C. L. Jr., & Gibbons, C. J. (1996). Impervious surface coverage—the emergence of a key environmental indicator. Journal of the American Planning Association, 62, 243–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbour, M. T., Gerritsen, J., Snyder, B. D., & Stribling, F. B. (1999). Rapid bioassessment protocols for use in streams and wadeable rivers: periphyton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish (2nd ed.) EPA 841-B-99-002. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benke, A. C., Willke, G. E., Parrish, F. K., & Stites, D. L. (1981). Effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems. ERC07-81. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Institute of Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campo, K. W., Flanagan, S. M., & Robinson, K. W. (2003). Water quality of selected rivers in the New England coastal basins in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, 1998–2000. Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4210. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey

  • Carroll, G. D., & Jackson, C. R. (2005). Discussion No. 02059D. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 41, 219–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chu, E. W., & Karr, J. R. (2001). Environmental impact, concept and measurement of. In S. A. Levin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of biodiversity, Vol. 2 (pp. 557–577). Orlando, FL: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coles, J. F., Cuffney, T. F., McMahon, G., & Beaulieu, K. M. (2004). The effects of urbanization on the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of coastal New England streams. Professional Paper 1695. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey.

  • da Silva, S. N. (2003). A multiple scale approach to assessing the biological integrity of Rhode Island streams. Master’s thesis, University of Rhode Island.

  • Deacon, J. R., Soule, S. A., & Smith, T. E. (2005). Effects of urbanization on stream quality at selected sites in the Seacoast region in New Hampshire, 2001–03. Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5103. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey

  • Diamond, D. H. (1997a). Determination of ammonia in brackish or seawater by flow injection analysis colorimetry. QuikChem Method 31-107-06-1-C for Lachat Instruments. Milwaukee, WI: Lachat Instruments.

  • Diamond, D. H. (1997b). Determination of nitrate in brackish or seawater by flow injection analysis. QuikChem Method 31-107-04-1-A for Lachat Instruments. Milwaukee, WI: Lachat Instruments.

  • Durborow, R. M., Crosby, D. M., & Brunson, M. W. (1997). Nitrite in fish ponds, Publication No. 462. Stoneville, MS: Southern Regional Aquaculture Center.

  • Freeman, P. L., & Schorr, M. S. (2004). Influence of watershed urbanization on fine sediment and macroinvertebrate assemblage characteristics in Tennessee Ridge and valley streams. Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 19, 353–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gregory, S. V., Swanson, F. J., McKee, W. A., & Cummins, K. W. (1991). An ecosystem perspective of riparian zone: Focus on links between land and water. BioScience, 41, 540–551.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hellawell, J. M. (1978). Macroinvertebrate methods. In Biological surveillance of rivers: A biological monitoring handbook (pp. 35–90). Dorchester: Dorset Press.

  • Hewlett, R. (2000). Implications of taxonomic resolution and sample habitat for stream classification at a broad geographic scale. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 19, 352–361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hilsenhoff, W. L. (1987). An improved biotic index of organic stream pollution. Great Lakes Entomologist, 20, 31–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huberty, A., & Diamond, D. (1998). Determination of phosphorus by flow injection analysis colorimetry. QuikChem Method 31-115-01-3-A for Lachat Instruments. Milwaukee, WI: Lachat Instruments.

  • Hudak, P. F., & Banks, K. E. (2006). Compositions of first flush and composite storm water runoff in small urban and rural watersheds, north-central Texas. Urban Water Journal, 3, 43–49.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. C., & Clark, C. C. (1987). Impact of watershed urbanization on stream insect communities. Water Resources Bulletin, 23, 1047–1055.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R. (1991). Biological integrity: A long-neglected aspect of water resource management. Ecological Applications, 1, 66–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R., & Chu, E. W. (1999). Restoring life in running waters. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R., & Schlosser, I. J. (1978). Water resources and the land–water interface. Science, 201, 229–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kerans, B. L., & Karr, J. R. (1992). Aquatic invertebrate assemblages: Spatial and temporal differences among sampling protocols. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 11, 377–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klemm, D. J., Blocksom, K. A., Thoeny, W. T., Fulk, F. A., Herlihy, A. T., Kaufmann, P. R., et al. (2002). Methods development and use of macroinvertebrates as indicators of ecological conditions for streams in the mid-Atlantic highlands region. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 78, 169–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lussier, S. M., Enser, R. W., da Silva, S. N., & Charpentier, M. (2006). Effects of habitat disturbance from residential development on breeding bird communities in riparian corridors. Journal of Environmental Management, 38, 504–521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McBride, M., & Booth, D. B. (2005). Urban impacts on physical stream condition: Effects of spatial scale, connectivity, and longitudinal trends. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 41, 565–580.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Megan, M. H., Nash, M. S., Neale, A. C., & Pitchford, A. M. (2006). Biological integrity in mid-Atlantic coastal plains headwater streams. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 124, 141–156. doi: 10.1007/s10661-006-9214-9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, J. L., Paul, M. J., & Taulbee, W. K. (2005). Stream ecosystem function in urbanizing landscapes. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 24, 602–612.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, A. A., & Palmer, M. A. (2005). Invertebrate biodiversity in agricultural and urban headwater streams: Implications for conservation and management. Ecological Applications, 15, 1169–1177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morley, S. A., & Karr, J. R. (2002). Assessing and restoring the health of urban streams in the Puget Sound Basin. Conservation Biology, 16, 1498–1509.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. F. (2005). Multivariate statistical methods (4th ed). Belmont, CA.: Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naiman, R. J. (Ed) (1992). Watershed management: balancing sustainability and environmental change. New York: Springer-Verlag.

  • Omernik, J. M. (1987). Ecoregions of the conterminous United States. Map (scale 1:7,500,00). Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 77, 118–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Omernik, J. M., Abernathy, A. R., & Male, L. M. (1981). Stream nutrient levels and proximity of agricultural and forest land to streams: Some relationships. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 36, 227–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osborne, L. L., & Wiley, M. J. (1988). Empirical relationships between land use/cover and stream water quality in an agricultural watershed. Journal of Environmental Management, 26, 9–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, M., & Norris, R. H. (1996). The effect of habitat-specific sampling on biological assessment of water quality using a predictive model. Freshwater Biology, 36, 419–434.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, B. J., Wollheim, W. M., Mulholland, P. J., Webster, J. R., Meyer, J. L., Tank, J. L., et al. (2001). Control of nitrogen export from watersheds by headwater streams. Science, 292, 86–90.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Plafkin, J. L., Barbour, M. T., Porter, K. D., Gross, S. K., & Hughes, R. M. (1989). Rapid bioassessment protocols for use in streams and rivers: Benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA/444/4-89-001.

  • Potter, K. M., Cubbage, F. W., & Schaberg, R. H. (2005). Multiple-scale landscape predictors of benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in North Carolina. Landscape and Urban Planning, 71, 77–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, J. M., Coler, R. A., & Godfrey, P. J. (1981). Ecological effects of urban storm-water runoff on benthic macroinvertebrates inhabiting the Green River, Massachusetts. Hydrobiologia, 83, 29–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Resh, V. H. (1979). Sampling variability and life history features: Basic considerations in the design of aquatic insect studies. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, 36, 290–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resh, V. H., & McElravy, E. P. (1993). Contemporary quantitative approaches to biomonitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates. In D. M. Rosenberg & V. H. Resh (Eds.), Freshwater biomonitoring and benthic macroinvertebrates (pp. 159–194). New York: Chapman and Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resh, V. H., Norris, R. H., & Barbour, M. T. (1995). Design and implementation of rapid assessment approaches for water resource monitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates. Australian Journal of Ecology, 20, 108–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) (2002). State of Rhode Island 2002 section 305(b) state of the state’s waters report. Providence, RI: Office of Water Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • RIGIS (Rhode Island Geographic Information System) (1986). RI division of planning, Dept. of administration, statewide planning program, 1 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI. Retrieved from http://www.planning.state.ri.us/gis/gishome.htm

  • Rosenfeld, J. S., & Hudson, J. J. (1997). Primary production, bacterial production, and invertebrate biomass in pools and riffles in southern Ontario streams. Archiv für Hydrobiologei, 139, 301–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roth, N. E., Allan, J. D., & Erickson, D. O. (1996). Landscape influences on stream biotic integrity assessed at multiple spatial scales. Landscape Ecology, 11, 141–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roy, A. H., Faust, C. L., Freeman, M. C., & Meyer, J. L. (2005). Reach-scale effects of riparian forest cover on urban stream ecosystems. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 62, 2312–2321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roy, A. H., Rosemond, A. D., Leigh, D. S., Paul, M. J., & Wallace, J. B. (2003). Habitat-specific responses of stream insects to land cover disturbance: Biological consequences and monitoring implications. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 22, 292–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder, S. (1997). Determination of nitrite in brackish or seawater by flow injection analysis. QuikChem Method 31-107-05-1-A for Lachat Instruments. Milwaukee, WI: Lachat Instruments.

  • Snyder, C. D., Young, J. A., Villella, R., & Lemarié, D. P. (2003). Influences of upland and riparian land use patterns on stream biotic integrity. Landscape Ecology, 18, 647–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steedman, R. J. (1988). Modification and assessment of an index of biotic integrity to quantify stream quality in southern Ontario, Canada. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 45, 492–501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney, B. W. (1992). Streamside forest and the physical, chemical, and trophic characteristics of Piedmont streams in eastern North America. Water Science and Technology, 26, 2653–2673.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Urban, M. C., Skelly, D. K., Burchsted, D., Price, W., & Sowry, S. (2006). Stream communities across a rural–urban landscape gradient. Diversity and Distributios, 12, 337–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vitousek, P. M., Aber, J. D., Howarth, R. W., Likens, G. E., Matson, P. A., Schindler, D. W., et al. (1997). Human alteration of the global nitrogen cycle: Sources and consequences. Ecological Applications, 7, 737–750.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, C. J., Roy, A. H., Feminella, J. W., Cottingham, P. D., Groffman, P. M., & Morgan II, R. P. (2005). The urban stream syndrome: Current knowledge and the search for a cure. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 24, 706–723.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L., & Kanehl, P. (2003). Influences of watershed urbanization and instream habitat on macroinvertebrates in cold water systems. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 39, 1181–1196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L., Lyons, J., Kanehl, P., & Gatti, R. (1997). Influences of watershed land use on habitat quality and biotic integrity in Wisconsin streams. Fisheries, 22, 6–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wetzel, R. G. (1975). The nitrogen cycle. In Limnology (pp. 186–214). Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Co.

  • Wheeler, A. P., Angermeier, P. L., & Rosenberger, A. E. (2005). Impacts of new highways and subsequent landscape urbanization on stream habitat and biota. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 13, 141–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wigand, C., Comeleo, R., McKinney, R., Thursby, G., Chintala, M., & Charpentier, M. (2001). Outline of a new approach to evaluate ecological integrity of salt marshes. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 7, 1541–1554.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zar, J. H. (1999). Biostatistical analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory (NHEERL), Atlantic Ecology Division (AED), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA

    Suzanne M. Lussier, Marnita Chintala & Saro Jayaraman

  2. Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC, Melville, NY, USA

    Sara N. da Silva

  3. Computer Sciences Corporation, U.S.E.P.A., NHEERL, AED, Narragansett, RI, USA

    Michael Charpentier

  4. University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA

    James F. Heltshe

  5. National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S.E.P.A., Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Susan M. Cormier

  6. National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S.E.P.A., Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Donald J. Klemm

Authors
  1. Suzanne M. Lussier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sara N. da Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael Charpentier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. James F. Heltshe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Susan M. Cormier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Donald J. Klemm
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Marnita Chintala
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Saro Jayaraman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Suzanne M. Lussier.

Additional information

Although this manuscript was reviewed in accordance with official procedures of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), its content does not necessarily reflect EPA policy. Mentioning commercial products or facilities does not necessarily mean that EPA or the U.S. federal government endorses them.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lussier, S.M., da Silva, S.N., Charpentier, M. et al. The influence of suburban land use on habitat and biotic integrity of coastal Rhode Island streams. Environ Monit Assess 139, 119–136 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-007-9820-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-007-9820-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation