Impacts of a Flood Pulse on Limnetic Macroinvertebrate Communities in Minnesota River Backwaters

Presenter Information

Jessica Nelson, Minnesota State University MankatoFollow

Location

CSU 238

Start Date

16-4-2013 3:25 PM

End Date

16-4-2013 4:45 PM

Student's Major

Biological Sciences

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Shannon Fisher

Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Second Mentor's Name

Adam Nickel

Second Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Second Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Backwater habitats change seasonally during connection events with the main channel. As a result, limnetic macroinvertebrate communities and water quality parameters may change seasonally during backwater flushing events. The objective of this study was to assess limnetic macroinvertebrate communities in three backwaters of the Minnesota River (Anderson, St. Peter, and Harris), each with differing connectivity. Sampling was conducted before (period 1), during (period 2), and after (periods 3 and 4) a flood pulse occurred in the summer of 2012. To evaluate backwater limnetic macroinvertebrate communities 10 quatrefoil light trap nights and 10 random sled net pulls (30-m each) were completed each period. Ten sled net drift samples (3 min each) were also conducted in the main channel adjacent to each backwater. Comparisons of limnetic macroinvertebrate communities between backwaters and the main channel will allow for inferences on the impacts of connectivity and water quality. A better understanding of Minnesota River backwater and main channel limnetic macroinvertebrates communities will be established, allowing for guidance on river management practices.