Impact of a geological feature on stream benthic assemblage in the temperate forested region of Japan

Author: Yoshimura Mayumi  

Publisher: E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung

ISSN: 1863-9135

Source: Fundamental and Applied Limnology / Archiv für Hydrobiologie, Vol.186, Iss.3, 2015-05, pp. : 233-242

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Abstract

Benthic assemblage structures in streams and rivers are related to physico-chemical factors, water bed substrate properties and surrounding land use. Geological features are also correlated with substrate properties and water quality, so that benthic invertebrate assemblage structure is likely related to geological features. However, the relationship between a geological feature and benthic invertebrate assemblage has rarely been investigated. The purpose of this study is to describe the way in which benthic invertebrate assemblage properties vary by geological features. Forty-three sites were selected in and around the Kii Peninsula, Honshu, Japan. Number of individuals was explained by forest clusters and temperature related factors. Number of genera was explained by geological features and temperature related factors. The site score of the MDS ordination of benthic invertebrate genus composition for the first dimension was explained by type of geological feature and eight environmental factors. The site score for the second dimension was explained by type of geological feature and temperature related factors. The occurrence of some genera was specific to particular geological features. These findings might help in the further investigation and conservation of benthos assemblage, and would be useful for stream ecosystem management.