Analyzing indicators of stream health for Minnesota streams

Udai Singh, Matthew Kocian, Bruce N Wilson, Angela Bolton, John L Nieber, Bruce Vondracek, Jim A Perry, Joe A Magner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Recent research has emphasized the importance of using physical, chemical, and biological indicators of stream health for diagnosing impaired watersheds and their receiving water bodies. A multidisciplinary team at the University of Minnesota is carrying out research to develop a stream classification system for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) assessment. Funding for this research is provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. One objective of the research study involves investigating the relationships between indicators of stream health and localized stream characteristics. Measured data from Minnesota streams collected by various government and non-government agencies and research institutions have been obtained for the research study. Innovative Geographic Information Systems tools developed by the Environmental Science Research Institute and the University of Texas are being utilized to combine and organize the data. Simple linear relationships between index of biological integrity (IBI) and channel slope, two-year stream flow, and drainage area are presented for the Redwood River and the Snake River Basins. Results suggest that more rigorous techniques are needed to successfully capture trends in IBI scores. Additional analyses will be done using multiple regression, principal component analysis, and clustering techniques. Uncovering key independent variables and understanding how they fit together to influence stream health are critical in the development of a stream classification for TMDL assessment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWatershed Management to Meet Water Quality Standards and Emerging TMDL - Proceedings of the 3rd Conference
Pages570-576
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 2005
Event3rd Conference on Watershed Management to Meet Water Quality Standards and Emerging TMDL - Atlanta, GA, United States
Duration: Mar 5 2005Mar 9 2005

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 3rd Conference on Watershed Management to Meet Water Quality Standards and Emerging TMDL

Other

Other3rd Conference on Watershed Management to Meet Water Quality Standards and Emerging TMDL
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta, GA
Period3/5/053/9/05

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