HR: 11:00h
AN: NB32C-03    [Abstracts]
TI: Determination of Diatom Reference Communities and Restauration Goals for Streams in Quebec
AU: * Grenier, M
EM: martine_grenier@uqtr.ca
AF: University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, 3351 Boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivieres, QC G9A 5H7 Canada
AU: Campeau, S
AF: University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, 3351 Boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivieres, QC G9A 5H7 Canada
AB: The aim of the study was to determine biological reference conditions of 126 stream sites using diatom community structures. To address these questions, we created stream typology using eco-physiographical characteristics based on ecoregion, watershed physiographical characteristics (area, geology, etc.) and hydromorphological characteristics (width, substrate, etc.). Twenty-two groups were created: five in the Canadian Shield (CS), seven in the Appalachians (AP) and ten in the St. Lawrence Lowlands (SLL). This study allowed to identify restauration goals based on diatom communities for each of the eco-physiographical groups. These reference communities represent biological restauration goals adapted for each eco-physiographical type. The results showed that CS sites should have similar community structures in natural conditions, dominated by generalist and acidophilic oligotrophic taxa due to the dominance of granitic rocks in this ecoregion. AP and SLL sites should have similar community structures in natural conditions, dominated by generalist and alcalin oligotrophic taxa due to the dominance of sedimentary and metamorphic alcalin rocks in those ecoregions. One group of sites located in the North-eastern part of AP and two groups located at the foot of SLL should have generalist, alcalin and acidophilic oligotrophic taxa due to the presence of granitic rocks and wetlands in the watershed.
DE: 1845 Limnology
DE: 1848 Networks
DE: 1871 Surface water quality
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly