Research Areas > Wetlands > Wetland Ecology and Biogeochemistry > Stream Algal Dynamics
Project Group: Stream Algal Dynamics
SCCWRP Research
As primary producers, algae occupy the base of the food web in aquatic ecosystems. They are therefore a crucial component of healthy, functional streams. A multitude of anthropogenic and natural impacts on streams are mediated through algal communities; therefore, algae can also serve as a tool to assess the biotic integrity of streams. In order to use algae as a bioassessment tool, a better understanding is needed of the factors that control algal growth, distribution, and community composition. These factors include nutrient availability, water temperature, exposure to light, current speed, water chemistry, presence of grazers, substrate type, and channel morphology.
SCCWRP research seeks to develop the tools necessary to determine when a stream algal community transitions from an important component of a healthy ecosystem to become a threat to aquatic life and other beneficial uses. Development of tools such as algal indices can diagnose nutrient impairment in streams, as well as other classes of anthropogenic disturbance. SCCWRP scientists are currently collaborating on the development of an index of biotic integrity for diatom and soft-bodied algae species for southern California (Algal Index of Biotic Integrity). This requires correlation of algal community composition, physical habitat characteristics, and water chemistry parameters across a range of different stream reaches. Scientists are also drafting of a set of recommendations for implementation of stream algae bioassessment into local, regional, and state monitoring programs.
Stream algal dynamics research projects include:
This page was last updated on: 3/24/2011