Bioassessment multiple stressor case studies using benthic macroinvertebrate were conducted concurrently with measurements of habitat metrics, metals and pyrethroid sediment concentrations to determine which stressors were most important in influencing the condition of benthic communities in four urban wadeable California streams. Results showed: (1) significant relationships with benthic metrics and both habitat metrics and metals but not pyrethroids in Pleasant Grove Creek; (2) habitat and metals have stronger statistical relationships with benthic metrics than pyrethroids in Kirker Creek; (3) more significant relationships with benthic metrics and habitat metrics than with metals or pyrethroids in Arcade Creek; and (4)  habitat and not metals or pyrethroids was the only stressor to show a significant relationship with benthic metrics in Salinas streams. Physical habitat metrics were the most important factors influencing benthic community condition in these four urban California streams. Metals were the second most important factors while pyrethroids were least important.

Summary of case studies designed to determine the influence of multiple stressors on benthic communities in urban California streams

248th National Meeting (2014)

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