The effects of saline pumping water on freshwater invertebrate communities

Bird, LM, 1989. The effects of saline pumping water on freshwater invertebrate communities. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Saline effluents associated with coal mining affect many rivers in the English East Midlands. The effects of one such effluent, with a salinity close to that of sea water, were investigated by invertebrate sampling and chemical monitoring.

Mathematical analyses showed that elevated salinity reduced faunal diversity and altered species composition. Some species were indicative of increased salinity, including Lumbricillus rivalis, Paranais litoralis and Gammarus tigrinus.

A computer program was devised to predict species lists for saline affected sites from environmental data. The program was tested and used to predict changes in fauna which would result from an increase in salinity.

Life history studies in the field and laboratory were designed to explain the distribution of several species in relation to salinity. Gammarus tigrinus was more r selected than G. pulex. It was also able to reproduce in fresh water and would probably remain in the rivers of the Midlands if saline pollution was eliminated. Tubifex tubifex was unable to reproduce above a salinity of 56mM NaCl, Lumbricillus rivalis had optimal reproductive success at 56mM NaCl, and was found to replace Tubificidae at saline sites.

In physiological experiments the salinity tolerance of freshwater species such as Gammarus pulex was similar in NaCl solution and in sea water. The estuarine Gammarus tigrinus and Gammarus zaddachi were better able to tolerate salinity in seawater, when 10mM potassium was present.

Recommendations were made for less harmful disposal of saline effluents. The most economical method may be to release dilute effluents, provided the concentration in the receiving river remains below 14mM chloride.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Bird, L.M.
Date:	1989
ISBN:	9781369324266
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10290177 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	11 Nov 2020 15:04
Last Modified:	11 Oct 2023 09:51
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/41615

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