Comparing responses of freshwater fish and invertebrate community integrity along multiple environmental gradients

摘要: Abstract Multimetric indices of biotic integrity provide a quantitative measure biological quality and have been developed for several taxonomic groups. Community fish is typically represented by the multimetric Index Biotic Integrity (IBI), while macroinverterates Invertebrate (ICI) can be applied. Given considerable sampling efforts required biomonitoring, it important to know extent which based on particular groups respond differently (anthropogenic) stressors in environment. The three goals our study were (1) assess concordance freshwater macroinvertebrate communities, (2) derive stressor–response relationships IBI ICI pertaining multiple environmental factors (3) compare responses these state Ohio (USA). We used database containing abiotic as well information 545 local catchments located across Our 22 covered physiography, water chemistry, physical habitat toxic pressure. Concordance between invertebrate communities was assessed using Mantel test. Response patterns each analyzed constructing curves with Boosted Regression Trees (BRT). Fish community primarily related characteristics stream (channel- riffle quality) latitude, whereas mainly responded phosphorus concentration. showed that two similarly most chemistry variables, differed physiographical variables.