Stream periphyton and benthic insect responses to additions of treated acid mine drainage in a continuous‐flow on‐site Mesocosm

摘要: An on-site continuous-flow trough mesocosm was used to examine changes in the composition and abundance of periphytic algae benthic invertebrates from additions a solution treated acid mine drainage (AMD). Five control five treatment troughs supported an assemblage periphyton that colonized water withdrawn Foxy Creek, stream receives limed AMD Equity Silver Mine, central British Columbia, Canada. A intake for located upstream discharge. The delivered apparatus through pipeline laid canal carried Creek. After three weeks colonization troughs, one part 10 parts Creek continued weeks. Analyses variance measurements biomass indexes contained high power values indicated addition did not significantly change algal insect abundance. Advantages disadvantages with regard relative sensitivity measured parameters use examining effects are discussed. conclusion quantitative experimentation using is powerful approach setting guidelines discharge mainly due its capability integrating ecosystem processes experiments where hypothesis testing possible.