The impact of cattle access on ecological water quality in streams: Examples from agricultural catchments within Ireland.

摘要: Unrestricted cattle access to rivers and streams represent a potentially significant localised pressure on freshwater systems. However there is no consensus in the literature occurrence extent of impact limited research has examined effects aquatic biota humid temperate environment present study. Furthermore, this one first times that consider potential for impacts varying water quality Northern Europe. We investigated macroinvertebrate communities deposited fine sediment levels, four high/good moderate status which drain, low gradient, calcareous grassland catchments Ireland. assessed temporal variability macroinvertebrates across two seasons, spring autumn. Site specific were evident appeared be influenced by season. All revealed downstream changes community structure at least univariate metrics (total richness EPT together with taxon, E abundance). Two showed structure, abundance functional feeding groups driven main increases collectors/gatherers, shredders burrowing taxa. These had high or prolonged livestock activity. In view these findings, some sites achieve status, as set out EU Water Framework Directive, may compromised. The results presented highlight need additional further define site factors management practices, under different discharge conditions, increase risk ecology due cattle-river interactions.