Contribution to Book
Chapter 40 - Establishing Cause–Effect Relationships in Multistressor Environments
Methods in Stream Ecology (Third Edition) Volume 2: Ecosystem Function
(2017)
Abstract
In this chapter, we present a combination of methodologies for investigating multiple stressor effects of effluent discharge on river ecosystems. We focus on the integration of laboratory, field, and experimental manipulation studies that help identify cause-and-effect relationships and generate weight-of-evidence ecological risk assessments for rivers. The chapter (1) outlines a basic methodology for assessing the biological responses to an effluent discharge (i.e., a point source); (2) demonstrates how nutrient diffusing substrate bioassays can be used to evaluate the effect of effluents on nutrient limitation of algal biomass; (3) illustrates the usefulness of field-based toxicity bioassays to determine contaminant effects of effluents; and (4) introduces the use of stream mesocosms as an approach to establish causality between stressors and biological effects. Together, the different methods provide a process through which key stressors are identified, ecological effects are measured, and subsequent investigations into the cause of effects are conducted.
Publication Date
Spring June 9, 2017
Publisher
Academic Press
Citation Information
Joseph M Culp, Adam G Yates, David G Armanini and Donald J Baird. "Chapter 40 - Establishing Cause–Effect Relationships in Multistressor Environments" ThirdG. A. Lamberti & F. R. HauerMethods in Stream Ecology (Third Edition) Volume 2: Ecosystem Function Vol. 2 (2017) p. 335 - 357 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/adam-yates/9/