Effects of artificial light on the drift of macroinvertebrates in urban Central Texas streams

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dc.contributor.authorHenn, Monika J.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberZhang, Yixin
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBonner, Timothy H.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberGreen, M. Clay
dc.date.accessioned2013-06-03T19:57:17Z
dc.date.available2013-06-03T19:57:17Z
dc.date.issued2013-08
dc.description.abstractSince the majority of organisms operate on a circadian rhythm, light pollution in urban areas can possibly influence the aquatic community by affecting the drift of macroinvertebrates. The objective of this study is to examine if artificial night lights reduce drifting macroinvertebrates in the Edwards Plateau, by quantifying macroinvertebrate drift under ambient night light conditions and under extreme artificial lighting. This study was conducted in five streams (two large streams and three smaller streams) within urbanized areas of Central Texas. Drifting macroinvertebrates were sampled using drift nets under two treatments: ambient lighting (control) and extreme artificial lighting. Among all streams, both taxon diversity and richness of drifting insects was similar between treatments, but average abundance of drifting insects was 37% less in artificial lighting treatment than under the control treatment. Treatment effects were more evident in larger streams than smaller streams. Average abundance of drifting insects was 40% less in artificial lighting treatment with larger streams with notable decreases in Simuliidae (58% less than the control), Baetidae (51% less), and Coenagrionidae (50% less). Reduced drift by artificial light conditions found in this study suggests the potential of artificial lighting disrupting dynamics of macroinvertebrate drift. Results of this experiment support a growing body of knowledge on how urbanized systems will influence stream communities and provide evidence to support various management strategies to minimize the effects of artificial lights on aquatic communities.
dc.description.departmentBiology
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent39 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationHenn, M. J. (2013). <i>Effects of artificial light on the drift of macroinvertebrates in urban Central Texas streams</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/4615
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectMacroinvertebrate drift
dc.subjectArtificial light
dc.subjectAquatic ecology
dc.subjectBaetidae
dc.subjectChironomidae
dc.subject.lcshExterior lighting--Environmental aspectsen_US
dc.subject.lcshExterior lighting--Environmental aspectsen_US
dc.subject.lcshAquatic ecology--Texas--Edwards Plateauen_US
dc.subject.lcshAquatic ecology--Texas--Edwards Plateauen_US
dc.subject.lcshStream ecology--Texas--Edwards Plateauen_US
dc.subject.lcshStream ecology--Texas--Edwards Plateauen_US
dc.titleEffects of artificial light on the drift of macroinvertebrates in urban Central Texas streams
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.departmentBiology
thesis.degree.disciplineAquatic Resources
thesis.degree.grantorTexas State University--San Marcos
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science

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