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Benthos and plankton community data for selected rivers and harbors along the western Lake Michigan shoreline, 2014

Data Series 1000
Prepared in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Great Lakes National Program Office
By: , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1000

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Abstract

Benthos (benthic invertebrates) and plankton (zooplankton and phytoplankton) communities were sampled in 2014 at 10 Wisconsin rivers and harbors, including 4 sites in Great Lakes Areas of Concern and 6 less degraded comparison sites with similar physical and chemical characteristics, including climate, latitude, geology, and land use. Previous U.S. Geological Survey sampling was completed in 2012, but because of ongoing sediment remediation at three of the Areas of Concern (AOCs) and unusually hot and dry conditions in many areas during 2012, additional sampling was added in 2014. Comparable sampling methods were used in 2012 and 2014. Benthos were collected by using Hester-Dendy artificial substrate samplers and composite Ponar grab samples of bottom sediment; zooplankton were collected by using tows from depth to the surface with a 63-micrometer mesh plankton net; phytoplankton were collected by using whole water samples composited from set depth intervals. This report describes the study areas and field sampling methods for 2014, and it presents data on taxonomic identification and abundance of benthos and plankton that can serve as a basis for evaluation of related Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) at the AOCs. Physical and chemical data were sampled concurrently (specific conductance, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, total and volatile suspended solids in water samples; particle size and volatile-on-ignition of sediment in benthic grab samples). The results of field quality assurance-quality control are also presented.

Suggested Citation

Scudder Eikenberry, B.C., Burns, D.J., Templar, H.A., Bell, A.H., and Mapel, K.T., 2016, Benthos and plankton community data for selected rivers and harbors along the western Lake Michigan shoreline, 2014: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1000, 29 p. plus 8 appendixes, http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ds1000.

ISSN: 2327-638X (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Site Descriptions 
  • Data Collection
  • Summary
  • References Cited.
  • Appendixes 1–8
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Benthos and plankton community data for selected rivers and harbors along the western Lake Michigan shoreline, 2014
Series title Data Series
Series number 1000
DOI 10.3133/ds1000
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Wisconsin Water Science Center
Description Report: viii, 29 p.; 8 Appendixes; Metadata
Country United States
State Wisconsin
Other Geospatial Lake Michigan
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details