thumbnail

Biological assessment and streambed-sediment chemistry of streams in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, Indiana, 2003–2008

Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5096
Prepared in cooperation with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, Engineering Division
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125096

Links

Abstract

During 2003–2008, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled 13 sites in the Indianapolis metropolitan area in Indiana for benthic invertebrates, fish communities, and streambed-sediment chemistry. Data from seven White River sites and six tributary sites complement surface-water chemistry data collected by the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. The information is being used to assess changes in water quality in conjunction with the City's programs to reduce combined sewer overflows and other point and nonpoint sources of pollution in the Indianapolis area. During the study, 233 benthic-invertebrate taxa were identified from which the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) Index, the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI), and the Invertebrate Community Index (ICI) were calculated. EPT index scores ranged from 2 to 16 on the White River and from 2 to 17 on the tributaries. EPT index scores indicate that these pollution-intolerant taxa are more prevalent upstream from and away from the combined-sewer areas of Indianapolis. HBI scores from sites on the White River ranged from 4.67 (good) to 9.55 (very poor), whereas on the tributaries, scores ranged from 4.21 (very good) to 8.14 (poor). Lower HBI scores suggest that less organic pollution was present and, like the EPT scores, indicate better conditions where combined-sewer overflows (CSOs) are not present. Similarly, ICI scores indicated better conditions upstream from the CSO outfalls on the White River. White River scores ranged from 12 to 46, where higher ICI scores indicate better conditions in the benthic-invertebrate community. ICI scores at the tributary sites ranged from 12 to 52, with the highest scores on streams without CSOs.

Suggested Citation

Voelker, D.C., 2012, Biological assessment and streambed-sediment chemistry of streams in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, Indiana, 2003–2008: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5096, xiii, 53 p. ; col. ill.; Tables; Appendices; PDF Downloads of Appendices 1-3; ZIP Downloads of Appendices 1-3, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125096.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Biological assessment and streambed-sediment chemistry of streams in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, Indiana, 2003–2008
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2012-5096
DOI 10.3133/sir20125096
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Indiana Water Science Center
Description xiii, 53 p. ; col. ill.; Tables; Appendices; PDF Downloads of Appendices 1-3; ZIP Downloads of Appendices 1-3
First page i
Last page 53
Time Range Start 2003-01-01
Time Range End 2008-12-31
Country United States
State Indiana
City Indianapolis
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details