EFFECT OF ZINC-COATED CULVERTS ON VERTEBRATE AND INVERTEBRATE FAUNA IN SELECTED MAINE STREAMS
The effect of zinc loss from galvanized culverts on vertebrate and invertebrate fauna was investigated. Methods of analysis included the Mann-Whitney test for zinc analysis, electrofishing, invertebrate collection with a Hess sampler, and use of Simpson's diversity index. Results indicate that corrosion of galvanized culverts significantly increases zinc concentrations in stream water, particularly in newer culverts, although culverts five to six years old also demonstrate significant zinc losses. Highest zinc concentrations were found during conditions of highest temperature (20C) and low flow. No adverse effects of increased zinc concentrations were documented for either fish distribution or invertebrate diversity or abundance, with the possible exception of Spongilla. However, levels of zinc are, at times, above the avoidance threshold (0.05 ppm) of Atlantic salmon, a particular concern in Maine.
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Corporate Authors:
University of Maine, Orono
Department of Zoology
Orono, ME United States 04473Department of the Interior
Office of Water Research and Technology
Washington, DC United States 20242 -
Authors:
- Gregory, R W
- Trial, J
- Publication Date: 1975-9
Media Info
- Pagination: 25 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Animals; Aquatic life; Chemical concentration; Coatings; Corrosion; Culverts; Data tables; Dissolved gases; Environmental impacts; Field tests; Flow; Food chain; Invertebrates; Marine biology; Oxygen; Salmon; Streams; Temperature; Toxicity; Vertebrates; Water pollution; Zinc
- Uncontrolled Terms: Concentration; Fauna; Trout
- Geographic Terms: Maine
- Old TRIS Terms: Stream pollution
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00151311
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
- Report/Paper Numbers: OWRT-A-033-ME(1)
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Apr 13 2002 12:00AM