THE USE OF RAPID BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS IN THE
ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION EFFECTS ON CATFISH CREEK

Kelly E. Yamada
Environmental Sciences Program
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa  52001


     The applicability of rapid biological assessment
protocols as utilized by the Environmental Protection
Agency, was tested on Catfish Creek, in and around
Dubuque and Dubuque County.  This stream passes through
a number of different natural and man-made settings
prior to joining the Mississippi River.  This study
also served as an evaluation of the River Continuum
Concept, as it applies to this waterbody.

Benthic Invertebrates and abiotic water quality
parameters were collected from approximately 19 sample
sites.  Invertebrates were classified as to feeding
type and their presence and numbers utilized in the
evaluation of the River Continuum Concept, and any
modifications the area may have undergone as the result
of human activities.  Other indices were calculated as
well (EPT and number of Chironomidae).  It was
determined that the River Continuum Concept was a valid
theoretical construct to use in evaluating this stream,
and that, with the exception of a few sites, the water
quality of the stream was considered fair to good.
Keywords:  Benthic Invertebrates, Rapid Biological
Assessment, River Continuum Concept, pollution Catfish
Creek.

Kelly Yamada
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
(319)-589-3598
Fax (319) 556-8633
email kyamadaiv.dbq.edu
Poster
Student Author