Stream profile determinations using microbial activity assays and Ceriodaphnia

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Abstract
Microbial enzyme activity, Ceriodaphnia survival and reproduction, and metal concentrations were used as indicators of water and sediment quality along Whitewood Creek, South Dakota. Whitewood Creek receives point and nonpoint sources of metals from the Homestake Mine and City of Deadwood. Several significant correlations were observed between various microbial enzyme activity profiles. Stream concentrations of copper were significantly correlated with glucosidase or galactosidase activity. High correlations were also observed between galactosidase activity and both total cyanide and total dissolved solids. Ceriodaphnia stream profile responses were significantly correlated with chromium and nickel concentrations, but not with microbial activity test parameters. Biological test responses appeared to be associated with metal inputs, supporting the use of the bioindicator test approach in stream profile assessments of macrofauna and nutrient cycles.