Bioassessment of the Rio Grande Upstream and Downstream of Los Alamos National Laboratory,New Mexico, USA

Philip R. Fresquez, Gerald Z. Jacobi

Environmental Stewardship Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos USA.
Jacobi and Associates, Santa Fe, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2012.311176                

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) were collected from the Rio Grande upstream and downstream of Los Alamos Canyon (LAC), a major drainage that crosses Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) lands in northern New Mexico, USA. LAC contains legacy waste, including radionuclides and polychlorinated biphenyls, and occasionally discharges storm water and snowmelt flows to the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is the major waterway that flows southward across the state. In 2009, rock baskets were placed in waters 61- to 76-cm-deep within each reach (five per reach), and, after approximately 6 weeks of colonization, the rock baskets were retrieved. All samples were sorted completely and organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Both reaches in 2009 were dominated by the collector filtering net-spinning caddisfly, Hydropsyche occidentalis. In 2011, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected using D kick nets from shallow riffle locations (15- to 31-cm depth) from each reach (six per reach). These samples were collected after post- (Las Conchas) fire flooding events moved sediment and ash through the two study areas—the downstream reach, however, was affected by higher flows and greater number of flooding events than those affecting the upstream reach. Each kick net sample consisted of ten 1-m (kick) samples. The 10 subsamples were composited and organisms were picked from randomly selected cells in a sorting pan until 500 organisms had been identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Both reaches in 2011 were dominated by the collector-gathering mayfly, Baetis tricaudatus. A bioassessment of the downstream reach compared with the upstream (reference) reach was conducted by scoring 10 metrics related to the structure and function of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. While 2009 ranked at the highest level (nonimpaired), 2011 ranked a level lower (slightly impaired). The slightly lower bioassessment score of the downstream reach in 2011 may be a result of flooding impacts following the Las Conchas fire rather than of LANL operations. Overall, based on the similarity of benthic macroinvertebrate metrics between reaches and the composition of benthic macroinvertebrates favoring pollution intolerant taxa, LANL influences, if any, via the LAC system to the Rio Grande are not significantly impacting water quality of the Rio Grande.

Keywords

Benthic Macroinvertebrates; Water Quality, Radionuclides; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Mercury; Rio Grande; Monitoring

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	W. L. Hilsenhoff, “An Improved Biotic Index of Organic Stream Pollution,” Great Lakes Entomology, Vol. 20, 1987, pp. 31-39.
[2]	M. T. Barbour, J. Gerritsen, B. D. Snyder and J. B. Striblingm, “Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates, and Fish,” 2nd Edition, US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington DC, 1999.
[3]	L. S. Fore, J. R. Karr and R. W. Wisseman, “Assessing Invertebrate Responses to Human Activities: Evaluating Alternative Approaches,” Journal of the North American Benthological Society, Vol. 15, No. 2, 1996, pp. 212-231. doi:10.2307/1467949
[4]	Environmental Protection Agency, “Biological Criteria: National Program Guidance for Surface Waters,” US En vironmental Protection Agency, Report EPA-440/5-90 004, 1990.
[5]	Environmental Protection Agency, “Lake and Reservoir Bioassessment and Biocriteria,” US Environmental Protection Agency Technical Guidance Document, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watershed, EAP 841-B-98-007, 1998.
[6]	J. L. Wilhm, “Comparison of Some Diversity Indices Applied to Populations of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in a Stream Receiving Organic Wastes,” Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation, Vol. 39, No. 1, 1967, pp. 1673-1683.
[7]	J. L. Wilhm and T. C. Dorris, “Biological Parameters for Water Quality Criteria,” BioScience, Vol. 18, No. 6, 1968, pp. 477-481. doi:10.2307/1294272
[8]	R. W. Winner, B. W. Boesel and M. P. Farrell, “Insect Community Structure as an Index of Heavy-Metal Pollution in Lotic Ecosystems,” Canadian Journal of Aquatic Science, Vol. 37, No. 4, 1980, pp. 647-655. doi:10.1139/f80-081
[9]	J. R. Deacon, N. E. Spahr, S. V. Mize and R. W. Boulger, “Using Water, Bryophytes and Macroinvertebrates to Assess Trace Element Concentrations in the Upper Colorado River Basin,” Hydrobiologia, Vol. 455, No. 1-3, 2001, pp. 29-39. doi:10.1023/A:1011931216906
[10]	P. R. Cosser, “Macroinvertebrate Community Structure and Chemistry of an Organically Polluted Creek in South-East Queensland,” Australian Journal Marine and Freshwater Research, Vol. 39, No. 5, 1988, pp. 671-683. doi:10.1071/MF9880671
[11]	J. G. Rae, “Chironomid Midges as Indicators of Organic Pollution in the Scioto River Basin, Ohio,” Ohio Journal Science, Vol. 89, No. 1, 1989, pp. 5-9.
[12]	W. D. Purtymun, “Storm Runoff and Transport of Radionuclides in DP Canyon, Los Alamos County, New Mexico,” Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Report LA-5744, 1974.
[13]	T. E. Hakonson, G. C. White, E. S. Gladney and M. Dreicer, “The Distribution of Mercury, Cesium-137, and Plutonium in an Intermittent Stream at Los Alamos,” Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1980, pp. 289-292. doi:10.2134/jeq1980.00472425000900020026x
[14]	B. M. Gallaher and D. E. Efurd. “Plutonium and Uranium from Los Alamos National Laboratory in Sediments of the Northern Rio Grande Valley,” Los Alamos National Laboratory Report LA-13974, 2002.
[15]	S. L. Reneau and R. J. Koch, “Watershed Monitoring,” In: Environmental Surveillance at Los Alamos during 2007, Los Alamos National Laboratory report LA-14369-ENV, 2008, pp. 201-248.
[16]	P. R. Fresquez, C. Hathcock and D. Keller, “Foodstuffs and Biota Monitoring,” In: Environmental Surveillance at Los Alamos during 2007, Los Alamos National Laboratory Report LA-14369-ENV, 2008, pp. 267-290.
[17]	W. V. Abeele, M. L. Wheeler and B. W. Burton, “Geohydrology of Bandelier Tuff,” Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Report, LA-8962-MS, 1981.
[18]	P. R. Fresquez, “The Characterization of Biotic and Abiotic Media Upgradient and Downgradient of the Los Alamos Canyon Weir: Revision 1,” Los Alamos National Laboratory Report LA-14308, 2006.
[19]	S. R. Ellis, G. W. Levings, L. F. Carter, S. F. Richey and M. J. Radell, “Rio Grande Valley, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas,” Water Resource Bulletin, American Water Resources Association, Vol. 29, No. 4, 1993, pp. 617-646. doi:10.1111/j.1752-1688.1993.tb03230.x
[20]	P. R. Fresquez, D. H. Kraig, M. A. Mullen and L. Naranjo Jr., “Radionuclides and Trace Elements in Fish Collected Upstream and Downstream of Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Doses to Humans from the Consumption of Muscle and Bone,” Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Vol. B34, No. 5, 1999, pp. 885-899.
[21]	G. J. Gonzales and P. R. Fresquez, “Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Catfish and Carp Collected from the Rio Grande Upstream and Downstream of Los Alamos National Laboratory: Revision 1,” Los Alamos National Laboratory Report, LA-14362, 2008.
[22]	P. R. Fresquez, C. Hathcock, and D. Keller, “Foodstuffs and Biota Monitoring,” In: Environmental Surveillance at Los Alamos during 2008, Los Alamos National Laboratory Report LA-14407-ENV, 2009, pp. 267-296.
[23]	J. B. Anderson and W. T. Mason Jr., “A Comparison of Benthic Macroinvertebrates Collected by Dredge and Basket Sampler,” Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation, Vol. 40, No. 1, 1968, pp. 252-259.
[24]	J. Cairns Jr., “Artificial Substrates,” Ann Arbor Science Publications, Ann Arbor, 1982.
[25]	G. Z. Jacobi, “A Quantitative Artificial Substrate Sampler for Benthic Macroinvertebrates,” Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Vol. 100, No. 1, 1971, pp. 136-138. doi:10.1577/1548-8659(1971)100<136:AQASSF>2.0.CO;2
[26]	J. R. Karr and D. R. Dudley, “Ecological Perspectives on Water Quality Goals,” Environmental Management, Vol. 5, No. 1, 1981, pp. 55-68. doi:10.1007/BF01866609
[27]	D. J. Klemm, P. A. Lewis, F. Fulk and J. M. Lazorchak, “Macroinvertebrate Field and Laboratory Methods for Evaluating the Biological Integrity of Surface Waters,” EPA/600/4-90-030, US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington DC, 1990.
[28]	R. J. Casey and S. A. Kendall, “Comparisons among Colonization of Artificial Substratum Types and Natural Substratum by Benthic Macroinvertebrates,” Hydrobiolo gia, Vol. 341, No. 1, 1996, pp. 57-64. doi:10.1007/BF00012303
[29]	New Mexico Environment Department, “Water Quality Survey Summary for the Upper Rio Grande Watershed, Part I, 2000,” New Mexico Environment Department report NMED/SWQB, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2004.
[30]	New Mexico Environmental Department, “Water Quality Survey Summary for the Upper Rio Grande Watershed, Part II, 2001,” New Mexico Environment Department report NMED/SWQB, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2004.
[31]	New Mexico Environment Department, Correspondence from S. Yanicak, New Mexico Environment Department, to A. Duran, US Department of Energy, Entitled, “Submittal 2011 and 2012 post Las Conchas Fire Sampling Results for Stormwater, Farm Soils, Post-Flood Muck and Precipitation,” New Mexico Environment Department, 2012.
[32]	G. Z. Jacobi, L. R. Smolka and M. D. Jacobi, “Use of Biological Assessment Criteria in the Evaluation of a High Mountain Stream, the Rio Hondo, New Mexico, USA,” Verhandlung Internationale Vereinigung Limnologie, Vol. 26, 1998, pp. 1227-1234.
[33]	D. L. Klemm, P. A. Lewis, F. Funk and J. M. Lazorchak, “Macroinvertebrate Field and Laboratory Methods for Evaluating the Biological Integrity of Surface Waters,” Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, EPA 600-4-90-030, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, 1990.
[34]	M. D. Molles, “Recovery of a Stream Invertebrate Community from a Flash Flood in Tesuque Creek, New Mexico,” Southwestern Naturalist, Vol. 30, No. 2, 1985, pp. 279-287. doi:10.2307/3670741
[35]	J. N. Rinne, “Short-Term Effects of Wildfire on Fishes and Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in the Southwest United States,” North American Journal of Fisheries Management, Vol. 16, No. 3, 1996, pp. 653-658. doi:10.1577/1548-8675(1996)016<0653:MBSTEO>2.3.CO;2
[36]	G. W. Minshall, C. T. Robinson and D. E. Lawrence, “Postfire Responses of Lotic Ecosystems in Yellowstone National Park, USA,” Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Vol. 54, 1997, pp. 2509-2525. doi:10.1139/cjfas-54-11-2509
[37]	N. K. M. Vieira, W. H. Clements, L. S. Guevara and B. F. Jacobs, “Resistance and Resilience of Stream Insect Communities to Repeated Hydrologic Disturbances after a Wildfire,” Freshwater Biology, Vol. 49, No. 10, 2004, pp. 1243-1259. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2004.01261.x
[38]	N. K. M. Vieira, T. R. Barnes, and K. A. Mitchell. “Effects of Wildfire and Postfire Floods on Stonefly Detritivores of the Pajarito Plateau, New Mexico,” Western North American Naturalist, Vol. 71, No. 2, 2011, pp. 257-270. doi:10.3398/064.071.0213
[39]	R. W. Merritt and K. W. Cummins, “An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America,” Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, 1978.