Benthic Macro-Invertebrate Survey in Little Beaver Creek, Kaw Lake Watershed

Abstract

The Kaw Nation Environmental Department, as part of the water quality monitoring parameters in its non-point source pollution project conducted a benthic macro-inventebrat sampling and taxonomic classification as a stream bioassessment of Little Beaver and Bear Creeks. Little Beaver Creek is located in the tall grass prairie of Kay County, Oklahoma. It is one of the tributary creeks that enter Kaw Lake in the HUC 110060001. The macro-invertebrate samples were collected from three sites within Little Beaver Creek. The samples were collected in a net using a kick disturbance method referenced in U.S. EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol. A total of 10 orders and 46 taxa were identified. Taxa richness, EPT taxa richness, EPT abundance, Hilsenhoff Biotic Index and Shannon Weaver Diversity Index were calculated. It is the objective of this study to identify the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the water quality of the creeks and determine streams health as per the Clean Water Act stipulations. Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Rapid Bioassessment protocol, the macro-invertebrate communities could be used as a tool to identify water quality and impaired streams as a result of non-point source pollution.