Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1981
Thesis Director
L. Stephen Whitley
Abstract
Species composition, distribution, abundance, and water quality relationships of aquatic oligochaetes occurring in the upper Cache River system, southern Illinois were investigated. Forty-two taxa of oligochaetes including 16 naidids, 22 tubificids and representatives of the families Aeolosomatidae, Branchiobdellidae, Enchytraeidae, and Lumbriculidae were collected. Four species of oligochaetes new to Illinois, Limnodrilus psammophilus Loden, L. rubripenis Loden, Psammoryctides (Spencerius) californianus Brinkhurst, and Haemonais waldvogeli Bretscher were collected during this study. Another species of Limnodrilus new to science is reported here, as yet undescribed. The thesis that aquatic oligochaetes can be used as true water quality indicator organisms is rejected. It is suggested that the relative abundance and species composition of the total invertebrate fauna be used in conjunction with monitored water quality parameters to identify trends in the physical, chemical, and biological communities.
Recommended Citation
Wetzel, Mark Julian, "The Distribution and Relative Abundance of Aquatic Oligochaeta in the Upper Cache River System, Southern Illinois, in Relation to Water Quality" (1981). Masters Theses. 3030.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/3030
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Zoology Commons
