7. Measurement of Stream Health Based on Invertebrate Populations in Balus Creek

Abstract

Stream health is often determined by the abundance and diversity of invertebrate organisms because they reflect the positive and negative changes in the ecosystem. While research has been conducted on the effect road pollution has on stream health, less research has done showing how railroad tracks may affect stream health. Our objective is to survey the invertebrate population in Balus Creek, on the University of North Georgia-Gainesville campus, specifically the areas surrounding the railroad bridge. We will obtain our samples from five individual sites: (1) 50m downstream from railroad bridge, (2) 10m downstream from railroad bridge, (3) directly under railroad bridge, (4) 10m upstream of railroad bridge, and (5) 50m upstream of railroad bridge. We will collect 10 samples from each site: five from the substrate and five from the submerged tree and privet roots along the banks. We predict there will be a measureable decline in the invertebrate population downstream of the bridge compared to upstream. The data collected during our research will give insight on the health of Balus Creek and possibly spur further ideas of how to improve the ecosystem influencing the creek.