Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Within the Phosphate Mining Area of Eastern Idaho

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Within the Phosphate Mining Area of Eastern Idaho

This book assembles the findings of a multi-year study on the aquatic environment and its inhabitants of the Blackfoot River drainage in eastern Idaho. The area is of interest due to extensive present and planned phosphate mining in the region. The author is particularly interested in the potential impact of mining on the river and its tributaries. The book details the composition and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates collected during the summers and falls of 1973, 1974, and 1976. Benthic macroinvertebrates are organisms that live on the bottom of aquatic environments such as rivers and lakes. The author collected samples at 18 sites using standardized methods to enable comparison between sites and over time. The author found that the benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the Blackfoot River drainage were generally healthy and diverse. The types and numbers of organisms found were comparable or superior to other unpolluted streams in southeastern Idaho. The author also noted some areas of concern, such as Diamond Creek and the lower reaches of Angus Creek, where the number and diversity of organisms were lower. The author suggests that these areas may be experiencing stress from pollution or other factors. The author concludes that the data presented in this book can be used to assess the potential impact of phosphate mining on the aquatic environment of the Blackfoot River drainage. The book provides valuable baseline data and insights that can help land managers and policymakers make informed decisions about the future of this important ecosystem.