Stream Ecology and Self-Purification: An Introduction for Wastewater

From the Preface This text is designed to provide a fundamental knowledge of the phenomenon known as self-purification in streams. Sufficient background information and references on stream ecology and self-purification are presented to provide readers with an understanding of the various concepts under discussion. Moreover, along with the stream self-purification process and biological indication of stream health, water quality and source sampling are discussed in depth. Wastewater and water treatment personnel, students, specialists, water resource managers, ecologists, regulators, and water pollution control personnel concerned with activities and preventive measures to prevent stream pollution will find this consolidated information important. Other professional wastewater- and water-related staff from governmental agencies, municipal water supply and wastewater systems, public health departments, and environmental health agencies will also find the information valuable. This text, however, is also intended for readers and groups interested in and concerned with stream pollution and stream contamination control. This text can be used as a basic or supplemental text in undergraduate and technical school courses in aquatic ecology or stream quality enhancement and protection. It can also be consulted as an environmental reference text by school, municipal, and water resource professionals.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements 1. INTRODUCTION Definition of Key Terms Levels of Organization Ecosystem Summary of Key Terms 2. BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle Phosphorus Cycle Sulfur Cycle Summary of Key Terms 3. ENERGY FLOW IN THE ECOSYSTEM Food Chain Efficiency Ecological Pyramids Productivity Summary of Key Terms 4. POPULATION ECOLOGY Distribution Population Growth Population Response to Stress Summary of Key Terms 5. WATER Water Water, or Hydrologic, Cycle Summary of Key Terms 6. FRESHWATER ECOLOGY Normal Stream Life Freshwater Ecology Lentic Habitat Lotic Habitat Classification of Aquatic Organisms Based on Mode of Life Limiting Factors Temperature Light Water Movement Turbidity Dissolved Respiratory Gases Biogenic Salts Lentic Communities Classification of Lakes Classification of Lakes Based on Eutrophication Special Types of Lakes Impoundments (Shut-Ins) Summary of Key Terms 7. STREAM ECOLOGY Stream (Lotic Ecosystems) Aquatic Pollutants pH Thermal Pollution Chemical Toxins Heavy Metals Summary of Key Terms 8. SELF-PURIFICATION OF STREAMS Sources of Pollution Stream Ecosystem Stream Pollution Definition of Terms Organisms and Their Role in Self-Purification Biotic Index Oxygen Sag (Deoxygenation) Other Factors Affecting DO Levels in Streams Impact of Wastewater Treatment on DO Levels in the Stream Variables That Improve and Degrade Stream Quality Stream Purification: A Quantitative Analysis Example 1 Example 2 Summary of Key Terms 9. BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING Sampling Locations (Stations) Statistical Concepts Example 3 Example 4 Sample Collection Sampling Devices Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Monitor Sampling Nets Sediment Sampler Water Sampler Plankton Sampler Secchi Disk Miscellaneous Sampling Equipment Preservation Sorting the Collection Preparing the Collection for Study Summary Review Questions Answers to Review Questions References Index