Bioindicator organisms can provide an integrated record of environmental
change and/or subsequent contamination. Aquatic bryophytes (mosses) serve as
ideal biological indicators because, a) mosses are ubiquitous in nature, and
are primary producers that provide habitat to various aquatic organisms; b)
mosses exhibit a
 high
tolerance to contaminants, allowing for bioaccumulation over long-term
exposure; c) mosses possess neither roots nor a vascular system, allowing
for potentially easy culturing;
and d) once
dried, mosses can be stored for long periods since they bind inorganic
contaminants within their cell walls without reduction in concentration.
This research
will determine the value of aquatic bryophytes as a bioindicator of water
quality pre- and post timber harvest in the Mica Creek Experimental
Watershed (MCEW) by evaluating the alterations of microclimate, and stream
flow on moss biomass, shoot length, and leaf area. |
