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Title: End-Point Predictors of Water Quality in Tropical Rivers
End-point evaluation of stream health is essential for the quantification of water quality. To this end, many Multi-Metric Indices (MMIs) have been developed to quantify water quality. The most extensive work has occurred in North America and Europe, while other areas of the world are in development. In this study, we compared the use of relevant physical, chemical and biological parameters in MMIs to various other stream health indicators to assess water quality throughout a three-river corridor along the north central Pacific slope of Costa Rica. Analysis of the data suggested MMIs were the best indicators of water quality and, more specifically, insect MMIs were the most predicative. MMIs were also best at pinpointing anthropomorphic impact throughout the corridor. Further, less complex insect MMIs such as compilations of family diversity using Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) orders were equally as predictive as the more complex models. With a need to better understand and use citizen monitors to predict water quality in these tropical environments, less complex insect MMIs show promise as a solution.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2153558
PAR ID:
10638980
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
MDPI
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Pollutants
Volume:
3
Issue:
4
ISSN:
2673-4672
Page Range / eLocation ID:
461 to 476
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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