"Bio-indicators of Urban River Health: Exploring Aquatic Macroinvertebr" by Iliana Reyes
 

Bio-indicators of Urban River Health: Exploring Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in the San Antonio River and Salado Creek Admist Extreme Hydrological Events

Authors

Iliana Reyes

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-2025

Abstract

Aquatic macroinvertebrates inhabit various water bodies and are important biotic indicators of environmental quality, given their differing tolerance levels to pollution and habitat disturbances. This project investigates aquatic macroinvertebrates in the San Antonio River and Salado Creek that could be used to evaluate the effects of extreme hydrological events and human activities on urban rivers. Climate change impacts river hydrology by affecting the frequency and intensity of rainfall and increasing air temperatures. Anthropogenic activities and urban land conversions increase impervious surfaces, modify vegetation cover, and consequently alter surface runoff, which disrupts river ecosystems. Our research specifically focused on indicator taxa residing in shallow rifles, which are particularly sensitive to hydrological changes. We analyzed their abundance, species composition, and associated river parameters to assess their ecological responses. Our findings aim to enhance our understanding of the bio-indicator potential of specific taxa within these urban river systems.

Comments

2:15-3:15 p.m.

BLH 262

Studies in Water Science & Ecology

Elizabeth Borda, Moderator

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