| This study analyzed effects of storm intensity on turbidity, chlorophyll, abundance and population parameters of three Brachionus in a reservoir. I predicted chlorophyll and Brachionus abundance, growth rate, and birth rate would be negatively correlated with storm intensity. I expected positive correlations between storm intensity and non-volatile suspended sediments (NVSS) as well as Brachionus death rates. I used linear regression to relate NVSS and chlorophyll concentrations and changes in each parameter during and after storms to storm intensity. A significant positive correlation between NVSS and storm intensity was observed. Influence of storm events on Brachionus parameters was variable and species specific. During storms, significant positive correlations were observed between changes in B. calyciflorus abundance as well as in B. angularis growth rate with storm intensity. Significant negative correlations were observed between changes in B. angularis growth rate as well as in B. caudatus resting egg production with storm intensity during the post-storm period. |
