| This study investigated the results of biological assessments using fish and macroinvertebrates when applied to first order streams of north-central Mississippi that had been exposed to two different logging treatments. A physicochemical assessment also was conducted to determine the effects of riparian buffer zones on in-stream habitat and riparian conditions. Univariate analysis of physicochemical variables indicated no differences between logging treatments, although principal component analysis indicated physicochemical differences regarding substrate and temperature. Assessment of the fish and macroinvertebrate communities were unable to show differences between logging treatments. Macroinvertebrate communities were dominated by tolerant organisms utilizing fine particulate organic matter indicating a disruption of organic matter dynamics within these small stream ecosystems when compared to stream ecosystem theory expectations. |
