Effects of effluents from a sewage treatment plant on the aquatic organisms

The effects of sewage pollution on the distribution and abundance of some orgnanisms over a period of 4 mo at the Ahmadu Bello University Main Campus sewage treatment plant and Kubanni river were studied. Physico-chemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen; temperature; hydrogen ion concentration (pH); electrical conductivity and chemical oxygen demand influenced by pollution were measured with respect to the population of aquatic organisms. The organisms were used as biological indices to monitor the ecological imbalance caused by the effluent. The variations in concentrations of some heavy metals were also measured. The studies revealed that at the source of pollution there were no organisms except for some insect larva such as Eristalis, Psychoda, and some microscopic algae like Oscillatoria, Anaebaena, and Polysystis. A location (site 5) on Kubanni river just before the confluence of the sewage effluent and the river was taken as the control. There was a wide variety of organisms (crustaceans, rotifers, and fish) at the control point.     

Hydrocarbons in Seawater and Water Extract of Jarzouna-Bizerte Coastal of Tunisia (Mediterranean Sea): Petroleum Origin Investigation Around Refinery Rejection Place

In this study, the occurrence of toxic heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and relative bioaccumulation in biota samples were investigated in a freshwater ecosystem, the Basento river, one of the main aquatic systems in the south of Italy, which over the last years has been transformed into a sink of urban and industrial wastes. Therefore, the levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc were determined in water, sediments, and tissues of some macroinvertebrate—which are natural assessment endpoints for the evaluation of ecological risk in aquatic systems. Accumulation factors, as a ratio between the concentration of a given contaminant in biota and the one in an abiotic medium, were considered in order to estimate heavy metal contamination loads in biota. Statistical analysis was performed for a comparative evaluation of bioaccumulation among various macroinvertebrates, according to different feeding guilds. The Tukey honestly significantly different test showed significant differences in the bioaccumulation of As, Cd, and Cr among the considered biological receptors (collector–gatherer, predator, and filterer), suggesting that the biological uptake from immediate contact with the sediment or solid substratum (collector–gatherer), instead of the bioconcentration from water (filterer) or biomagnification along the biotic food webs (predators), is the more effective biological sequestering pathway for these metals. Biota–sediment accumulation factors, commonly used for the evaluation of sediment’s role in aquatic systems contamination, were determined for the considered metals. A linear correlation between the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Zn in macroinvertebrates and those in the sediments suggested that the metal uptake data in macroinvertebrates can provide useful information for the estimation of heavy metal exposure risk or bioavailability when making assessments of sediment toxicity in freshwater ecosystems.     

The Morphophysiological Responses of Free-Floating Aquatic Macrophytes to a Supra-optimal Supply of Manganese

Among the many anthropogenic abiotic stresses, manganese (Mn) toxicity has been recognized for its impact on aquatic ecosystems as well as on the biological components of these ecosystems, including aquatic plants. The objective of this study was to determine the Mn accumulation ability of aquatic macrophytes (Azolla caroliniana, Salvinia minima and Spirodela polyrhiza) and evaluate the morphophysiological responses of the species that gather the highest amount of Mn when exposed to a supra-optimal supply of manganese. The experiments were conducted in the laboratory, and the effects of Mn were evaluated based on plant growth; the concentration of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins; the enzymatic activity of catalase and peroxidase; and leaf anatomy. All of the studied species accumulated Mn in their tissues. Moreover, it was observed that this accumulation was dependent on the concentration of the metal in solution. S. polyrhiza showed higher concentrations of Mn in its tissues (17.062?mg?g^?1 dry weight (DW)), followed by S. minima (4.283?mg?g^?1 DW) and A. caroliniana (1.341?mg?g^?1 DW). Despite the Mn accumulation in all species, S. polyrhiza was the only one selected for further analyses because of its greater ability to accumulate Mn. The high Mn concentration found in tissues of S. polyrhiza suggests that this species has the potential to sequester and accumulate this metal. However, a sensitive response in the plants exposed to higher Mn concentrations (0.4?mM) was observed. The phytotoxicity effects of this accumulation were responsible for a decrease in the plant growth, a reduction in the pigment content (total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins), a low activity of catalase, and the disarrangement of the leaf aerenchyma.     

The protozoan fauna of a seasonally inundated soil under grassland

Although grasslands are normally thought of as well-drained areas, they also occur in areas of high humidity. Where the grassland is permanently aquatic, it harbours an aquatic fauna contrasting strongly with the terrestrial fauna of savannahs and other well-drained grasslands. Intermediate between these two ecosystems is the seasonally flooded grassland, such as that described here at Castlepoint, New Zealand, where the protozoan fauna of 94 species contained 35% aquatic-terrestrial and 45% freshwater forms. The latter appeared during winter when several centimetres of water covered the soil, and included Heliozoa, Gromia, and the tube-building Stichotricha. Such grasslands are at such times shallow temporary ponds, and illustrate transitions between freshwater and soil ecosystems.     

Comparison of biological collectors of airborne heavy metals near ferrochrome and steel works

The value of several biological monitors of the distribution of airborne Cr and Ni dust was studied in the vicinity of ferrochrome and stainless steel works. The following indigenous biomonitors were compared: the forest mosses Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens, the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes, bark of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris), needle litter, earthworms (Dendrobaena octaedra) and moths (mainly Xylena vetusta). Results were compared and related to the heavy metal deposition estimated by the vertical snow sampling method. The representative sampling size at different pollution levels was investigated. In Cr it varied from 1 to 300 mg m^?2 a^?1. Of the biomonitors studied, the mosses showed most effective accumulation of heavy metals, their results having a clear relationship to the deposition and good replicability. The lichen gave almost as good results as the mosses. Both mosses and lichens collected heavy metals more effectively at low to moderate pollution loads than near the pollution source. The accumulation of heavy metals in bark was lower than in the mosses or lichen. The heavy metal content of earthworms indicated the degree of pollution well, but the replicability of the method was poor. The accumulation of heavy metals in moths was low.     

Wetland creation in agricultural landscapes: Biodiversity benefits on local and regional scales

Wetland creation aiming at a simultaneous increase in nutrient retention and species diversity in agricultural landscapes has recently become applied as a catchment-scale compensation measure for past wetland losses. Here, we evaluate if, and to what extend, dual-purpose wetlands benefit local and regional diversity of agricultural landscapes. We analysed composition and α, β, and γ diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages among dual-purpose wetlands in an agricultural region in southwest Sweden in relation to local (water quality, wetland morphology, succession stage, proximity to other aquatic habitats) and landscape parameters (regional connectivity, wetland density). Diversity of mature agricultural ponds was used as a standard to evaluate the value of dual-purpose wetlands. Dual-purpose wetlands sustained α, β, and γ diversity similar to that of natural lentic water bodies in agricultural landscapes in the region and elsewhere. Over 80% of the overall species richness was attributed to β diversity, and each created wetland contributed to overall species accumulation. Ecosystem parameters explained 19% of the compositional variation among assemblages, but were only marginally related to diversity. Wetland density promoted α and γ diversity, while spatial heterogeneity (β) remained equally high, independent of wetland density. Our results indicate that catchment-scale wetland creation for simultaneous retention and diversity purposes benefits the biodiversity of agricultural landscapes, particularly if the density of aquatic habitats is increased by at least 30%.     

镉在甲壳类水生生物中的蓄积现状及赋存形态研究进展

镉（Cd）在联合国环境规划署提出的12种具有全球性意义的危害化学物质中居于首位,此类物质的污染危害主要表现在水环境中。与有机污染物不同的是,水环境中的镉不能通过水生生物降解,但会在其体内蓄积并通过食物链逐渐富集,进而对水产品质量和安全造成隐患,以及引起水环境污染和人类健康等问题,因此镉对水环境及水生生物的污染和危害引起全球范围内的广泛关注。本文整理归纳了目前镉在甲壳类水生生物中的蓄积现状及富集规律研究进展,并围绕梭子蟹和虾蛄这2种典型镉蓄积的甲壳类水生生物,论述其不同部位组织间镉蓄积的差异性问题,同时对目前关于镉形态的提取方法、定性分析和毒理学效应等相关研究进展进行了综述、分析和展望,可为甲壳类水产品中镉的形态甄别、定量分析以及不同形态镉的毒理学研究提供参考依据。     

Removal of Cu and Cd from water by Bacopa monnieri L.

Copper and Cd accumulation was determined in Bacopa monnieri, a common aquatic plant. Plants showed a capability to accumulate both metals in single and mixed metal treatments. Copper accumulation was stimulated by the presence of Cd whereas uptake of Cd was inhibited by Cu. The plants showed high concentration factors for both metals. The results suggest the possibility of using this plant for mitigating Cu and Cd pollution in the aquatic environment.     

Ecotoxicological Assessment of Contaminated River Sites as a Proxy for the Water Framework Directive: an Acid Mine Drainage Case Study

Metal contamination of freshwater bodies resulting from mining activities or deactivated mines is a common problem worldwide such as in Portugal. Bra?al (galena ore) and Palhal (pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and pyrite ore), located in a riverside position, are both examples of deactivated mining areas lacking implemented recovery plans since their shutdown in the early mid-1900s. In both mining areas, effluents still flow into two rivers. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential hazard posed by the mining effluents to freshwater communities. Therefore, short- and long-term ecotoxicological tests were performed on elutriates from river sediments collected at each site using standard test organisms that cover different functional levels (Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Lemna minor, and Daphnia sp.). The results show that elutriates from the sediments of Palhal were very toxic to all tested species, while in contrast, elutriates from Bra?al showed generally no toxicity for the tested species. Our study highlights the usefulness of using an ecotoxicological approach to help in the prioritization/scoring of the most critical areas impacted by deactivated mines. This ecotoxicological test battery can provide important information about the ecological status of each concerning site before investing in the application of time-consuming and costly methods defined by the Water Framework Directive or can stand as a meaningful complementary analysis.     

Historical distribution of DDT residues in pond sediments in an intensive agricultural watershed in the Yangtze-Huaihe region,China

Purpose

The extensive use of chemical pesticides on farmlands during the last several decades in China has led to a rapid deterioration of environmental water quality in recent years. The aims of this study were to: reconstruct the history of pesticide residues, determine the input load and residual load of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) pesticides, and assess the risk of pesticide residues to aquatic ecosystem and human health.

Materials and methods

Caesium-137 was used to date sediment cores collected from ponds representing four land use types of an agricultural watershed with high-yield grain production and characterized by multipond systems in the Yangtze-Huaihe region of China. These ponds were selected to establish the historic pattern of DDT pesticide residues.

Results and discussion

(1) The mean total concentration of DDT residues including p,?p?′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), p,?p?′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ( p,p′-DDD), o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT in sediment in the watershed was 82 μg kg^?1, ranging from under the detection limit to 457 μg kg^?1, which was mostly contributed by p,?p′-DDE (57 μg kg^?1 on average). Spatially, total concentrations of DDT residues in farmland pond sediment were the highest, reaching as high as 457 μg kg^?1. Temporally, an inflection point appeared in the 1970s, prior to which DDT contents increased with time, after which concentrations showed a decreasing trend. (2) In total, 323 kg DDT pesticide was applied to the Liuchahe Watershed since 1955. The total retention of four DDT residues in the multipond system was 14 kg (～4 % of the input), and most DDT pesticide was degraded to p,?p?′-DDE. (3) More than 80 % of sediment DDT residues exceeded their interim freshwater sediment quality guidelines, and the percentages of DDT,DDD, and DDE residues exceeding probable effect limit (PEL) values were 57, 29, and 70 %, respectively, which indicated a moderate to high ecological risk of DDT in this watershed.

Conclusions

Our results clearly reveal that the extensive use of pesticides has resulted in significant pesticide residual pollution in this watershed, which could severely deteriorate water quality and threaten aquatic ecosystem and human health in the watershed and, thus, remain a cause for concern.     

Brain AChE activity studies in some fish species collected from a mercury contaminated estuary

In an attempt to investigate the impact of the discharge of Hg contaminated effluent from a chlor-alkali industry into the Rushikulya river estuary, brain AChE activity was measured in three fish species, S. sihama, A. nenga and S. argus, sampled from the contaminated water of the estuary. The residual Hg levels in the brain tissue of the fishes were also determined. The maximum brain residual Hg level, 0.702 ± 0.205 mg kg^?1 ww, was recorded in S. sihama. The inhibition of the AChE activity observed in that species was as much as 26.48% when compared to the normal enzyme activity. The levels of inhibition. observed in the other two fish species, A. nenga and S. argus, were also more than the 10% index level suggested. A significant negative correlation observed between the brain residual Hg levels and the AChE activity levels suggested the use of fish brain AChE measurement as a regular monitoring protocol in assessment of the pollution of aquatic systems by Hg.     

Comparative Study of Lead Accumulation in Different Organs of the Freshwater Crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zilchiopsis oronensis</Emphasis>

Lead (Pb) is known as an important aquatic contaminant with different toxic effects on various organisms. Until now, only few quantitative investigations have been published comparing Pb content in different organs of adult freshwater crabs. Their capacity to bioaccumulate other heavy metals is already known, and they can potentially transfer Pb to the terrestrial systems, as they are frequent trophic items of reptiles and birds, even humans. The objectives of this study were to assess Pb accumulation in the gills, carapace, digestive gland, and quela muscle of the freshwater crab Zilchiopsis oronensis, and to correlate bioaccumulation with morphometric data and sex. The crabs were manually caught in unpolluted ponds of the middle Paraná River alluvial valley (Santa Fe, Argentina). After the acclimation period, they were individually and randomly exposed per quadruplicate to three Pb experimental doses: 20, 40, and 80 mg Pb/L, in plastic cages during 15 days. After dissecting the crabs, the tissues were analyzed for lead in a Perkin Elmer Analyst 800 atomic absorption spectrometer. We found significant differences (p < 0.05) between the control and each one of the treatments but not between treatments (p > 0.05) and highly significant differences (p < 0.0001) between Pb concentration in organs. The Tukey posttest showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between gills–carapace, gills–digestive gland, and gills–quela muscle. The weight of the crabs only showed a negative correlation with Pb in the quela muscle (r = −0.53; p = 0.03). Pb in the carapace (but not in the other tissues) was positively correlated with the width (p = 0.571) and length (p = 0.616). Males accumulated more Pb than females, though not significantly. The present paper is aimed to contribute to our knowledge on Pb accumulation in freshwater crabs and select the better indicator organisms for biomonitoring.     

Modelling the overland transport of lead deposited from the atmosphere in the elbe catchment over four decades (1958–1995)

The Neurotoxin lead has been emitted in large amounts into the environment over decades. To what extent this long-term pollution affects environmental systems is relatively unknown. Despite decreasing atmospheric pollution, soil and freshwater systems still indicate high lead concentrations. This study provides a preliminary estimation of annual overland lead fluxes originating from atmospheric pollution in the Elbe basin in Central Europe during the period 1958–1995. The transport into aquatic systems of lead originally deposited in the soil is assessed. Three pathways from rural areas into the river system were considered: erosion, direct runoff and direct atmospheric deposition. For this purpose, a modified mesoscale empirical–conceptual model for heavy-metal transport was applied. The results indicated that the total lead fluxes decreased after a peak in the 1970s. The emissions into the Elbe and its tributaries due to direct deposition showed a clear decline caused by decreasing atmospheric pollution since the 1970s. On the contrary, overland lead fluxes via erosion and direct runoff slightly increased. They were mostly influenced by the hydrometeorological and topographical conditions and less by the intensity of atmospheric input in a given year. Model results showed a steady background accumulation in the soils for the investigation period with a positive temporal and spatial correlation to atmospheric deposition. We conclude that lead-control policies were successful only to a certain degree. In order to reduce pollution by highly sorptive, particle-bound substances such as lead, effort should focus not only on minimizing atmospheric emissions, but also on minimizing soil erosion.     

Microbial degradation of profluralin

A selective culture technique combined with autoradiography was used to isolate microorganisms which could degrade profluralin [N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-p-toluidine]. Of seven isolates obtained from a Cecil loamy sand, the three most active in degrading the herbicide were tentatively identified as Arthrobacter simplex, Cellulomonas ftavigenum and Microbacterium flavum. Degradation of profluralin was determined in pure and mixed culture in the dark and subsequently measured by TLC and scintillation methodology. M. ftavum produced three products which were identified as: 2-amino-α,α,α-trifluoro-6-nitro-N-propyl-p-toluidine; N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-p-toluidine; and 2-amino-α,α,α-trifluoro-6-nitro-p-toluidine. The major product detected with all three organisms was 2-amino-α,α,α-trinuoro-6-nitro-p-toluidine. No degradation was detected in the absence of exogenous C and N.; co-metabolic processes appeared to be involved.     

Fate of Graywater Constituents After Long-Term Application for Landscape Irrigation

While interest in and adoption of graywater reuse for irrigation has rapidly grown in recent years, little is known about the long-term effects of graywater irrigation. Concerns exist in relation to the presence of pathogenic organisms, fate of personal care products, and accumulation of salts. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the long-term effects of graywater irrigation to soil quality under real conditions where homeowners may not always apply graywater in a highly controlled manner. Four households from different climatic and geological conditions were selected for sampling (AZ, CA, CO, and TX) where graywater was applied for irrigation for a minimum of 5?years. Soil samples were collected in areas irrigated with graywater and areas irrigated with freshwater within the same yard. Soil cores were taken at depths of 0?C15, 15?C30, and 30?C100?cm and analyzed separately for surfactants, antimicrobials, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC), extractable boron, fecal indicator organisms (E. coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens), and soil dehydrogenase activity. In surface soil samples (0?C15?cm), the average total surfactant concentration (over all sites) was higher in graywater-irrigated soil (0.078?±?0.033) compared to freshwater-irrigated soil (0.030?±?0.025?mg?kg^?1). This difference was not found to be significant (P?>?0.05). Triclosan and triclocarban were detected in surface soil samples at some locations (3.8?C6.3 and 3.5?C9.1???g?kg^?1, respectively), but not in samples deeper than 15?cm. Among the sampling locations, the TX household appeared to be most impacted by graywater, as evidenced by elevated SAR, potentially toxic levels of B, and relatively high numbers of E. coli and enterococci due to 30?years of graywater application for irrigation.     

Comparison of mussels and crustacean plankton to monitor heavy metal pollution

The ability of freshwater organisms (mussels — Unio pictorum L. and crustacean plankton —Cladocera and Copepoda species) to monitor heavy metal pollution was compared under field conditions, near the effluent discharge of a sewage water treatment plant at Lake Balaton (Hungary). The mussels were transferred from their less polluted habitat to the study area. The crustacean plankton was collected at this site The concentrations of Hg Cd Cr Cut Pb, Zn, and Fe were measured m the gills of the transplanted mussels as well as the natural zooplankton in the summer period, using the AAS method. Both mussel gills and the zooplankton showed periodically high Fe-, Zn-, and Cu-concentrations. An elevated level of Hg was only observed in mussels, while high Pb- and Cr-concentrations were found only in crustacean plankton. Accordingly the zooplankton seems a more suitable model for monitoring heavy metal pollution under these field conditions.     

Combined effects of technical grade fenitrothion, humic acids and particulate matter on cholinesterase activity in freshwater invertebrates

Purpose

The relative sensitivity of two freshwater invertebrate organisms to the organophosphorus insecticide fenitrothion was assessed by measuring cholinesterase (ChE) activity, a well-known biomarker of both exposure and effect to organophosphorus pesticides. The influence of different concentrations of humic acids (HAs) and particulate matter on fenitrothion bioavailability was assessed in the more sensitive species.

Materials and methods

The selected invertebrates were the dwelling feeding oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus and the pulmonate gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata. Acute 48-h bioassays were performed exposing organisms to different fenitrothion concentrations. The concentrations that induced 50 % inhibition of enzyme activity (EC₅₀) were calculated. Fenitrothion bioavailability was investigated using different concentrations of commercial HA or particulate matter. Sand and a diverse selection of chromatographic resins that have been proposed as analogues of natural sediments were selected. For these experiments, animals were exposed to a fenitrothion value similar to the EC₅₀.

Results and discussion

The 48-h EC₅₀ values were 12?±?2 and 23?±?3 μg?l^?1 for L. variegatus and B. glabrata, respectively. Depending on HA concentration and the characteristics of particles, ChE activity was similar or higher than the value recorded for animals exposed only to the pesticide in aqueous solution.

Conclusion

The results indicated that L. variegatus was the more sensitive species of the two. In this species, fenitrothion bioavailability did not increase due to the presence of either different HA concentrations or particulate matter. The experimental approach may constitute a useful tool to predict the influence of dissolved organic matter and sediment particles on fenitrothion bioavailability and toxicity to non-target aquatic invertebrates.     

Use of Spinach, Radish, and Perennial Ryegrass to Assess the Availability of Metals in Waste Foundry Sands

Opencast coalmine effluent contains higher concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Ni and Pb. Biofiltration of these metals has been demonstrated successfully with the help of aquatic macrophytes i.e., E. crassipes, L. minor and A. pinnata. Experiments revealed E. crassipes reduced highest concentration of heavy metals followed by L. minor and A. pinnata on 20th days retention period. Plant tissue analysis revealed higher accumulation of metals in roots than leaves. Highly significant correlations have been noted between removal of heavy metals in effluent and their accumulation in roots and leaves of the experimental sets. Translocation factor also revealed lower transportation of metals from root to leaves. Reduction in chlorophyll and protein content was noted with the accumulation of heavy metals. N, P and K analysis in plant tissues indicated continuous decrease in their concentration with increasing metal concentration. Negative and significant correlations between metal accumulation and N, P and K concentrations in plant tissues showed adverse effects of heavy metals. Analysis of variance (Dunnett t-test) showed significant results (p?<?0.001) for all the metals in different durations.     

Decreases in Condition and Fecundity of Freshwater Fishes in a Highly Polluted Reservoir

Despite many efforts for pollution abatement in aquatic ecosystems, there are still some cases of high accumulation of industrial pollutants due to past activities. In Flix reservoir (Ebro River, Spain), there are around 200,000–360,000 tons of industrial pollutants with a high concentration of heavy metals and organochlorides due to the activity of an organochlorine industry during more than half a century. This exceptional amount of pollutants provides a good opportunity (and need) to analyse their effects on fish populations under natural conditions, which is rarely available to ecotoxicologists. We compared the reproductive traits and prevalence of diseases and parasites at this impacted area with a neighbouring upstream reservoir unaffected by the pollution (reference sites) and also to downstream sites. Deformity, eroded fin, lesion and tumour (DELT) anomalies and ectoparasites were clearly more frequent at the impacted area for several fish species (common carp, roach and pumpkinseed). A significant negative impact of Flix reservoir on condition (eviscerated and liver weights, adjusted for fish size with analysis of covariance) and reproductive traits (gonadal weight and number of mature eggs, adjusted for fish size) was also detected for several fish species. The responses to the pollutants were species-specific, and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was the species with the clearest effects on fitness-related traits at the impacted area, despite also being among the most tolerant to pollution.     

How do biodiversity patterns of river animals emerge from the distributions of common and rare species?

We studied the patterns of commonness and rarity for one vertebrate (fish) and four freshwater insect taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera) in southwestern France (57,000 km²), and we analysed the relationships between the location of sites and the contribution of commonness and rarity to species richness within a large stream system. Richness patterns in fish and aquatic insects were related to the location of sites within the stream system. The number of common and rare fish species increased from up- to downstream areas as a result of downstream additions of species. The number of common insect species peaked in the intermediate section of the river continuum, whereas rarity increased with decreasing elevation. In all taxa, common species gave a closer approximation to overall patterns of species richness than did rare ones. The biodiversity patterns of river animals emerged from convergence in the distributions of common and rare species (fish), or mostly from the distribution of common species (insects). However, in fish, Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, the rarer species became almost equally, or more strongly correlated with overall species richness when increasing information along the common-to-rare and rare-to-common sequences. These patterns suggested that rarer species show a similar or stronger affinity, on a species-for-species basis, for high richness areas than do the commoner species. These schemes have implications for biodiversity assessments, as studies using common species richness to target important areas for monitoring or conservation efforts within stream systems will not necessarily identify areas important for rare species, and vice versa.