A study of the invertebrate fauna and crustacean zooplankton of the Shropshire union canal and the Llangollen canal

Milad, SS

Abstract

Five sites were chosen on the main Shropshire Union Canal
and three on the Llangollen Canal. Monthly quantitative samples
of the bottom fauna. shore fauna •. and crustacean zooplankton were
'taken from all sites over a period of 24 months from the Shropshire
Union Canal. and over 18 months from the Llangollen Canal.
An account for the topography and the geographical location
of the sampling sites on the Shropshire Union and Llangollen Canals
are given. for it is believed. that these are important and affect
the physical conditions of the·canal waters.
Sampling apparatus and procedures are described suitable for
quantitative collection of the bottom-fauna. shore-fauna and
crustacean zooplankton of the two canals. including the sites with
rough and uneven bottoms.
Experiments were done. as a further contribution on the
assessment of the accuracy of the dredge. Which was designed for
sampling the bottom fauna of canals.
2.
The qualitative and quantitative composition of the invertebrate
,varied with season and prevailing physical and chemical conditions.
The seasonal qualitative and quantitative changes of the more
common invertebrates are described. Monthly size frequency
distributions of the more common species are illustrated graphically
and in tables.
The water chemistry of the two,canals was investigated by
collecting samples from all sites. The results obtained by
standard analytical techniques showed that the following
constituents all exhibited definite gradients along the cana1:-
PH, Total hardness, Calcium and Magnesium concentrations (as mg
per litre). These constituents showed a difference in concentration
from one site to another.
The Llangollen Canal water chemistry was significantly.
different from the Shropshire Union Canal.
Undoubtedly, many reasons for the restriction of any particular
species to a particular environment lies in the basic chemical and
physical features .pertaining to that environment.
described and discussed in results and discussion.
These have been
Some groups, (notably Tubificidae, Chironomidae larvae and
pupae,Limne.phllidae larvae) could not be fully identified within the
scope of this study. The general composition of the invertebrate
fauna at all sites can be seen in the tables.
The work provides guide linQs which might be profitably used in
investigating the life cycle of some Eph~meroptera, Trichoptera and
Hemiptera. It should also be useful for work concerned with
maintenance of fish and fish food organisms and the assessment of
pollution in canals.

Citation

Milad, S. A study of the invertebrate fauna and crustacean zooplankton of the Shropshire union canal and the Llangollen canal. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 22, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1974