Characteristics of Suspended Particulate Matter in Ichawaynochaway Creek: A Brown-water Coastal Plain Stream

Abstract

Water samples were collected at 7 sites along Ichawaynochaway Creek, a Gulf Coastal Plain brown-water stream, from July 1993 - October 1994, including an extended dry period (July - November 1993) and a record flood period (June - August 1994). Particulate organic concentrations in Ichawaynochaway Creek were very consistent (1-3 mg/L) during extended stable flow periods characteristic of the region. Large floods resulted in elevated organic concentrations (4-5 mg/L). The results of this study, although preliminary, suggest that headwater swamps and areas with extensive riparian forest are sources of particulate organic matter in transport In the development of regional conservation programs, riparian swamp forests may merit special consideration to protect the trophic base of stream communities. The significance of seasonal and catastrophic flooding to stream biota is unknown at present, but merits future study.