REPS Invertebrate Taxonomy Experiment (Respirometers)

As long-lived, ubiquitous aquatic consumers of both primary producers and other invertebrates, macroinvertebrates are a useful indicator of health in aquatic systems. The invertebrate community in an aquatic system also has notable implications on its productivity. In this experiment, community samples were used to measure net primary productivity by establishing productivity and respiration in light and dark chambers. Samples were collected during the open water season of 2013 (September). Sample sites are on a gradient moving closer in proximity to industry to delineate effects of natural and anthropogenic contaminants. In this data set, communities identified to the taxonomic resolution of Order.