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Show environment are altered the number of species usually decreases and certain species become extremely abundant., Diatons ( Phylum Chrysophyta) are normally associated with non- polluted habitats, while denser populations of bluegreen ( Phylum Cyanopfyta) and green ( Phylum Choirophyta) algae proliferate under polluted conditions. In dewatering situations or where excessive amounts of water are passed through a stream channel the absence of algae species may indicate the presence of an environmental problem0 The only way full use of algal indicators can be made is to carry out detailed baseline studies of existing populations and monitor the changes in composition that occur in relation to measured changes that occur within the ecosystem., The Center of Health and Environmental Studies, Brigham Young University, has prepared a preliminay checklist of the algae to be found in the geographical region of the Bonneville Unit. This list is included as Attachment B. The data presented were derived from a search of the literature, a detailed study of the Provo River ( June 1971 to May 1972) and preliminary collections from selected representative areas of the Uinta Mountains. Except for the Provo River investigation the pre- project algal sampling has not been detailed enough to constitute an adequate baseline assessment. For the algal study, the Provo River was separated into upper and lower portions by the Deer Creek Reservoir. To date 191 species, of which 109 are diatoms, have been identified in the upper portion of the river. The lower section has yielded 143 species of which 57 are diatomsB While the number of species below the reservoir is reduced the qualities of those species present are much greater. These observed differences indicate that the characteristics of the lower Provo River have been altered more than those of the upper portion. The algae of the Deer Creek Reservoir is similar in composition to typical higher elevation reservoirs of the western United States. Diatoms predominate this flora ( 26 of 64 species) with bluegreen and green species being of less abundance. The algae of the Uinta Mountain streams are poorly documented. However, the structure of the algal populations found in the present collections indicate that the streams contain clear cold water. In terms of algal populations the Duchesne River and Rock Creek appear similar to the headwaters of the Provo River. The sampling of Strawberry Reservoir is also incomplete and to date, only 18 species have been recorded. Available data from Utah Lake show the lake to be very fertile and capable of producing extensive algal growth « Out of 158 species recorded only 11 are diatoms. Brigham Young University is currently studying the algae of the lake and is expected to substantially enlarge existing records, particularly of the diatoms. 129 |
