Effects of urbanization on streams of the Melbourne region, Victoria, Australia. II. Benthic diatom communities

Abstract

1. Epilithic and epiphytic diatom community composition were assessed in small streams of the Melbourne region to test the effects of (a) urban density (sub-catchment imperviousness 0-51%) and (b) stormwater drainage intensity (comparing the intensively drained metropolitan area with urban areas of the hinterland, which had open drains and some localized stormwater drainage). 2. Communities separated into three groups: eastern hinterland, western hinterland and a metropolitan group. Separation of eastern and western hinterland groups, and of eastern and western sites within the metropolitan group were best explained by patterns of electrical conductivity, basalt geology and annual rainfall. ..