Geology topics

Stephen E. McMurray

Publications and source records attributed to Stephen E. McMurray.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2025

Evaluating episodic sediment deposition zones in freshwater mussel habitats across Missouri, USA

Point-source sedimentation, such as spills from construction-related activities, can introduce substantial sediments into streams in the short term, potentially leading to mussel burial. To estimate downstream areas where freshwater mussels might face threats from sediment burial within the mussel habitats of Missouri streams and rivers, we examined 49 reaches where both field measurements and gaging data are available. We established empirical relationships for three flow classes to represent general flow conditions of all reaches. Using these hydraulic data, we employed a Lagrangian particle tracking model to simulate sediment transport under each condition, employing two sediment size ranges covering very fine sands to small gravels, resulting in 72 simulated scenarios. The model results indicate that sediments with diameters exceeding a critical value, ranging from 0.041 to 1.975 mm for varying velocities (ranging from 0.124 to 2.191 m/s) and depths (ranging from 1 to 12 m), settle in downstream locations. Potential settling sites span from tens to hundreds of meters downstream. The mode, median, and mean of sediment distribution generally fall within the range of 10–200 m based on particle count, while these values typically range from 1 to 100 m based on sediment mass.

Missouri↗

USGS2024

A model for evaluation of sediment exposure and burial for freshwater mussels from heavy particle sedimentation

Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) are an ecologically important faunal group. Excessive sediments, both in suspended and deposited formats, are believed to have negative effects on survival of freshwater mussels. However, there is a lack of quantitative tools for assessing the impact of abrupt and excessive sedimentation on freshwater mussel habitats. This gap in knowledge poses challenges for construction planning that necessitates evaluating sedimentation effects on mussels. In this paper, we present a simple Lagrangian particle tracking (LPT) model designed to investigate the downstream distances from the sediment release point where mussels may face risks of sediment exposure and burial during episodic sedimentation events. We validated the model in predicting the deposition of sands ranging from 125 to 625 μ m "> 625μm in diameter within an open channel. Subsequently, we applied the LPT model to a representative stretch of mussel habitats in the lower Osage River, Missouri, USA. Implementing the LPT model using computational fluid dynamics analysis of river hydrodynamics, we investigated the downstream distances impacted by a hypothetical sedimentation event. The results indicate that the mussels within tens and hundreds of meters may be at risk of burial under low and high flow conditions, respectively. Mussels within hundreds and potentially thousands of meters may be at risks of sediment exposure under low and high flow conditions, respectively. The impacted distance is highly dependent on the sediment diameters and flow conditions. These results contribute valuable insights into the potential impacts of sedimentation on freshwater mussel habitats, aiding in informed decision-making for construction projects near these critical aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological Modelling↗

USGS2023

An assessment of the relation between metal contaminated sediment and freshwater mussel populations in the Big River, Missouri

The Big River in southeast Missouri drains the largest historical lead mining area in the United States. Ongoing releases of metal contaminated sediments into this river are well documented and are suspected of suppressing freshwater mussel populations. We characterized the spatial extent of metal contaminated sediments and evaluated its relationship with mussel populations in the Big River. Mussels and sediments were collected at 34 sites with potential metal effects and 3 reference sites. Analysis of sediment samples showed that lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentrations were 1.5 to 65 times greater than background concentrations in the reach extending 168 km downstream from Pb mining releases. Mussel abundance decreased acutely downstream from these releases where sediment Pb concentrations were highest and increased gradually as Pb sediment concentrations attenuated downstream. We compared current species richness with historical survey data from three reference rivers with similar physical habitat characteristics and human effects, but without Pb-contaminated sediment. Big River species richness was on average about one-half that expected based on reference stream populations and was 70–75 % lower in reaches with high median Pb concentrations. Sediment Zn and cadmium, and particularly Pb, had significant negative correlations with species richness and abundance. The association of sediment Pb concentrations with mussel community metrics in otherwise high-quality habitat indicates that Pb toxicity is likely responsible for depressed mussel populations observed within the Big River. We used concentration-response regressions of mussel density verses sediment Pb to determine that the Big River mussel community is adversely affected when sediment Pb concentrations are above 166 ppm, the concentration associated with 50 % decreases in mussel density. Based on this assessment of metals concentrations sediment and mussel fauna, our findings indicate that sediment in approximately 140 km of the Big River with suitable habitat has a toxic effect to mussels.

Missouri↗

USGS2023

Impacts of acute and chronic suspended solids exposure on juvenile freshwater mussels

Construction activities may affect adjacent water systems by introducing increased levels of suspended solids into the water body and may subsequently affect the survival and growth of freshwater mussels. We tested three sediment types from sites in Missouri, including Spring River sediment (SRS), Osage River bank clay soil (ORC), and quarried limestone from Columbia (LMT). We prepared series of suspensions of each sediment with total suspended solids concentrations ranging from 0 to 5000 mg/L. Juveniles from three mussel species, Fatmucket ( Lampsilis siliquoidea ), Arkansas Brokenray ( Lampsilis reeveiana ), and Washboard ( Megalonaias nervosa ) were exposed to these suspensions in both acute (96-h) and chronic (28-d) tests. No clear impact on survival was observed from the acute or chronic exposures, but chronic test showed that juvenile mussels' growth was strongly affected. Interestingly, growth was enhanced at lower levels of SRS and ORC (≤500 mg/L, p < 0.05), and the juvenile mussels exposed to 500 mg/L SRS exhibited approximately 60 % more dry weight than those reared in the control. LMT did not enhance growth. Growth was slowed by high concentrations (>1000 mg/L) of all three sediments, implying that high suspended solids levels could reduce survival in the long term. Our findings may help to inform regulations and guidelines for construction activities to minimize adverse effects on juvenile mussels.

Science of the Total Environment↗

USGS2021

Riverscape-scale modeling of fundamentally suitable habitat for mussel assemblages in an Ozark River system, Missouri

Identifying the physical habitat characteristics associated with riverine freshwater mussel assemblages is challenging but crucial for understanding the causes of mussel declines. The occurrence of mussels in multispecies beds suggests that common physical factors influence or limit their occurrence. Fine-scale geomorphic and hydraulic factors (e.g., scour, bed stability) are predictive of mussel-bed occurrence, but they are computationally challenging to represent at intermediate or riverscape scales. We used maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to evaluate associations between riverscape-scale hydrogeomorphic variables and mussel-bed presence along 530 river km of the Meramec River basin, USA, to identify river reaches that are fundamentally suitable for mussels as well as those that are not. We obtained the locations of mussel beds from an existing, multiyear dataset, and we derived river variables from high-resolution, open-source datasets of aerial imagery and topography. Mussel beds occurred almost exclusively in reaches identified by our model as suitable; these were characterized by laterally stable channels, absence of adjacent bluffs, proximity to gravel bars, higher stream power, and larger areas of contiguous water (a proxy for drought vulnerability). We validated our model findings based on model sensitivity using a set of mussel-bed locations not used in model development. These findings can inform how resource managers allocate survey, monitoring, and conservation efforts.

Missouri↗

USGS2020

Recent evaluation of corbicula form D distribution in the Midwest, U.S.A

The genus Corbicula contains one of the most common and successful aquatic invasive species to North America. Prior to 2015 two predominant species of Corbicula were known from the United States— C. fluminea and C. largillierti , referred to as Forms A and B, respectively. Form A has spread throughout most of the U.S., while Form B is mainly contained in the Midwest and southern U.S. In 2015 a novel Corbicula , known as Form D, was discovered in the Illinois River, at Marseilles, Illinois, and was later reported from the Ohio River. Our primary objective for this study was to report additional records of Form D, with a focus on the upper Illinois River watershed. Surveys during summer 2017 verified the presence of Form D in the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers, as well as multiple new locations in the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers, where all three Corbicula forms co-exist.

Illinois, Indiana, kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tenne↗

USGS2019

First examination of diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the U.S.

Black carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ) were imported to the U.S. in the 1970s to control snails in aquaculture ponds and have since escaped from captivity. The increase in captures of wild fish has raised concerns of risk to native and imperiled unionid mussels given previous literature classified this species a molluscivore. We acquired black carp from commercial fishers and biologists, and examined digestive contents of 109 fish captured over 8 y from lentic and lotic habitats in the central and southern U.S.A. Digestive tract contents were preserved, and diet items inventoried. We identified 59 aquatic animal taxa (21 mollusks, 27 insects, and 11 other invertebrates) and various plant material including nuts and seeds; no fish were found. Approximately 45% of stomachs examined were empty or only contained flukes (Trematoda) that had infected mollusks before they were ingested. Nonempty stomachs contained snails (16.5%), bivalve mussels (22.8%), and insect larvae (net-spinning caddisflies, 15.6%; burrowing mayflies, 6.4%; and midges, 13.7%). Fish also consumed freshwater sponges (Porifera), moss animals (Bryozoa), crustaceans (Ostracoda and Decapoda), water mites (Acarina), and three worm phyla (Nematoda, Nemertea, Annelida). Seven taxa of unionid mussels were identified from shell fragments among the fish we examined, all of which are found in habitats with soft mud or sand/silt substrates. Diet of fish captured in lentic environments contained significantly higher richness than those captured in lotic environments. Individual black carp often contained large numbers of only one or two diet items that were assumed locally abundant and did not always crush the shells of mollusks. Most fish we examined consumed benthic prey, which supports the classification of black carp as a benthic foraging species. However, the presence of other aquatic taxa associated with pelagic or subsurface zones suggests black carp are opportunistic in their consumption of diet items and flexible in their feeding modes.

The American Midland Naturalist↗

USGS2018

State-level freshwater mussel programs: Current status and a research framework to aid in mussel management and conservation

Despite increased focus on their ecology and conservation, freshwater mussels remain one of the most imperiled groups of aquatic organisms. We documented current management actions, resources, and challenges in managing freshwater mussels in the United States through a survey of state natural resource agencies. Approximately 85% of surveyed states ( N = 40) actively managed mussel populations. Common challenges to mussel conservation included limited funding, lack of public awareness, and poor understanding of habitat needs and risks. We present a research framework, currently underway in Missouri, to support a regional mussel conservation assessment whereby habitat needs are identified, risks are assessed, and standardized protocols are developed to monitor and detect trends in mussel assemblages and threats. The research framework conforms to the National Strategy for the Conservation of Native Freshwater Mollusks and is adaptable to other states. With full consideration of resource limitations, we explore how this framework can improve the effectiveness of mussel conservation efforts.

Fisheries↗

USGS2012

Spatial and temporal trends of freshwater mussel assemblages in the Meramec River Basin, Missouri, USA

The Meramec River basin in east-central Missouri has one of the most diverse unionoid mussel faunas in the central United States with >40 species identified. Data were analyzed from historical surveys to test whether diversity and abundance of mussels in the Meramec River basin (Big, Bourbeuse, and Meramec rivers, representing >400 river miles) decreased between 1978 and 1997. We found that over 20y, species richness and diversity decreased significantly in the Bourbeuse and Meramec rivers but not in the Big River. Most species were found at fewer sites and in lower numbers in 1997 than in 1978. Federally endangered species and Missouri Species of Conservation Concern with the most severe temporal declines were Alasmidonta viridis, Arcidens confragosus, Elliptio crassidens, Epioblasma triquetra, Fusconaia ebena, Lampsilis abrupta, Lampsilis brittsi , and Simpsonaias ambigua . Averaged across all species, mussels were generally being extirpated from historical sampling sites more rapidly than colonization was occurring. An exception was one reach of the Meramec River between river miles 28.4 and 59.5, where mussel abundance and diversity were greater than in other reaches and where colonization of Margaritiferidae, Lampsilini, and Quadrulini exceeded extirpation. The exact reasons mussel diversity and abundance have remained robust in this 30- mile reach is uncertain, but the reach is associated with increased gradients, few long pools, and vertical rock faces, all of which are preferable for mussels. Complete loss of mussel communities at eight sites (16%) with relatively diverse historical assemblages was attributed to physical habitat changes including bank erosion, unstable substrate, and sedimentation. Mussel conservation efforts, including restoring and protecting riparian habitats, limiting the effects of in-stream sand and gravel mining, monitoring and controlling invasive species, and protecting water quality, may be warranted in the Meramec River basin.

Missouri↗

USGS2011

Threats of habitat and water-quality degradation to mussel diversity in the Meramec River Basin, Missouri, USA

The Meramec River Basin in east-central Missouri is an important stronghold for native freshwater mussels (Order: Unionoida) in the United States. Whereas the basin supports more than 40 mussel species, previous studies indicate that the abundance and distribution of most species are declining. Therefore, resource managers have identified the need to prioritize threats to native mussel populations in the basin and to design a mussel monitoring program. The objective of this study was to identify threats of habitat and water-quality degradation to mussel diversity in the basin. Affected habitat parameters considered as the main threats to mussel conservation included excess sedimentation, altered stream geomorphology and flow, effects on riparian vegetation and condition, impoundments, and invasive non-native species. Evaluating water-quality parameters for conserving mussels was a main focus of this study. Mussel toxicity data for chemical contaminants were compared to national water quality criteria (NWQC) and Missouri water quality standards (MWQS). However, NWQC and MWQS have not been developed for many chemical contaminants and some MWQS may not be protective of native mussel populations. Toxicity data indicated that mussels are sensitive to ammonia, copper, temperature, certain pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products; these compounds were identified as the priority water-quality parameters for mussel conservation in the basin. Measures to conserve mussel diversity in the basin include expanding the species and life stages of mussels and the list of chemical contaminants that have been assessed, establishing a long term mussel monitoring program that measures physical and chemical parameters of high priority, conducting landscape scale modeling to predict mussel distributions, determining sublethal effects of primary contaminants of concern, deriving risk-based guidance values for mussel conservation, and assessing the effects of wastewater treatment plants and non-point source pollution on mussels. A critical next step to further prioritize these needs is to conduct a watershed risk assessment using local data (for example, land use, flow) when available.

Open-File Report↗