Comparison of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Composition and Concentration in Marginally- Versus Perennially-Inundated Sites on the Trinity River

Flow regulation has significant impacts on river ecosystems including aquatic vegetation, benthic macroinvertebrates, and salmonids (Caldwell et al., 2018). The Trinity River is an example of a flow-regulated river that has experienced a decline in fish populations and ecological health (Beechie et al., 2015). This study uses benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) as indicators of fish habitat quality. We compare the abundance and composition of BMI communities before and after a rain event that inundated marginal habitat. Samples were collected at marginally- and perennially-inundated sites on the Trinity River in Junction City, California in January and February 2020. The resulting data illuminated that there was not a significant (p-value=0.27) increase in BMI abundance or diversity in marginal habitats post-inundation. This non-significant result may be attributed to the small sample size and high variability in the data. As we learn more about how flow regimes affect BMI abundance and diversity within marginal habitats, dam managers can be more informed on managing flow regimes to promote more healthy fisheries

Chemical Toxicants in Water: A \u3ci\u3eGeoHealth\u3c/i\u3e Perspective in the Context of Climate Change

The editorial focuses on four major themes contextualized in a virtual GeoHealth workshop that occurred from June 14 to 16, 2021. Topics in that workshop included drinking water and chronic chemical exposure, environmental injustice, public health and drinking water policy, and the fate, transport, and human impact of aqueous contaminants in the context of climate change. The intent of the workshop was to further define the field of GeoHealth. This workshop emphasized on chemical toxicants that drive human health. The major calls for action emerged from the workshop include enhancing community engagement, advocating for equity and justice, and training the next generation