The effect of metal enrichment on chironomid communities was examined in streams receiving mine drainage from metal mining operations in New Brunswick, Canada. At five sites receiving mine drainage, metal concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in water (Zn), periphyton (Cd, Co, Cu, and Zn), and chironomid tissue (Cu, Cd, and Zn) relative to five paired reference locations. Metal concentrations in chironomid larvae were significantly correlated with concentrations in both water and periphyton. Chironomid communities were severely affected at sites receiving mine drainage as demonstrated by reduced genera richness and altered community composition. Sites receiving mine drainage exhibited an increased abundance of metal-tolerant Orthocladiinae and a reduced abundance of metal-sensitive Tanytarsini relative to reference sites. The incidence of mentum deformities was significantly elevated at sites receiving mine drainage (1.43 ± 0.24%), with the mean percentage approaching a doubling of that observed at reference sites (0.79 ± 0.22%). Trace metal concentrations at mine-associated streams in New Brunswick significantly affected the benthic community and have the potential to alter the structure and function of these aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords: Chironomid larvae, Metal mining, Mouthpart deformities, Community composition