Benthic diatom and macroinvertebrate assemblages, a key for evaluation of river health and pollution in the Shahrood River, Iran

Abstract

The pre sent study analyzed the relationships of two different biological assemblages (diatom and macroinvertebrate) when they are used to characterize a set of stations (from reference stations to impacted stations) within the Shahrood River. In particular, we examined the issue of concordance among these assemblages and the physicochemical parameters detected, using both multivariate and multimetric methods. In addition, the trophic diatom index and Hilsenhoff family-level biotic index for macroinvertebrate assemblages were used to evaluate the ecological status of the Shahrood River. Diatom and macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Shahrood River differed significantly between reference and impacted stations. ANOSIM showed a significant difference in the composition and abundance of diatoms and macroinvertebrates among reference, influence and impact stations, especially between reference and impact stations. Results of CCA ordination showed that benthic diatoms and macroinvertebrate assemblages were mainly affected by DO, TSS, NO3−, PO43− concentrations and heavy metals such as Zn and Cd. Biotic indices for the Shahrood River suggested a water quality category of “fair” with fairly substantial organic pollution for the impacted stations. Finally, our results suggest that an appropriate management and restoration policy needs to be implemented for the Shahrood basin.