Abstract
The study was conducted in order to determine the abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in Doodhganga stream passing through Brenwar forest (Yousmarg) Kashmir. Altogether 6 orders under 2 phyla namely: Arthropoda and Annelida were recorded from the stream. Inspite of the torrential flow of the stream, the hard substrata like boulders and cobbles provided a stable habitat for diverse number of macroinvertebrates. The diversity of benthic community helped to assess the health of the stream. On the basis of Hilsenhoff biotic index the study area was found pristine with negligible organic pollution. The seasonal dynamics showed greater diversity and density in summers than in winters. Key words: Benthic, diversity, pollution, stream.
Highlights
Benthic macroinvertebrates are by far the most common groups used in the assessment of water quality (Williams and Feltmate, 1992; Rosenberg and Resh, 1993; Lin andYo, 2008; Martins et al, 2008)
This paper provides useful information pertaining to the type of invertebrates inhabiting the bottom substrate, thereby reflecting the pollution level in the stream
The general characteristics of the stream are given in 21 species followed by Annelida with 1 species
Summary
Benthic macroinvertebrates are by far the most common groups used in the assessment of water quality 200-500 μm (Rosenberg and Resh, 1993) inhabit the bottom substrate of fresh water, estuarine and marine ecosystem (A.P.H.A, 1998). The distribution of benthic macro invertebrate species and communities is controlled by a variety of environmental factors such as habitat characteristics (Peeters and Gardeniers, 1998), water quality (Hellawell, 1986), sediment quality (Chapman, 2001), sediment grain size (Tolkamp, 1980), contaminants (Phipps et al, 1995) and by biological factors such as competition and predation (Macneil et al., 1999). The benthic community shows a range of taxa-specific responses to environmental stressors, these may be with respect to alteration in the food webs (Goedkoop and Johnson, 1996; Lodge et al, 1998; Stockley et al, 1998). This paper provides useful information pertaining to the type of invertebrates inhabiting the bottom substrate, thereby reflecting the pollution level in the stream
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
