Macroinvertebrate assemblages in an artificial habitat—a settling basin of a hydroelectric power plant: comparison with a natural riffle habitat

Abstract

The macroinvertebrate assemblages in an artificial habitat, the settling basin of a hydroelectric power plant, were investigated and compared with those in a natural habitat, riffles in a nearby river. This study showed that macroinvertebrate density was much higher in the settling basin than in the riffles. Macroinvertebrate assemblage composition differed between the settling basin and the riffles. The difference was probably due to the widespread bryophyte beds in the settling basin. Cincticostella, Brachycentrus, Ephmerella, and chironomid midges, which are usually abundant in bryophyte beds, were present at much higher densities in the settling basin. Cheumatopsyche and Taeniopterygidae were also present at higher densities in the settling basin than in the natural riffles. In contrast, Epeorus was present at lower density in the settling basin than in the natural riffles. This study suggests that the settling basin increases β-diversity in riverine ecosystems.