Abstract
A study of the benthic invertebrates that inhabit three small streams draining into the Sasyk Reservoir located in southwestern Ukraine was made in the summer of 1995 to assess water quality of the streams. Biotic indices of water quality were compared to chemical analyses of water samples to determine the extent of agreement between biological and chemical water quality assessment. Results of the study indicated that water from the Kogilnik, Fontanka, and Drakula Rivers is highly saline, reflecting high rates of evaporation and leaching of salts from highly saline soils. Runoff from intense agricultural activity in the region enriches the water in ammonia and other forms of nitrogen. Among the chemical variables measured, total salinity appears to be most indicative of water quality. Total salinity in the Fontanka River (2600 mg per liter) was approximately 900 and 2300 mg per liter higher than that of the Kogilnik and Drakula Rivers, respectively. Similarly, the biotic indices obtained for the Fontanka River were lower than those for the other two rivers. The biotic indices suggest that water from all three rivers should not be used for direct human consumption without prior treatment. The use of benthic invertebrates for assessment of water quality is discussed.
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