Abstract
The macroinvertebrate communities and relationships with environmental variables were characterized in the Erhai basin by sampling at 44 sites. Among the 76 taxa observed, Baetis sp., Tubificidae, Simulium sp., Eukiefferiella sp., Gammarus sp. and Parakiefferiella sp. were the dominant taxa. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that seven environmental variables, namely altitude, Ca2+, chemical oxygen demand, NO3–N, total phosphorus, streambed width, and a qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI), were significantly related to the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates. Two-way indicator species analysis divided total sampling sites into four groups. Weighted-averaging regression and cross-calibration produced strong models for predicting NO3–N, altitude, and QHEI, which enabled the selection of the following benthic taxa as potentially sensitive indicators of certain levels of NO3–N, altitude, and QHEI: Aracina, Atrichops morimotoi, Ceratopsyche sp., Guttilelopia sp., and Nemoura sp. for NO3–N; Heptagenia sp. and Parakiefferiella sp. for altitude; and Aracina for QHEI.
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
