Distribution Of Macroinvertebrates Research Articles

Investigation of benthic macroinvertable fauna and some environmental variables in Sızır Waterfall (Gemerek-Sivas)

In this study, the benthic macroinvertebrate fauna of Sızır Waterfall, which is located in Sivas Province (Türkiye) and has an important place in recreational activities, and some environmental variables (velocity speed, water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness of water, Ca, Mg, Cl, salinity, total amount of dissolved matter, PO4, SO4, NO2-N, NO3-N contents) that may be effective in their distribution were investigated. Also, some elements (Li, B, Na, Al, K, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb) and a total of 181 types of pesticides were investigated in the studied area. During the wet and dry seasons of 2022, samplings were made from a total of 3 stations: at the beginning of the waterfall (upstream), inside the waterfall (waterfall) and at the exit of the waterfall (downstream). While individuals belonging to Oligochaeta (Potamothrix sp.), Gastropoda (Physa sp.), Amphipoda (Gammarus pseudosyriacus), Ephemeroptera (Baetis sp.), Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Odonata were determined. Also the physicochemical analysis results were evaluated in terms of water quality. The physicochemical and biological data of the sampling stations were examined statistically, and based on the similarity obtained, the effects of environmental variables on the distribution of macroinvertebrates were evaluated. The relationship between physicochemical data was analyzed using Pearson Correlation Analysis.

Composition and dynamics of macroinvertebrates community in relation to physicochemical parameters of hydrogeologically connected wetlands in Abbay River basin, Ethiopia.

Assessing the macroinvertebrate assemblage in relation to physicochemical parameters can provide insight into the ecological state of aquatic environments. Therefore, this study aimed to assess macroinvertebrate assemblage of hydrogeologically connected wetlands in relation to physicochemical water quality parameters. Data were collected between June 2022 and April 2023 from twelve purposively selected sampling sites following established procedures. A total of 1,211 macroinvertebrates were collected from 18 orders and 44 families. The majority (72.83%) are generally pollution-tolerant families of the order Hemiptera, Odonata, Coleoptera and Diptera. There was significant spatio-temporal variation (P < 0.05, One-way ANOVA) in total macroinvertebrate abundance and bioindices. There were more individual macroinvertebrates collected during the dry season. The CCA and correlation analysis indicated that the physicochemical parameters had an effect on the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates. The size of the wetlands andthe intensity of anthropogenic interventionmight also result difference in macroinvertebrate abundance across the wetlands. The higher nutrient concentrations, the low DO level, the higher abundance of tolerant taxa and the medium Shannon_Hvalue (range: 2.13 to 2.68) all indicate the wetlands' poor ecological status. Therefore, regular water quality monitoring, identification of the macroinvertebrate at the lower taxonomic level and the development of macroinvertebratebased multimetric indices are recommended for their sustainable management.

Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of river ecological quality influenced by textile and pharmaceutical industrial pollution in the upper citarum river

Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of river ecological quality influenced by textile and pharmaceutical industrial pollution in the upper citarum river

Composition and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates Associated with the Sponges Lubomirskia baikalensis (Spongillida, Lubomirskiidae) during the Ecological Crisis in Lake Baikal

Composition and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates Associated with the Sponges Lubomirskia baikalensis (Spongillida, Lubomirskiidae) during the Ecological Crisis in Lake Baikal

Lead (Pb) Accumulation in Water, Sediment and Distribution of Macro-Invertebrates in Delimi River, Jos, Nigeria

Background: This study assessed the concentrations of lead (Pb) in the water column and sediment as well as macro-invertebrates in River Delimi with a view to determining its ability to support aquatic life. Methodology: Water and sediment samples were collected simultaneously between August and November 2019 at designated stations: A (Abattoir), B (British America bridge), and C (Farin Gada bridge). Composite method was employed to collect water samples from different points in each station in 250 ml capacity plastic bottles with screw caps. The plastic bottles had previously washed with detergent and finally rinsed using distilled water. The water samples were filtered using 0.4 mm Whatman filter paper. Samples were then digested with few drops of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3). Sediment samples were collected in decontaminated airtight polythene bags measuring 500_g each. Sub-samples of the material were sun-dried for three (3) days and homogenized by grinding in laboratory mortar and pestle and sieved (aperture 125 µm). Sediment samples were digested with 20 cm3 aqua regia (3HCl:1HNO3), filtrate were stored in glass bottles and transported to the laboratory for chemical analyses. Macroinvertebrates were collected using a D-frame kick-net (30) at each site over a three-minute period. The collected specimens were preserved in 70% formalin and transported to the laboratory for sorting, identification, and enumeration. Result: Showed that the concentration of lead (Pb) in all the water samples were found to be less than the permissible limit set by WHO/FAO except site WA3 (0.0874ppm) and WC3 (0.0678 ppm) which were higher than the permissible limit. The concentration of lead (Pb) in sediment was higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit in all sampling stations which is most likely to pose serious health risks to macrobenthos. Also, 7 Micro-invertebrate taxa were identified in the sampling stations. Chironomidae, Eristalis Larva (Syrphidae), Tabanidae and Whirligig beetle (Gyrinidae) comprised more than 79% of the total abundance while stone fly Larva, hydrophilidae and beetle larva constituted the remaining. Conclusion: water samples suggest potential environmental contamination of lead in some locations while sediment samples indicate a significant contamination with lead, posing potential health risks to organisms living in the sediment, including macrobenthos.

Spatial distribution and composition of benthic macro-invertebrate in upper Awash River, below and upper Ginchi town, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

The composition and distribution of macro-invertebrates of benthic species can be influenced by water quality. The primary objective of this study was to understand the spatial distribution and composition of macro-invertebrates of benthic nature in the upper Awash River below and above Ginchi Town. The study was carried out for a period of three months from February 2020 to April 2020, and macro-invertebrates samples were collected from three stations using Surber sampler with 500 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upmu$$\\end{document}m/mesh size and 25 cm × 25 cm (0.0625 m2) of sampling area coverage. The present study showed that, in the study area, there was a low density of macro-invertebrates and species richness in general with a comparative difference between the pool riffle habitats in density and family richness. And the total abundance of benthic macro-invertebrates showed a positive correlation with NO3-N, dissolved oxygen, and total phosphorus, while a negative correlation with all the other physicochemical parameters measured during the study period. Spatial and monthly variations in the diversity and richness of benthic macro-invertebrates were attributed to the effects of human action and changes in environmental factors. So, the water shade management system should be applied to control pollution factors that can affect the macro-benthic fauna community.

Characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in a typical high sediment-loaded river in China

To date, the knowledge of benthic macroinvertebrates in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River remains quite limited compared to other rivers in China due to the difficulty of sampling and special geographical environment. In this study, benthic macroinvertebrates in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River were investigated to address the knowledge gap. The results showed that dipterans dominated the communities, followed by amphipods and EPT taxa. The density, biomass and biodiversity were at a low level. As a high sediment-loaded river, unlike the Yellow River and the Wei River, oligochaetes are not commonly found in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, and no mollusks were collected. The results of db-RDA showed that some natural factors influenced the spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in both dry and wet seasons, but during the flood season (summer and autumn), nitrogen and phosphorus became important factors due to severe soil erosion and high sediment loads in the water. The sections between above Batang and below Batang have obviously different substrates, resulting in the significantly different species composition and functional feeding groups. Moreover, higher habitat diversity can lead to higher benthic macroinvertebrate diversity after comparing the substrate types of the two sections. We consider that the unstable habitat conditions in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River are not conducive to completing the entire life cycle of benthic macroinvertebrates within a localized small habitat, and the communities are likely influenced more by seasonal contributions from populations in tributaries. Considering the impact of the existing cascade hydropower stations in the middle and lower reaches, and the realistic and potential impacts expected from the planned cascade hydropower stations in the upper reaches, it is imperative to prioritize the conservation of the tributaries along both banks of the upper Jinsha River. This enhanced conservation effort aims to preserve the diversity and integrity of benthic macroinvertebrates, which is of great significance in providing reliable food sources for the rare cold-water fish species and ensuring the safety of the aquatic ecosystem in the region.

Aquatic Macro-Invertebrate Diversity and Abundance in Eleyele Lake, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The availability and quality of water system in 21st century plays a vital role in the growth and survival of all living organisms. Eleyele Lake is a general-purpose water body which supplies water to various communities in Ibadan metropolis. This research aimed to investigate the quality of the water using physico-chemical parameters and their influence on the diversity, abundance and distribution of aquatic macro-invertebrates of the lake. Monthly, sample of water and macro-invertebrates from April to September, 2021 at eight sampling points were done, using standard APHA and Winkler’s methods. Macro-invertebrates collected were identified using standard identification guides. Relationship between physico-chemical parameters and aquatic macro-invertebrates was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Species diversity, taxa richness, evenness and similarity were determined using Simpson, Shannon-Weiner, Margalef, Evennes and Equitablity. A total number of 670 macro-invertebrates belonging to 7 orders namely, Hemiptera (47%), Odonata (20%), Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Trombidiformes and Hygrophila were collected and identified during the study period. Positive correlations occurs between BOD, EC, TDS, Nitrate and Phosphate and Chironomus sp. Also, pH was positively correlated with Lestes sp. and Aeshna sp. while DO have negative correlation with Lethocerus sp., Physa sp. and Lymnaea sp. The physico-chemical parameters and the diversity indices of macro-invertebrates encountered indicated that the lake was moderately polluted and tends toward degradation as a result of indiscriminate discharge of domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents into the Lake. Therefore, proper management of the lake is required to prevent further deterioration.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Composition, Diversity and Distribution of Daberam Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study offers insight into the diversity and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Daberam Reservoir, Katsina State, highlighting their role as bioindicators for assessing aquatic health. By identifying and analyzing 1,483 individuals across various taxa, with Melanoides tuberculata being the most prevalent species, the research underscores the correlation between low diversity in certain sampling stations and high pollutant levels. These findings contribute valuable data to the understanding of aquatic ecosystem dynamics in the region and emphasize the need for stringent environmental protection measures to mitigate human impact. Full Abstract Macrobenthic invertebrates are significantly considered to be bioindicators by providing a key concept in understanding the dynamics in aquatic conditions rather than chemical and microbiological data, which at least give short-term fluctuations. Recent trends in hydrobiological research show a drastic decline in the aquatic fauna. However, this research aimed to identify the benthic macroinvertebrates’ diversity and distribution in the Daberam reservoir of Katsina State. The reservoir serves multiple purposes for different individuals, ranging from domestic to economic activities such as fishing and irrigation farming around the reservoir. The water samples were collected from four (4) different sampling stations (A, B, C and D). Collection of the Bethic Macro invertebrates was conducted around 8:00 am monthly for 10 months from each sampling station using a circular framed sieve (250µm mesh size). The samples collected were fixed in the field with 10% formalin and subsequently preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol for further analysis. A standard identification chart (Identification guide to freshwater macroinvertebrates) was used to classify the Benthic Macro invertebrates into various taxa and species. The abundance and distribution of macro benthic invertebrates were compared using One Way ANOVA) and significant differences between the sampling stations were tested using chi-square at 5% level of significance. The present study has identified 1483 individuals of benthic macro invertebrates in the Daberam Reservoir of Katsina state. Mollusca (29.63%) is the most dominant group, followed by Diptera (22.22%), Coleoptera (14.81%), Oligochaetae (14.81%); Hemiptera (11.11%), Ephemeroptera (3.70%): and Odonata (3.70%) are the least prevalent with only one specie each. Melanoides tuberculata was found to have the highest number of occurrences, with a total number of 332 individuals across all the sampling sites representing (22.25%). The highest number of benthic macro invertebrates recorded was in Site D, with a cumulative total number of 603 (40.42%) organisms. Site B recorded the least total number of benthic macro invertebrates with a cumulative total number of 250 (16.76%) organisms. The low diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates in some sample stations in the study area was an indication of the presence of high levels of pollutants in the water bodies. Strict environmental protective measures are required to reduce human stressors within the study area.

Abundance and Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates of Luhu Dam, Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study uses benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators to assess water quality in the Luhu Mini Dam, Michika, Adamawa State. The study involves the collection of benthic macroinvertebrate samples over six months, utilizing the Van Veen grab method for sampling and preservation in formalin. Upon transportation to the laboratory, the samples were identified and subjected to statistical analysis, including the Shannon and Weiner Index, Margalef’s Index, Simpson’s diversity Index, and Pielou’s Evenness. The study aims to provide fundamental information on the health of the Luhu Mini Dam and to understand the water quality and pollution status, thereby informing necessary management measures. The distribution and diversity of species across three different stations. A total of 462 individuals representing 20 taxa from 3 phyla were collected. Station 1 yielded 16 taxa and 162 individuals, station 2 had 17 taxa and 201 individuals, and station 3 had 17 taxa and 99 individuals. The diversity indices revealed variation in the number of species across stations, with stations 3 and 2 having the highest number of species, while station 1 had the lowest. The general diversity (H') was highest at station 3, followed by stations 1 and 2, whereas station 3 also exhibited the highest Evenness index (E). Moreover, the taxa richness index, as calculated by Margalef's Index (d), peaked at station 3. Simpson's dominance index showed that Station 2 exhibited the highest dominance, followed by Station 1 and Station 3. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and diversity of species across different biotopes.

Distribution and Economic Importance of Aquatic Macro Invertebrates: A Review

Distribution and Economic Importance of Aquatic Macro Invertebrates: A Review

Effect of the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates in the benthic and hyporheic zones on the vertical hydraulic conductivity of the streambed

Water quality, aquatic habitat, and groundwater recharge, which have a critical impact on the river ecosystem health, are associated with the vertical hydraulic conductivity of streambed (Kv). Macroinvertebrates bioturbation can generate heterogeneity in the benthic and hyporheic zones to influence Kv by particle reworking and burrow construction, which are directly and indirectly related to the physicochemical conditions of sediments. However, understanding how these factors and processes influence Kv and its role is deficient. Here the spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates and its effects on Kv in the Weihe River were investigated. Macroinvertebrate bioturbation had a significant effect on Kv when the biomass was greater than 1 mg/m2, and yet when the biomass exceeded 102 mg/m2, bioturbation had a significant inhibitory effect on Kv as the result of clogging due to the fine sediment particles and secrete mucus produced by benthic Macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrate distribution and biomass are often influenced by temperature which could also decrease the fluid viscosity, thus improving Kv. Moreover, the mixed bioturbation mode with the predominated Tubificidae was better than the bioturbation mode of single-type benthic macroinvertebrates in improving sediment permeability. These findings have important implications for revealing the disturbance mechanism of benthic macroinvertebrates on Kv and provide a reliable theoretical basis for the protection and planning of river ecosystems.

The assessment of water quality by macroinvertebrate and water quality indices in small reservoir (Damsa, Türkiye)

AbstractThe composition and spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates in the Damsa reservoir have been analysed. Also, reservoir water was evaluated with water quality index (WQI). Damsa reservoir is significant for both biodiversity and recreation in the region. Except for the winter season, the lake water is of good quality for WQI. There is pollution in the lake in terms of phosphorus, especially for winter. In terms of phosphate, all of the stations are mezotrophic for the OECD; however, Stations 4 and 5 are eutrophic for the Türkiye Surface Water Quality Management Regulation (the others are mezotrophic). Community variation and status of benthic macroinvertebrate were evaluated with Ecological Status Class Assessment Tools (ESCATs) indices which have been widely used in the literature. In the present study, 1062 individual benthic macroinvertebrates from 11 orders and 17 families were collected. A total of 46 macroinvertebrates taxa were identified. The first three dominant groups are Oligochaeta (42.66%), Hemiptera (Micronecta scholtzi, 23.07%) and Chironomidae (19.67%).

Quantification of large-spatial scale and in-stream factors affecting the structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in mountain streams

Habitat diversity plays a crucial role in shaping the structure and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. However, few studies have investigated the concurrent effects of such drivers operating at different spatial scales in mountain streams. Here, we assessed which environmental factors at different spatial scales, related to stream/river type and substrate, influence the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in mountain streams and rivers. Within the framework of the aquatic investigations of the Biodiversity Monitoring South Tyrol (BMS) – a newly-established, regional-based, long-term biodiversity monitoring program – benthic macroinvertebrates and a set of environmental factors describing water quality, stream/river hydromorphology and in-stream habitat characteristics were collected and analysed. The variation in total density, taxonomic richness, Shannon evenness and % Ephemeroptera–Plecoptera–Trichoptera taxa of stream benthic macroinvertebrates was assessed at multi-scale habitat levels, in 48 sampling sites across the mountainous region of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen (Italy). The effects of stream/river type, substrates and different environmental factors on community composition of benthic macroinvertebrates were quantified, using a stepfoward Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and generalized additive models (GAMs). In addition, we performed an Indicator Value analysis to detect taxa that were significantly associated with a specific substrate and/or stream/river type. Overall, we observed significant differences in benthic biological metrics among both stream/river and substrate types. We also found at least one indicator taxa for each stream/river type, with environmental factors acting at reach and large-spatial scale – temperature, stream channel stability, elevation – being the key drivers in shaping macroinvertebrate distribution patterns in the analysed mountain rivers. While significant differences in macroinvertebrate community structures were found among substrates, the influence of stream/river type conditions was particularly evident. Apart from ranking environmental variables worth including in a long-term aquatic biodiversity monitoring program in mountain areas, our study provides a baseline for practical applications. For instance, depending on the desired outcome of habitat heterogeneity restoration, it can suggest the optimal scale (landscape vs. reach vs. patch) for prioritizing in-field interventions.

Response of Chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae) to Environmental Factors at Different Spatial Scales.

Factors responsible for species distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates, including responses at different spatial scales, have been previously investigated. The aim of the present research was to review the most relevant factors explaining chironomid species distribution focusing on factors operating at different spatial scales, such as latitude, longitude, altitude, substrate, salinity, water temperature, current velocity, conductivity, acidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient content etc. acting at regional levels and at a large or small water basin level. Data including chironomid species abundances from different lentic and lotic waters in Italy and other surrounding countries were analyzed using partial canonical correspondence analysis (pCCA) and multiple discriminant analysis (DISCR). Spatial analyses, including univariate Moran's I correlograms, multivariate Mantel correlograms and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEMs), were thereafter carried out. The results showed that habitat type, including different types of lotic waters (i.e., kryal, crenal, rhithral, potamal) and different lake types (i.e., littoral, sublittoral, profundal zones), is the most significant factor separating chironomid assemblages, while spatial factors act only as indirect influencers.

Ecological Influence of Organic Pollution on the Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Some Control Forest Watercourses in Cameroon

Monitoring of water quality and distribution of some benthic macroinvertebrates was carried out in a few control watercourses in the Mefou watershed, from August 2022 to June 2023 with the aim of identifying some ecological factors that influence the distribution of benthic organisms in forest areas. The evaluation of granulometric and physicochemical quality was carried out following the appropriate methods and the collection of benthic organisms following the multihabitat approach. The analysis of the particle size parameters shows that the coarse fraction dominates all the points explored, although the beginning of siltation was observed in the middle part of the Abouda and Fam rivers. Physico-chemical analyses revealed a relatively stable environment with well-oxygenated water, low values of organic pollution indicator parameters and low and constant temperatures throughout the watersheds. The analysis of the biological structure shows a total of 8483 individuals collected, all belonging to the arthropod phylum and the insect class. From the orders obtained, Hemiptera dominate the benthic fauna with 6 identified families. The organisational structure of the benthic community was analysed through the calculation of diversity and fairness indices and allows us to affirm that the benthic macroinvertebrate community is diverse and well organised.

Ecological Significance of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Headwater Streams

Headwater streams are the starting points of river ecosystems, that consist of an array of unique microhabitats. Most of these stream segments are first-order streams and these aquatic ecosystems provide habitats for many macroinvertebrates including arthropods, mollusks, annelids, nematodes, and turbellarians. These species play a significant role in maintaining the ecological integrity of the river ecosystem. Specifically, their feeding habits of scraping, collecting, shuddering, and predating make a significant contribution to maintaining stable food webs within the stream ecosystems. These macroinvertebrates are highly sensitive to environmental changes and consequently, they have been used as indicators of environmental quality. Although the aquatic macroinvertebrates play a crucial role in headwater streams, they face stresses caused either by nature itself or man leading to their extinction on certain occasions. Global warming, acidification, deforestation, forest fires, industrialization, intensive agriculture, and livestock farming practices have been identified as potential stresses behind the extinction and biodiversity losses of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams. Therefore, the abundance and distribution of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams need to be critically considered in developing criteria for development projects, agricultural practices, and other environmental management strategies to protect and conserve these unique environmental creatures.

Ecological importance of low-order streams to macroinvertebrate community composition in Afromontane headwater streams

Low-order streams contribute to the abiotic and biotic character of large rivers and are renowned for harboring unique forms of aquatic flora and fauna. However, most studies on headwater streams mainly focus on the mainstems and overlook the contribution of the tributary systems. Moreover, low-order streams are generally overlooked in legislation and bioassessment programs, and consequently not protected in many countries. To contribute to the recognition of the ecological importance of low-orders streams, this study focused on determining whether river network characteristics and associated physico-chemical parameters can be used to effectively predict the variabilities in macroinvertebrate assemblage characteristics between first-order and second-order streams in the headwaters of the Nzoia River Basin, Kenya. The study quantified the structural and functional community composition, diversity, similarity, and richness of macroinvertebrate communities between the two river systems. Dissolved oxygen, coarse particulate organic matter, conductivity, stream width, depth, discharge and flow velocity were the main predictors of the diversity and distribution of macroinvertebrates in the first order and second-order streams. The first order streams recorded higher abundance of macroinvertebrates than the second-order streams. Taxa from families Ephydridae, Elmidae, Gomphidae, and genera Euthraulus, Neoperla, Orthothrichia and Prosopistoma were limited to the second-order stream sites while families Ceratopogonidae, Pisuliidae, Dytiscidae and genus Trichosetodes occurred exclusively in the first-order stream sites. Collector-filterers and collector-gatherers were the most abundant functional feeding groups (FFGs) in the two river systems. Scrapers were abundant in the second-order stream while shredders were abundant in the first order streams. The distinctness in the structural and functional composition of macroinvertebrates between the two river systems suggests that linkages among streams in a network as exemplified in the Nzoia River Basin, support and foster biodiversity.

Occurrence, abundance and seasonal distribution of benthic macro invertebrates in relation to the water quality and bottom soil properties in a fish pond

Occurrence, abundance and seasonal distribution of benthic macro invertebrates in relation to the water quality and bottom soil properties in a fish pond

Inventory and Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Indicators of Water Quality in Four Forested Watercourses in Centre Region of Cameroon

Inventory and Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Indicators of Water Quality in Four Forested Watercourses in Centre Region of Cameroon