Macroinvertebrate-based Biotic Indices Research Articles

Assessing the Water Quality of Creek Systems at Caraga State University-Main Campus, Philippines, using Macroinvertebrate-based Biotic Indices

Macroinvertebrates are widely utilized for monitoring water bodies and assessing water quality. In this study, macroinvertebrates were sampled from different gradients (upstream, midstream, and downstream) of four creeks within the main campus of Caraga State University. The study utilized a modified kick-net method to evaluate their species diversity, composition, and richness. A total of 20 taxa of macroinvertebrates from seven orders and 16 families were collected and identified across the subsampling stations. Gastropoda was the most abundant order, making up 65.51% of the total, with representatives from five families. Despite this abundance, the Shannon Diversity Index indicated very low diversity across all creek systems. However, the Pollution Tolerance Index (PTI) and the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) scores consistently showed good water quality across all subsampling stations. These results align with the Family Biotic Index (FBI) score, which suggests excellent water quality with no apparent organic pollution throughout the creeks. This study highlights the value of family-level identification in biomonitoring programs at CSU and similar environments. This method is cost-effective and practical, particularly in contexts with limited systematic knowledge of macroinvertebrates.

Development of a macroinvertebrate-based biotic index to assess water quality of rivers in Niger State, North Central Ecoregion of Nigeria.

The increasing pollution of lotic ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, poses a threat to water quality, public health and biodiversity. It is therefore essential to develop appropriate tools and methods for monitoring these rivers, particularly in heavily affected areas, where these water resources are vital to the surrounding communities that are heavily dependent on them. To fill this gap, we propose to develop a multimetric index based on macroinvertebrates for the assessment of ecological quality of rivers in Niger State (NSRBI). Eighty-eight metrics were evaluated through a step-by-step statistical process (namely, range test and stability, redundancy test and relationship with abiotic variables), in which metrics that did not meet the conditions were excluded. At the end of this process, only four metrics (%Hemiptera, Diptera richness, Pielou equitability and % of very large individuals (size > 40 mm)) fulfilling all criteria were included in the index. These metrics were then scored on a continuous scale and divided into four water quality classes: "very poor", "poor", "fair" and "good". Evaluation of the performance of the index on test sites showed a correspondence of 90% between index result and environmental-based classification. Therefore, the NSRBI could be a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing the ecological conditions of rivers in Niger State and the North Central Nigeria ecoregion predominantly in urban and agricultural landscapes.

Biomonitoring, simulation, and evaluation of anthropogenic pollution in Disam River, Iran: use of macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices and Qual2kw model

Biomonitoring, simulation, and evaluation of anthropogenic pollution in Disam River, Iran: use of macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices and Qual2kw model

Rwenzori Score (RS): A Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index for Biomonitoring Rivers and Streams in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda

The Rwenzori region in Uganda, a global biodiversity hotspot, is currently undergoing exponential economic and population growth, which puts continuous stress on its freshwater ecosystems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, biomonitoring campaigns using region-specific biotic indices is limited, particularly in Uganda. In this research, we present the Rwenzori Score (RS), a new macroinvertebrate-based biotic index developed to specifically assess the aquatic health of Rwenzori streams and rivers. We collected and measured both biological and physicochemical variables and identified 34,202 macroinvertebrates, belonging to 64 different taxa. The RS was developed in two steps. First, using canonical ordination, we identified chemical variables that correlated significantly with gradients in macroinvertebrate assemblage distribution and diversity. Second, based on selected variables and weighted averages, we determined specific family indicator values and assigned pollution tolerance values (varying from 1: tolerant; to 10: sensitive) to a family. Finally, we established four water quality classes: poor, fair, good, and excellent. The RS is highly correlated with the Average Score Per Taxon System (p < 0.05), a well-known and widely used biotic index. The RS has 5 unique taxa that are not included in other regional indices. In this regard, the development of the RS is a beneficial tool for tailor-made biomonitoring that can contribute to the sustainable development of the Rwenzori stream and river basins.

Assessment of the water quality of the upper reaches of the ouémé river in benin using benthic macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices

To cope with the numerous consequences of stream pollution caused by anthropogenic activities, it is necessary to evaluate the water quality for sustainable management. The present study aims to evaluate the water quality of the upper reaches of the Ouémé River in Benin using biotic indices based on benthic macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates were sampled using a Surber net in four stations distributed over the longitudinal profile of the upper reaches of the Ouémé River. After sample collection, the macroinvertebrates were separated, identified and counted under a stereo-microscope. A total of 13 macroinvertebrate orders and 24 macroinvertebrate families were collected in this study. The Chironomidae was the most abundant family. The results of the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) Index, the EPT/Chironomidae Index, the Hilsenhoff Index and the Standardized Global Biological Index (IBGN) revealed that the Upper Ouémé River has very poor water quality. The intense pressures from human activities in this part of the river have led to serious organic pollution, which has resulted in the proliferation of macroinvertebrates resistant to pollution to the detriment of those sensitive to pollution. On the basis of this result, protection and recovery measures must be taken to preserve and improve the ecological status of the waters of the upper reaches of the Ouémé River.

Zambian Invertebrate Scoring System (ZISS): A macroinvertebrate-based biotic index for rapid bioassessment of southern tropical African river systems

An extensive survey of tropical rivers, conducted during 2009–2012 throughout Zambia, collected 151 samples of benthic macroinvertebrates, located on 95 rivers in six of the nine freshwater ecoregions. Associated data for physico-chemistry, human activities and ecosystem stressors were collected. Data were used to develop and test a new Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (the Zambian Invertebrate Scoring System: ZISS) for assessment of water quality and river condition in both wadeable and non-wadeable rivers. ZISS, which is based on the South African Scoring System (SASS), includes a total of 85 taxa, of which 79 are shared with SASS. Assignment of sensitivity weightings to new ZISS taxa was based on sensitivity weightings of closely related SASS families; known life-history modes and anatomical adaptations; and correlation of occurrence to impact ratings. The ability of the ZISS to measure impacts was assessed by determining the relationships between ZISS metrics and impacts. ZISS data for the Kafue River demonstrated the efficacy of the ZISS for detecting moderate to high impacts on water quality and river condition. ZISS represents a major step in developing a user-friendly, widely applicable, macroinvertebrate-based biotic index, which can provide easily interpretable assessments of river condition for southern tropical African rivers.

Macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices for evaluating thewater quality of Kargı Stream (Antalya, Turkey)

The aim of this study was to determine the water quality of Kargi Stream, Antalya, Turkey, in terms of physical and chemical parameters and biotic indices. For this purpose, macrozoobenthic invertebrates and water samples were taken from each of the selected seven stations seasonally. The Belgian Biotic Index, BMWP and ASPT indices, and species diversity indices were applied for determining the water quality by using the ASTERICS software program. With the identification of the collected organisms, a total of 126 taxa including 4 taxa from Gastropoda, 5 taxa from Oligochaeta, 1 taxon from Malacostraca, 84 taxa from Insecta, and 32 taxa from Arachnida were detected. Stations were clustered by using UPGMA, based on organisms. Station 7 in the estuarine zone was the most different one for the macrozoobenthic invertebrates. The lowest species diversity values were also found at this station. The water quality of Kargi Stream was unpolluted/slightly polluted. Considering the physical and chemical parameters, biotic indices revealed changes in the pollution load of the study area with some deviations. It is thought that the reason for these deviations was not taking into account the geomorphological and ecological characteristics of Turkey in the biotic indices used in the current study.

Tanzania River Scoring System (TARISS): a macroinvertebrate-based biotic index for rapid bioassessment of rivers

The biological assessment of rivers using aquatic macroinvertebrates is an internationally recognised approach for the determination of riverine ecological conditions. In this study a Tanzanian macroinvertebrate-based biotic method, Tanzania River Scoring System (TARISS), was developed in 2012, based on the South African Scoring System (SASS). Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from 101 sites, including both reference and test sites, in the Pangani, Rufiji and Wami–Ruvu basins in the Pangani highlands and central eastern Africa ecoregions. TARISS modification involved adjustments of the list of taxa and the assigning of sensitivity weightings to three new families. Six SASS taxa were excluded and three new taxa were included, resulting in a total of 96 TARISS taxa. Assigned sensitivity weightings of the new taxa were: 10 for Dicercomyzidae, 9 for Ephemerythidae and 4 for Neritidae. Through validation, TARISS proved to be reliable in distinguishing reference from test sites, based on macroinvertebrate assemblages and TARISS metrics. The degree of reliability in distinguishing reference from test sites was higher when river types were used. TARISS scores and average score per taxon (ASPT) showed stronger correlations with the disturbance gradient, and were more reliable in distinguishing between reference and test sites than the number of taxa.

Use of a macroinvertebrate based biotic index to estimate critical metal concentrations for good ecological water quality

Large datasets from total and dissolved metal concentrations in Flemish (Belgium) fresh water systems and the associated macroinvertebrate-based biotic index MMIF (Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders) were used to estimate critical metal concentrations for good ecological water quality, as imposed by the European Water Framework Directive (2000). The contribution of different stressors (metals and water characteristics) to the MMIF were studied by constructing generalized linear mixed effect models. Comparison between estimated critical concentrations and the European and Flemish EQS, shows that the EQS for As, Cd, Cu and Zn seem to be sufficient to reach a good ecological quality status as expressed by the invertebrate-based biotic index. In contrast, the EQS for Cr, Hg and Pb are higher than the estimated critical concentrations, which suggests that when environmental concentrations are at the same level as the EQS a good quality status might not be reached. The construction of mixed models that included metal concentrations in their structure did not lead to a significant outcome. However, mixed models showed the primary importance of water characteristics (oxygen level, temperature, ammonium concentration and conductivity) for the MMIF.

Structural and functional indices show similar performance in marine ecosystem quality assessment

Reliable ecosystem quality assessment of marine environments is increasingly important due to mounting pressures attributable to human activities. Biotic indices are widely used in studies to describe communities and indicate the ecological state of systems. This study focuses on benthic macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices for the assessment of ecosystem health. Indices used in ecosystem health assessment in the marine environment have mainly focussed on measuring structural components of the system while more recently the measurement of functional components has been highlighted. In this study the performance of traditional diversity indices based on structural components of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, indices developed for the EU Water Framework Directive, and indices which are based on functional biological traits of species were compared. The results indicated that while functional indices may provide a more detailed assessment of the benthic communities than structural indices, the overall outcome is broadly similar for both types of indices. This suggests measurement of functional indices may be unnecessary for routine monitoring purposes, although they may have value in revealing more specific aspects of change in a system.

Performance of selected macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices for rivers draining the Merendon Mountains region of Honduras

Cusuco National Park, a cloud forest park situated in the Merendon Mountains region of Honduras, is home to considerable biodiversity with a very high degree of endemism. Like many other cloud forest parks in Central America, it was declared a protected area not because of its biodiversity, but mainly because of its function in protecting river water quality in the headwaters draining the park. Illegal and authorised forest clearance for agricultural activity such as coffee production and pasture for animals and diffuse inputs from settlements are expected to affect aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and the water quality of the rivers in the park. There is however very limited water quality monitoring, mainly because biological indices such as those in use in Europe and the United States among others have not been developed in Honduras. A research project based on macroinvertebrates was initiated in 2009 to develop a water quality index for the area. Sampling was undertaken between June and August 2009 and set out to sample minimally disturbed upper catchments of reference rivers. This paper evaluates the performance of several indices. A version of the ASPT based on the BMWP calibrated for Costa Rica (BMWP(CR)) performed best. KEY WORDSBiomonitoring, Honduras, macroinvertebrates, neotropics, upland stream, water quality

Interaction between macroinvertebrates, discharge and physical habitat in upland rivers

1. There is a need to relate changing river flows to ecological response, particularly using methods which do not require extensive new data for water bodies without historical data. This paper describes how local-scale habitat features and changing discharge appear to influence a macroinvertebrate-based biotic index. 2. The study used 87 time-series of river biomonitoring data from upland, wadeable streams with quasi-natural flow regimes across England and Wales. Twenty-seven of the sites were matched to a nearby flow gauging station, and historical, natural flows using a generalized rainfall-runoff model were synthesized for 60 sites. All sites were matched to a River Habitat Survey (RHS) within 1 km. 3. The data were analysed using multilevel linear regression, combining sample- and site-level characteristics as predictors. Common responses were assessed across sites, using the biotic index LIFE (Lotic Invertebrate index for Flow Evaluation), an average of abundance-weighted Flow Groups which indicate the relative preference among taxa for higher velocities with gravel/cobble substrates or slow velocities with finer substrates. The aim was to understand the influence of habitat on macroinvertebrate response to antecedent high and low flow magnitude. 4. There was a positive relationship between LIFE score calculated from spring and autumn samples and antecedent high (Q10) and low flows (Q95). The relationship between summer Q10 and autumn LIFE score was steeper than the relationship between winter Q10 and spring LIFE score. Bed and bank resectioning reduced overall LIFE and increased the steepness of the response of LIFE to low (Q95) flow. 6. The models derived may be used to guide environmental flow allocations and to quantify the relative influence of flow and physical habitat change on macroinvertebrate responses. The interaction between resectioning and low flow has particular implications for the conservation of macroinvertebrate taxa with requirements for faster flowing water.

Bioassessment of the ecological integrity of river ecosystems using aquatic macroinvertebrates: an overview with a focus on South Africa

An overview is given of the bioassessment of the ecological integrity of river ecosystems using aquatic macroinvertebrates, focussing on the South African situation within a global context. Biotic indices and their use in aquatic bioassessment are covered, and comparative descriptions of the more important and/or widely used macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices are given. For each biotic index described, information is provided on the biotopes sampled, the sampling equipment used, the sampling protocol followed, the level of taxonomic resolution, whether identifications are laboratory- or field-based, the range of the final index value, and its current usage. A discussion on using biotic indices and interpreting bioassessment data follows. The multimetric and multivariate approaches to bioassessment are compared, as are the regional and multivariate approaches to the derivation of reference conditions. The use of invertebrate habitat assessment in river bioassessment studies is briefly discussed and the South African spatial framework for analysing bioassessment data is described. In conclusion, a number of potential avenues for further research regarding the use of macroinvertebrates in the bioassessment of river ecosystems are identified.