Saprobic Index Research Articles

Зоопланктон и зообентос Белоярского водохранилища в условиях теплового воздействия атомной электростанции.

Results of hydro/biological research in the Beloyarka nuclear power plant cooling reservoir conducted to determine peculiar features of the water body zooplankton and zoobenthos development under the nuclear power plant impact are presented. On the basis of the researches conducted some general trends of the Beloyarka Reservoir zoobenthos communities structure changes in the Beloyarka NPP impact zone were disclosed. The most significant changes in the bottom-located communities were detected in the zone directly adjacent to the BN-600 outlet where the worst water quality was detected, reduction of the zoobenthos and periphyton total abundance, biomass and species number, as well as the least species diversity indices. Saprobity indices corresponded to polluted water. Water quality indicators’ array calculated by the hydrocoles indicators characterized the Beloyarka Reservoir as a water body of the euthrophic type, as for the saprobity degree, it was characterized as a β-mezosaprobic water body being transferred into the α-mezasaprobic zone. The worst water quality and low species diversity indices were registered in the area close to the heated waters discharge point.

Species composition and structure of macrozoobenthos in Lake Ulaagchny Khar (Mongolia)

The assessment of modern state of zoobenthos in Ulaagchny Khar Lake (Western Mongolia) is presented. A list of macroinvertebrate species recorded in the lake in 2011–2013 is given. This list includes 44 species of six classes. Insects account for the largest number of species (33), among which chironomid larvae and pupae prevail (28 species). It has been found that chironomid larvae play a leading role in the structure of bottom communities of Ulaagchny Khar Lake, both in terms of species richness (63.6% of total number of species) and quantitative development. In 2011–2013, the average biomass of macrozoobenthos in the lake increased severalfold when compared to 1997 and 1998. According to the Pantle–Buck saprobity index, the lake is a β-mesosaprobic waterbody.

Water quality in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico: zooplankton indicators and Vibrio cholerae

<p>Lake Xochimilco is a eutrophic water body in Mexico City used by the local population for aquaculture and agriculture. Water level is maintained with inputs of partially treated waste water from the Cerro de la Estrella treatment plant. In this study we analysed the water quality at two sites of Lake Xochimilco, Lake Xaltocan and the Santa Cruz Canal using various indicators such as zooplankton diversity, saprobic indices, bacterial concentrations and physico-chemical variables. Eighty litres of water was filtered from Lake Xochimilco from each site, once a month from March to October of 2012, and the rotifers, cladocerans and copepods were enumerated and identified. Physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, Secchi depth, water depth, nitrogen and phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations, and bacterial densities were measured. During the study we recorded 33 species of rotifers, the most abundant being <em>Brachionus angularis</em>, <em>B. calyciflorus</em> and <em>B. havanaensis</em>. Among the microcrustaceans the most abundant were the cladoceran <em>Moina micrura</em> and the copepods <em>Acanthocyclops americanus</em> and <em>Arctodiaptomus dorsalis</em>. The species diversity was around 2 bits/ind. and the saprobic index between 1.5-2.0, indicating that both sites were β meso-saprobic. At both sites nitrogen was <1 mg/L and phosphorus ranged between 2.5-7.8 mg/L. Chlorophyll a concentrations were between 66-136 µg/L. The toxigenic (<em>Vibrio cholerae </em>No-O1/No-O139) and the non-toxigenic (<em>Vibrio cholerae </em>No-O135) strains of the bacterium were recorded, closely associated with littoral rotifers and cladocerans particularly <em>Brachionus quadridentatus</em> and <em>Alona</em> sp. All variables indicate that these sites in Lake Xochimilco are eutrophic and highly contaminated and that the water quality needs to be improved.<strong></strong></p>

Ecological Quality Analysis of the Rezekne River after Zooplankton

During seasonal studies 2012 (August/October), samples of zooplankton were collected and analyzed according standard method. Chemical quality of the Rezekne River's water investigated. Changes of quantitative and qualitative characteristics, saprobity index, species diversity (Shannon- Wiener index) and Renkonen index were employed for the analysis of zooplankton community structure in the Rezekne River. The Rezekne River saprobity varies from o – saprobity to β – mesosaprobity. The lowest ecological quality was determined in the leg of the Rezekne River in the territory of Rezekne city, which characterises with decrease in the total zooplankton abundance and species diversity according to Shannon - Wiener index, increase of saprobity.

Influence Of Wastewater On Zooplankton Community Of The Daugava River After Daugavpils Wastewater Treatment Plant Modernization

During seasonal studies 2010 (May-October, once/ thrice a month), samples of zooplankton were collected at the Daugava River section from 10 km upstream to 10 km downstream from the Daugavpils treatment plant wastewater discharge into the Daugava River. Changes in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics, saprobity index and species diversity (Shannon-Wiener index) were employed for the analysis of zooplankton community structure in the Daugava River. The Daugava River is polluted by Daugavpils wastewater, however the untoward influence of pollution on zooplankton is observed only in years and in seasons with low water level and discharge. The effect of Daugavpils wastewater pollution on changes in the zooplankton community is considered.

Comparison of the ecological status and water quality of lakes inhabited by and devoid of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)

Dreissena polymorpha is one of the bivalve species having a great impact on the environment, composition, and structure of aquatic communities, thereby acting as an efficient driver of changes in the ecological state of water bodies. We studied five Belarusian lakes in order to compare the water quality between lakes inhabited by and devoid of D. polymorpha, as well as to reveal the reasons for the observed differences. Lake Obsterno with a natural thermal regime and cooling reservoir Lake Lukolmskoe were invaded by this mollusk. Lakes Gorushka and Nobisto with a natural thermal regime, as well as cooling reservoir Lake Beloe, were devoid of D. polymorpha. The water quality classes were determined using the indices based on the physical and chemical parameters and characteristics of phytoplankton and Cladocera communities in line with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and the saprobity index calculated by the Pantle–Buck method in Sladechek’s modification. It is commonly accepted that transparency is a good indicator of the ecological state of lakes. According to the data on transparency, Obsterno and Lukolmskoe lakes have the highest ecological status. However, the estimates obtained with the help of biotic indices did not differ as significantly as transparency in these lakes. The calculations demonstrate that the discrepancies in transparency of lakes inhabited by and devoid of D. polymorpha were not in accordance with those found with the saprobity index (mismatch above 70%) and other biotic indices (above 50%). This allows us to conclude that introduction of D. polymorpha does not improve the ecological water quality through changes in the planktonic communities, regardless of higher transparency values and reduction of the phytoplankton biomass.

Effects of streamline complexity on the relationships between urban land use and ecological communities in streams

Urban land use can adversely affect the water quality of adjacent streams through interactions at the edges of the two ecosystems. From a landscape ecological perspective, edges control the flow rate of materials between two adjacent systems. Based on the rationale that the streamline complexity formed between land uses and water bodies may function in this manner, we investigated the potential role of streamline complexity in the relationship between stream ecological communities and urban land use in Korea. Various indices of biological indicators including the diatom assemblage index for organic pollution, the trophic diatom index, the Korean saprobic index, and the index of biotic integrity were applied at 80 sampling sites in the Nakdong River system. We computed the fractal dimensions of the streamlines within 1-km buffers and the proportion of urban land use in the watershed within 5-km buffers around the sampling sites. A moderation model was adopted to investigate the role of streamline complexity in the relationship between urban land use and the biological indices of ecological communities. A comparison between a simple geometry regression model and complex geometry models indicated that streamline complexity may moderate the adverse impacts of urban land use on ecological communities in streams. The moderating effect of streamline complexity was particularly significant for assemblages of macroinvertebrates and fishes. Therefore, to enhance the ecological integrity of streams, we strongly recommend considering streamline complexity when restoring channelized streams in developed areas.

MACROZOOBENTHOS AS AN DETERMINANT OF ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE BOSNA RIVER

UDK: 574.587(282.249 Bosna)
 The paper presents the distribution and diversity of macrozoobenthos composition of Bosna river up to Zenica, from 1999 to 2010. Macrozoobenthos has been chosen as an element of bioevaluation of the ecological state of running water, and according to the provisions of the Water Framework Directive. Sampling has been done by using the kick-sampling amd multihabitat method, a standard for hydrobiological research. The highest diversity of macrozoobenthos has been found in samples from the sites Rimski most (36 taxa), and the lowest was at site of the Bosna River upstream from the mouth of Ljubina river and downstream of the mouth of the Zgošća river (4 taxa). According to abiotic conditions which directly affect the composition of macrozoobenthos, and using Bray-Curtis similarity, the highest degree of similarity has been found in sites which are spatially nearby. Taxa number and EPT taxa number were highly correlated (R2 = 0,871). Saprobic index and BMWP index were calculated in assessing the ecological status of the river Bosna at the study sites. The values obtained comparing EPT taxa number and BMWP index show a high correlation (R2 = 0,706). The composition and the distribution of the macrozoobenthos in the Bosna river are conditioned by abiotic parameters. Sites upstream of the mouth of the Ljubina river and downstream from the mouth of the Zgošća river represent the places with the highest pollution which is the result of point and diffuse sources of pollution.

English

Large scale rubber, oil palm and banana plantations have replaced pristine coastal ecosystems in Tiko, Cameroon, through which freshwater flows. Agrochemical inputs into aquatic systems have the potential to influence phytoplankton community structure through adjustment of physico-chemical characteristics of water. Since plantation establishment in Tiko, Cameroon, no studies on the impacts of the agro-chemicals used on the aquatic ecosystems have been carried out. Phytoplankton community structure was assessed to evaluate current status and existing physico-chemical conditions. Three streams flowing through the Tiko plantations were selected to evaluate these effects. Two sets of water samples were collected (10 cm below the surface) at each sampling point in triplicates for nutrient and phytoplankton analyses. Nitrate, bicarbonate, zinc, iron and turbidity were found to exceed the WHO and EPA water quality standards. Eighty (80) species of phytoplankton belonging to 10 divisions were recorded during the study. The division with the highest species abundance was Bacillariophyta (31 species) followed by Chlorophyta (21 species) and the most abundant species recorded was Microcystisaeruginosa followed by Chlorella sp.Phytoplankton richness and abundance were higher in streams that had higher concentrations of nitrates and phosphates. These happened to be flowing through plantations in which agrochemicals use and human activities were highest. Of the 80 species recorded, 27 were indicators of eutrophication. The saprobic index ranged from 0.19 - 1.00 indicating that the streams were eutrophic. The results are significant for better management and monitoring of these ecosystems. Key words: Phytoplankton, community structure, nutrients, eutrophication, Tiko.

The Charophytes (Charophyta) Locality in the Milkha Stream, Lower Jordan, Israel

First study of new locality the Milkha Stream, the Lower Jordan River tributary, with charophyte algae, in semi-arid region of Israel has been implemented for revealing of algal diversity and ecological assessment of the water object environment by bio-indication methods. Altogether forty seven species from five taxonomic Divisions of algae and cyanobacteria including one of them macro-algae Chara gymnophylla A. Braun were revealed in the Milkha stream. Chara was found in growth in the lower part of studied stream but away from community in followed years. Bio-indication and chemical variables characterize the charophyte site environment as fresh, low alkaline, and low to middle organic pollution with mainly eutrophic state. Saprobity index S is fluctuated in small range (1.32-2.06) and reflect low to middle organic pollution, Class II-III of Water Quality. Statistical analysis divide environmental variables to natural and anthropogenic and found that charophyte-related species prefer natural, whereas diatom dominants prefer polluted waters which increased during present study. The Milkha Stream studied site is recommended for regularly monitoring of chemical and biological variables in purpose the watershed protection.

MICROPHYTOBENTOS OF THE RIVER MERTVOVID

Microphytobenthos of the River Mertvovid was studied for the first time. The river Mertvovid belongs to medium rivers of Ukraine and us a left tributary of the River Pivdennui Bug. The natural complex of Aktovskyi canyon, which was formed on the banks of the Mervovid, is a part of the regional landscape park Granitno-Stepove Pobuzhzhia, created in 1994 by Mykolaiv Regional Council.The aim of the research was to determine the modern state of microphytobenthos of the River Mertvovid. Microphytobenthos was studied on sandy and silty soils for 2009-2010 years at three stations near Voznesensk town. 52 species of algae, which belong to 3 phyla, 4 classes, 12 orders and 33 families, were identified as a result of the research, carried out in microphytobenthos of the river Mertvovid. Among them 51 new species for the said water reservoir were registered. Among the species composition rare for Ukrainian territory species of diatoms: Navicula jentzschii Grunow, Navicula alineae Lange.- Bert., Stenopterobia curvula (W. Sm.) Krammer were identified. The population of algae constituted 68.17–124.29 mln. cells/m², biomass constitutes 0.11–2.62 g/m².Among the species composition of the algae of the River Mertvovid representatives of phylum Bacillariophyta (43 species) dominated over species from phyla Chlorophyta (5 species) and Cyanophyta (4 species). With respect to the water salinity species composition of microalgae of the River Mertvovid is fresh water-saltish water (oligohalobs – 61.54%, mesohalobs – 19.23%, polyhalobs – 5.77%).Saprobic index of the River Mertvovid waters constituted 2.01, the majority of the microalgae of the research area are inhabitants of moderately polluted waters α-mesosaprobs – 21.15%, β-mesosaprobs – 44.23%. The largest population of algae was registered in April 2010, and the lowest in October 2009.

Comprehensive assessment of river-water quality in Primorskii krai, Russian Federation, with respect to chemical characteristics and composition of periphyton algae

Data on the water chemical composition and species composition of periphyton algae have been analyzed in 25 rivers under different rates of anthropogenic impact in Primorskii krai, Russia. It is shown that chemical oxygen demand and the content of ammonium compounds of dissolved nitrogen are the most definite indicators of total anthropogenic impact. In the Razdol’naya River, which as the greatest anthropogenic eutrophication, it may be also indicated by organic compounds of dissolved phosphorus and nitrates. The number and biomass of periphyton algae varies considerably even within similar water streams. The alga species composition and the saprobity index calculated on its basis are more stable. The saprobity index is characterized by less spatial variability when compared to the chemical composition of river water. Nevertheless, there is a correlation between the saprobity index and the content of ammonium nitrogen, as well as between the saprobity index trend within the last 20 years and input of contaminants into the Razdol’naya River.

Assessment of Pollution in Sidi M'Hamed Benali Lake (Algeria) Based on Bioindicators and Physicochemical Parameters

A B S T R A C T This study was carried out to investigate the degree, the nature and the origin of pollution in Sidi M’hamed Benali Lake using the physicochemical parameters, saprobic index and cladocerans. For this purpose, water and zooplankton sampling was collected from six sites in lake during five seasons. The average seasonal values of physicochemical parameters showed that the lake undergoes a slight anthropogenic and natural pollution in the dry and wet periods. Presence of certain toxic substances (CN , Cr, Ni) require us to be more careful in irrigation, bathe and the consumption of fishes of that reservoir. Overall, oligo-mesosaprobic to beta-mesosaprobic rotifers have been prevailing in all five seasons indicating that the water was slightly or moderate polluted. The presence of Bosmina longirostris, Daphnia longispina, Daphnia cuculata, Daphnia ambiga and Sididae diaphonosoma brachyrum indicate bacterial contamination with the intense development of the phytoplankton in the lake, especially in springs and summer. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlation between all of the physicochemical parameters. However, it revealed no significant correlation between zooplanktons occurrence and the majority environmental variables values. In present investigation, the Lake water is relatively little exposed to pollution and does not undergo strong organic pollution. doi: 10.5829/idosi.ijee.2015.06.04.09

ZOOBENTOS ŘEKY MORAVICE A BĚLOKAMENNÉHO POTOKA

Qualitative and quantitative composition of macrozoobenthos was studied on the Moravice river (six sites) and Bělokamenný potok brook (one site). Altogether, 64 and 29 taxa of water macroinvertebrates were determined in the Moravice river and Bělokamenný potok brook respectively. Saprobic index on the majority of monitored localities corresponded to oligosaprobity. On the sites 2 and 3 (downstream of the small town of Břidličná), the saprobic index showed β-mesosaprobity. The values of macrozoobenthos density and biomass ranged between 317–605 ind.m–2 and 4.1–6.5 g.m–2 respectively.

HYDROBIOLOGICKÁ STUDIE ŘÍČKY BOBRAVY

The qualitative and quantitative composition of macrozoobenthos in the Bobrava rivulet was summarized utilizing former and recent studies. Altogether, 187 taxa of macrozoobenthos were determined in the Bobrava rivulet and its tributaries until now. The highest values of macrozoobenthos were found on the stony substrate with mean values of biomass and density corresponding to 18.7 g . m−2 and 2922 ind . m−2, respectively. Lower values were determined on the muddy and sandy substrates with 12.4 g . m−2 and 1587 ind . m−2, and 4.2 g . m−2 and 531 ind . m−2, respectively. The index of saprobity upstream the town Rosice corresponded to oligo-betamesosaprobity. Downstream the towns of Rosice, Omice and Radostice on the middle course of the Bobrava rivulet, water duality declined to beta – to alphamesosaprobity. Due to the self-purification ability of the stream, its water quality was improved to beta-mesosaprobity bellow the municipal pollution sources in the river stretch between localities Závist and Želešice.

The Influence of Selected Factors on the Distribution of Epilithic Diatoms in a Torrential River the Kamniška Bistrica (Slovenia)

Abstract Physical and chemical characteristics of habitats and species diversity in streams and rivers are strongly influenced by the catchment area. We analysed the influence of selected environmental and spatial variables on the diversity and species composition of epilithic diatom communities in periphyton. Samples were collected along the river course in a torrential river the Kamniška Bistrica. Sampling sites were selected in reaches distributed from the source to the outlet of the river and were under different influences from the catchment area and with different physical and chemical characteristics. The most common and dominant diatom species in the periphyton community were Achnan-thes biasolettiana and A. minutissima. Achnanthes species often inhabit rivers and springs with moderate organic pollution. Another common diatom taxon was Gomphonema pumi-lum - a key species indicating oligosaprobic conditions. The results of the canonical cor-respondence analyses revealed that variance of the periphytic diatom community was explained by water temperature and conductivity as well as altitude. Diatom species richness was positively correlated with saprobic index values and abundance of filamentous algae in the river bed indicating a relatively low organic matter and nutrient input into the river system.

How stressor specific are trait-based ecological indices for ecosystem management?

Using macroinvertebrates as ecological indicators for different stressors has a long tradition. However, when applied to field data, one often observes correlations between different macroinvertebrate indices that can be attributed to both correlations of stressors and inherent correlations due to the sensitivity of taxa to different stressors. Ignoring the source of any given correlation leads to ambiguous conclusions about the impact of different stressors.Here, we demonstrate how to distinguish the causes of correlation by means of Monte Carlo simulations. We assessed to which degree trait-based indices are stressor-specific and whether this depends on the pool of taxa and its taxonomic resolution. Therefore, we (1) analysed the frequencies of “sensitive” and “insensitive” taxa for pairwise combinations of different indices, (2) analysed the inherent correlation of indices with random samples from different taxon pools derived from field samples and from a complete species list of a whole ecoregion, and (3) compared this inherent correlation with the actual correlation of the field samples. We exemplified this approach by analysing two existing indices (SPEARpesticides, Saprobic Index) and new indices for temperature, flow and pH stress. We used these new indices to illustrate our approach while in-depth testing of their applicability was not the focus of our study.We found strong correlations between several indices in our study area at the Swiss Plateau. The probability that this correlation is only due to inherent correlation in the taxa sensitivities was low (maximum of 0.34). The problem of inherent correlation between indices is more severe for the smaller taxon pool with lower taxonomic resolution.Correlation in the sensitivity of different taxa to different stressors leads to an inherent correlation in trait-based indices, which weakens their explanatory power. Our results highlight the importance of correlation analyses when using trait-based indices to guide ecosystem-management, especially in regions with reduced biodiversity.

ROČNÍ CYKLUS ZOOBENTOSU STŘEDNÍHO ÚSEKU ŘEKY DYJE

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the macrozoobenthos in the middle course of the Dyje River downstream the Znojmo reservoir was carried out in the years 2007 to 2008. Altogether, 118 taxa of macrozoobenthos were determined in the section between localities Tasovice and Dyjákovice. The highest values of macrozoobenthos were found on the stony substrate with mean values of biomass and density corresponding to 25.4 g . m−2 and 6 033 ind . m−2, respectively. Lower va­lues were determined on the sandy substrates with 5.8 g . m−2 and 5 857 ind . m−2, respectively. The index of saprobity on the locality Tasovice corresponded to betamesosaprobity (Si = 1.70), for the lo­ca­li­ty Dyjákovice the same index was (Si = 1.80).

HYDROBIOLOGICKÁ STUDIE MALÉHO TOKU NA ČESKOMORAVSKÉ VRCHOVINĚ

Zoobenthos of the Fryšávka Rivulet was investigated in the years 2007–2008. Research included also physico-chemical factors of water (temperature, pH, conductivity, oxygen saturation). Altogether, 144 taxa of zoobenthos were determined in the Fryšávka Rivulet: Coelenterata (1 taxon), Turbellaria (1 taxon), Oligochaeta (6 taxa), Hirudinea (1 taxon), Mollusca (5 taxa), Amphipoda (1 taxon), Decapoda (1 taxon), Acari (1 taxon), Ephemeroptera (18 taxa), Plecoptera (18 taxa), Heteroptera (1 taxon), Megaloptera (1 taxon), Planipennia (1 taxon), Trichoptera (36 taxa), Coleoptera (8 taxa), Diptera (44 taxa). Altogether, 76 taxa of zoobenthos were determined in Medlovka brook: Coelenterata (1 taxon), Turbellaria (1 taxon), Oligochaeta (2 taxa), Mollusca (1 taxon), Isopoda (1 taxon), Amphipoda (1 taxon), Acari (1 taxon), Ephemeroptera (14 taxa), Plecoptera (8 taxa), Megaloptera (1 taxon), Trichoptera (17 taxa), Coleoptera (6 taxa), Diptera (22 taxa).The average abundance of zoobenthos of the Fryšávka Rivulet was 3208 ind.m−2, the average biomass was 7.5 g . m−2, respectively. The same values for the Medlovka brook were: abundance 3238 ind.m−2 and biomass 5.8 g . m−2. The average value of the saprobic index for the whole Fryšávka Rivulet was 1.25 (oligosaprobity), for the Medlovka brook 1.42 (oligosaprobity).

HYDROBIOLOGICKÁ STUDIE STŘEDNÍHO TOKU BEČVY

The present work gives the results of the hydrobiological research of the middle course of the Bečva River in the river section between Valašské Meziříčí and Přerov, carried out in the years 2004 to 2007. Altogether, 65 taxa of macrozoobenthos were determined in the period 2000-2007 in the middle course of the Bečva River : Coelenterata (1 taxon), Oligochaeta (5 taxa), Hirudinea (3 taxa), Gastropoda (4 taxa), Isopoda (1 taxon), Amphipoda (2 taxa), Hydracarina (1? taxon), Ephemeroptera (7 taxa), Plecoptera (1 taxon), Odonata (3 taxa), Heteroptera (1 taxon), Megaloptera (1 taxon), Trichoptera (9 taxa), Coleoptera (3 taxa), Diptera (23 taxa). The number of zoobenthos taxa fell in the period 2004–2007 in comparison to period 2000–2002 from 51 taxa to 40 taxa. The decline of zoobenthos taxa was registered on study localities, as follows : Choryně (from 28 to 23 taxa), Hustopeče (from 27 to 25 taxa), Rybáře (from 35 to 28 taxa), Grymov (from 31 to 25 taxa). Average saprobity index of benthic community of the middle course of the Bečva River was 2.35. Average saprobity indices of monitored localities towards downstream were as follows: Choryně 2.41; Hustopeče 2.25; Rybáře 2.40; Grymov 2.34.