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

Authors: MELEK ZEYBEK

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the water quality of Kargı 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 Kargı 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.

Keywords: Macrozoobenthic invertebrates, water quality, biotic indices, ASTERICS

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