Assessment of Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers, and evaluation of physicochemical parameters in the Sakarya River Basin of Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) method and physicochemical measurements were used to assess the trophic status of the Sakarya River Basin in Turkey. The most abundant macrophytes were Phragmites australis, Thypa latifolia, Juncus sp., and Paspalum distichum. The IBMR values varied between 6.00 and 13.00 in spring, and between 6.714 and 14.40 in the fall season. The sampling stations, which are under the influence of agricultural runoffs, domestic effluents, and industrial discharges, had hypoxia accompanied by eutrophic and/or hypertrophic conditions at least in one season. The individual trophy levels of the sampling sites in the basin have been assessed as mesotrophic to eutrophic. However, considering the average IBMR value of all stations, the general trophy level of the basin was close to eutrophic. The results indicate that the physicochemical parameters are affected by various effluents discharged to the basin as observed during field studies, and the obtained data would be useful to apply conservation measures.

Using diatom indices to estimate the ecological status of minimally disturbed rivers of the Sakarya River Basin (Türkiye)

“…The use of biological quality components such as macrophytes, phytoplankton, diatoms, fish and macroinvertebrates has gained importance worldwide, especially in European countries (e.g., Arda et al, 2021; Damanik‐Ambarita et al, 2016; Kelly et al, 2009; Lobo et al, 2004; Rimet et al, 2016; Soininen & Könönen, 2004), after the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (European Union, 2000) proposed to assess the ecological status of rivers through biological monitoring as well as other water quality parameters. Due to rapid hydrological changes in freshwater systems, snapshot results of water chemistry are no longer adequate to assess long‐term changes.…”