Differential distribution of macroinvertebrate associated with water quality

Abstract

Streams and rivers are the major source of drinking water and irrigation in many developing countries. Stream health is a major criterion and regulator of the health of its dependents (invertebrates, aquatic flora, fishes, animals, and humans). For the sustenance of a balanced ecosystem, a mutual existence between flora and fauna along with other abiotic factors is a prerequisite. Benthic fauna lying on the riverbed serves as a food source for fish, larger insects, birds, etc. Nowadays, most freshwater bodies are getting polluted through various anthropogenic activities like mining, land‐use practices (fertilizers and insecticides), industrial effluent, and sewage inlet. Due to the water contamination, there have been observed changes in the physicochemical parameters of the water. The macroinvertebrate species being sensitive to these changes play an important role not only in determining the health of the water body but also in regulating the ecosystem. After review, it was observed that order like Diptera dominated in various locations, comprising of family Ceratopogonidae and Chironomidae, followed by order Trichoptera and Coleoptera. Species belonging to family Baetidae and Chironomidae possess pollution tolerance capabilities; additionally, these species can survive at a wide range of temperatures. Species from families such as Simuliidae showed their existence at varying water velocities. Families like Limnephilidae, Simuliidae, and Glossosomatidae exhibited their survival in fast moving water whereas Notonectidae, Hydrophilidae Gomphidae, Coenagrionidae, Libellulidae, Aeshnidae, and Dryopidae indicated species of low waterflow. Species of the family Tipulidae have been related to areas of high conductivity, whereas Gomphidae, Dryopidae, and Glossomatidae as species of low conductivity. Hydrophilidae and Notonectidae dominated high temperature areas. The present study will put forth before the government, current scenario of macroinvertebrate structure depending on the different characteristics of the water. This will help in regulating and controlling water pollution.