Distributional patterns of aquatic Oligochaeta communities (Annelida: Clitellata) in running waters in Serbia

Abstract

The study of aquatic Oligochaeta in freshwaters in Serbia contributes to the oligochaete fauna inventory of the Balkans. Based on our results and literature review, 97 species (45 genera from 8 families) are listed in the running waters of Serbia. From the list of 61 species recorded during our investigation, 12 were noted for the first time. The ecological analysis of Oligochaeta communities showed the largest participation of potamal and rhithral species. As regards current preferences, rheolimnophilous species predominated, and with respect to feeding type, collectors prevailed. Most of the species are tolerant to moderate and high organic load. According to microhabitat preferences, three types of rivers stood out, as follows: (1) pelophilous (dominance of L. hoffmeisteri); (2) psammophilous (dominance of S. heringianus); (3) phytophilous (dominance of N. bretscheri). Analyses of the relation to different types of waterbodies showed regularity in the distribution of oligochaetes, with a higher species richness in main watercourses (types 1 and 2), and a lower species richness in tributaries (types 3, 4 and 6). According to the dominant taxa, the running waters of Serbia can be classified into four groups which are characterized by the prevalence of naidids (naidins and tubificins), enchytraeids and lumbriculids. Our results show that community composition is a good indicator of the horizontal distribution of Oligochaeta. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 451-03-68/2020-14/200007]

Aquatic Insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) Metric as an Important Tool in Water Quality Assessment in Hilly and Mountain Streams

“…of taxa, SI, BMWP score, H index, No. of sensitive taxa, Tubificinae %) are known to be some of the most important indicators of water quality [33,45,46]. All these indices are a measure of the occurrence of taxa that are considered bioindicators of water quality.…”

“…Analyzing the percentage of Tubificinae gives an indication of sediment contamination. The presence of the subfamily Tubificinae (Oligochaeta) indicates poor water quality of these sites, but also the presence of a habitat suitable for these organisms (silt, clay mud and sand) [45].…”

“…As the benthic community changes under the various pressure, the abundance of populations of sensitive taxa decreases and the abundance of tolerant species increases [53]. Percentage participation of subfamily Tubificinae and values of SI describe a change in environmental conditions in this type of watercourses very well [45,54].…”

Aquatic Insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) metric as important tool in Water Quality Assessment in hilly and mountain streams

“…of taxa, SI, BMWP score, H′ index, No. of sensitive taxa, Tubificinae %) are known to be some of the most important indicators of water quality [31,43,44]. All these indices are a measure of the occurrence of taxa that are considered bioindicators of water quality.…”

“…Analyzing the percentage of Tubificinae gives an indication of sediment contamination. The presence of the subfamily Tubificinae (Oligochaeta) indicates poor water quality of these sites, but also the presence of a habitat suitable for these organisms (silt, clay mud and sand) [43].…”