Aquatic insects as indicators of water quality: Seasonal distribution and biomonitoring insights from a hilly river in the Eastern Himalayan region, India
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigated the seasonal distribution and diversity of aquatic insect communities in the Jatinga River, a small hilly river in northeast India, to assess water quality through biomonitoring. Sampling was conducted at five sites along the river from upstream to downstream over one year seasonally (2018–2019). A total of 72 species, 58 genera, and 38 families were recorded, with species such as Micronecta sp.1, Ptilomera assamensis , and Hydropsyche sparna achieving eudominant status. Biotic index values like BMWP THAI (score: 78–105), ASPT THAI (score: 6.2–7.5), SIGNAL2 (score: 6.1–7), and EPT% (50.89–75.35) indicated good and clean water quality with healthy habitat at upstream sites (S1 and S2), with decreasing quality in downstream. Values of all the studied environmental variables of water were found within the permissible limit of Bureau of Indian Standards and World Health Organisation except Electrical conductivity (EC) and Total dissolved solid (TDS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed significant relationships between insect species distribution and environmental factors such as riverbed particles and water chemistry. • 72 species from 58 genera, 38 families, and 8 orders were recorded during the study. • Biotic index values represented good and healthy water quality at upstream sites. • Multivariate analysis confirmed distinct relations of insects with river variables. • Rich insect diversity signifies adequate secondary production in Jatinga River.
Source: Cleaner Water
Authors: Tanushree Chakravarty, Susmita Gupta
Institution: Assam University
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
Funder: Assam University, Silchar
OpenAlex ID: W4404727500