Quality and ecological assessment in a river under hydromorphological changes using functional feeding guilds strategies of benthic macroinvertebrates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22849276Keywords:
aquatic insects, ecosystem attributes, Jajrud River, river environmental health, trophic nicheAbstract
Functional feeding groups (FFGs) strategies have emerged as effective bioandicators for assessing anthropogenic impacts in freshwater ecosystems and prioritizing management restoration programs. This study evaluates the utility of FFG-based metrics in reflecting the ecological health of the Jajrud River, a semi-arid system experiencing intensified human pressures. Water quality and ecological conditions were assessed using the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI), ecosystem attributes and the relative abundance of various feeding groups. Non-parametric multivariate statistical analyses were applied to evaluate spatial patterns. The results indicated the dominant presence of Collector-gatherers (0.7403) and a minimal occurrence of Shredders (0.00247) in the study area. Estimates of ecological attributes such as A/H, CPOM/FPOM, predator/prey ratios, and the spatial distribution patterns of functional feeding groups revealed that the Jajrud River and its sub-tributaries have low microhabitat diversity, are predominantly heterotrophic, and exhibit a lack of dynamic balance within the food web. Anthropogenic disturbances primarily sewage discharge and riparian encroachment have significantly altered the river’s structure and reduced riparian vegetation. Our finding highlights that utilizing functional feeding strategies can provide superior indicators compared to taxonomic classification and yields more accurate and comprehensive insights into ecosystem functionality and preventing the detrimental effects of costly and time-consuming management.
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