Macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices for evaluating the water quality of Kargı Stream (Antalya, Turkey)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the water quality of Kargı Stream, Antalya, Turkey, in terms of physical and chemicalparameters and biotic indices. For this purpose, macrozoobenthic invertebrates and water samples were taken from each of theselected seven stations seasonally. The Belgian Biotic Index, BMWP and ASPT indices, and species diversity indices were applied fordetermining the water quality by using the ASTERICS software program. With the identification of the collected organisms, a total of126 taxa including 4 taxa from Gastropoda, 5 taxa from Oligochaeta, 1 taxon from Malacostraca, 84 taxa from Insecta, and 32 taxa fromArachnida were detected. Stations were clustered by using UPGMA, based on organisms. Station 7 in the estuarine zone was the mostdifferent one for the macrozoobenthic invertebrates. The lowest species diversity values were also found at this station. The water qualityof Kargı Stream was unpolluted/slightly polluted. Considering the physical and chemical parameters, biotic indices revealed changes inthe pollution load of the study area with some deviations. It is thought that the reason for these deviations was not taking into accountthe geomorphological and ecological characteristics of Turkey in the biotic indices used in the current study.