Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages at sub-tropical River of Jamu, River Tawi, corresponding to different catchment land uses, were assessed in 2008 to 2009 as indicators of water quality. The relative diversity, species richness, dominance, evenness indices, physico-chemical parameters and percentage of Annelida + Arthropoda + Mollusca (AAM) individuals were determined. Significant spatio-temporal variation was observed in relative diversity, with Diptera dominating the study area instead of Annelida, Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera and Gastropoda. Significant relationships were recorded between physico-chemical parameters (air and water temperature, depth, transparency, pH, FCo₂, DO₂, CO₃^2-, HCO₃^-, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-) and the occurrence of specific genera. Significant changes in macroinvertebrate assemblages were primarily due to changes in water quality. As elsewhere, macroinvertebrate communities proved to be good indicators of water quality and should be used as bioindicators in long-term monitoring of this river.

Key words: Macrobenthic invertebrate fauna, correlation, diversity, species richness, Tawi River, water quality.