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Aquatic Macroinvertebrates as Bioindicators of Stream Water Quality- A Case Study in Koratty, Kerala, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Dept. of Soil Science, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, INDIA

Res. J. Recent Sci., Volume 2, Issue (ISC-2012), Pages 217-222, February,2 (2013)

Abstract

The paper discusses the results of an attempt to test the suitability of aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of stream water quality in a natural water course locally referred as Koratty chal that runs through the length of agricultural lands in Koratty region. Rapid bioassessment protocol recommended by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was followed utilizing Kicknet and D'net of 500 μm mesh size to sample the macroinvertebrates. Family Biotic Index (FBI) calculated using the tolerance value of different taxa showed that there was remarkable variation in water quality along the stream. FBI values were around 4.1-5.0 in upstream reaches indicating good water quality. Deterioration of water quality downstream was evidenced in the FBI value of 5.3-5.5 in the mid reaches and 6.0-6.5 in the lower reaches. These values were also found to be in conformity with the water quality as assessed at the biomonitoring sites. It is thus concluded that biomonitoring is feasible in such streams in the region to obtain a quick assessment of water quality.

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