Monitoring water quality using benthic macroinvertebrates and physicochemical parameters of Behzat Stream in Turkey

Abstract

The present work reports the results of an intensive study on water quality and bentic macroinvertebrate fauna of Behzat Stream in Turkey. The research was carried out at five sampling sites of two different sections of the stream between September 1998 and September 2002. A total of 52 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded. The upper section supported a more diverse community than the lower section. A low macroinvertebrate abundance was observed during summer in the lower section, this would be the result of high values of phosphate and nitrogen ions. In spite of this, Behzat Stream showed good water quality conditions. At the present it is under threat of anthropogenic disturbances, this especially in the lower section.