Macrozoobenthos-Based Biomonitoring of River Water Quality Using BMWP–ASPT: Evidence from Kali Jarak, East Java, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51264/inajl.v7i1.140Keywords:
Bioindicator, BMWP-ASPT, Kali Jarak, Macrozoobenthos, Water qualityAbstract
Macrozoobenthos are key benthic invertebrates that play an essential role in nutrient cycling and are widely recognized as biological indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. However, freshwater ecosystems are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic pressures, including domestic activities, agricultural practices, and other human disturbances, which may contribute to changes in water quality and aquatic habitat conditions. Such pressures highlight the need for biological assessments that can capture ecological responses to environmental changes. This study assessed the diversity of macrozoobenthos in Kali Jarak, Wonosalam District, East Java, to evaluate its potential as a bioindicator of water quality. Samples were collected using purposive sampling across three stations with three replications. Identification was performed to the genus level, and data were analyzed using Shannon–Wiener diversity index, dominance index, and the Biological Monitoring Working Party–Average Score per Taxon (BMWP–ASPT) method. A total of 19 genera were recorded. Diversity index values ranged from 1.19 to 1.70, while dominance index values ranged from 0.27 to 0.43. The BMWP scores (47–66) and ASPT values (6.0–6.7) indicated that all stations were in the “excellent” category of water quality. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between certain genera and physico-chemical parameters: temperature with Austrotinodes and Macrelmis, pH and discharge with Baetis, current with Dicranota, BOD with Prodiamesa and Rhitrogena, and COD with Euphaea. Overall, the findings confirm that macrozoobenthos diversity provides a sensitive and reliable biological indicator for monitoring river water quality, supporting its application in freshwater biomonitoring and sustainable watershed management.
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