Analysis on the Relationship between Biological Indices and Survey Area of Benthic Macroinvertebrates Using Mathematical Model

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out the influence of sample size (accumulated survey areas) on the seven biological indices of benthic macroinvertebrates. BMI, the index similar to Zeilika-Marvan's saprobic index, tended to be independent on the variations of sample size. The other indices (Shannon-Weaver's diversity, Margalef's richness, Menhinick's richness, Pielou's evenness, and Lenat's EPT index) showed the considerable variations along with the increase of sample size and environmental conditions. To get the appropriate index values, it should be sampled at least 6 replicates more based on 30×30cm Surber sampler. In addition, the habitat heterogeneity index of benthic macroinvertebrates suggested in this study, it will be able to be used for evaluating the heterogeneity of habitats.