Mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera): An Effective Indicator of Water Bodies Conditions in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract. In this article, the quality of running and standing water in Jordan is evaluated using mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) as biological indicators species. From March 2011 to April 2013, mayfly larvae were collected, from the study area that covers streams pouring into the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Six species were determined and distinguished from each other including Baetis monnerati, Baetis Sp, Nigrobaetis vuatazi, Cloeon gr simile, Caenis antoninae, Caenis sp. The results of this study showed that the Bestisdes group is commonly associated with Caenidae larvae in running freshwater bodies. Regarding their indicator values, Baetis monnerati as an indicator of clean to moderately polluted water and tolerance to saline water. Baetis Sp occur in clean freshwater but it is so rare that their values indicator in Jordan is low. Caenidae sp can tolerate some household pollutants while Caenis antoninae is a good indicator for standing to slow flowing clean to weakly polluted water. Cloeon gr simile could tolerate salty water and can be considered as a good indicator of unpolluted saline water. Only one species Nigrobaetis vuatazi was found to tolerate mineral water, with high Sr 2+ and Br -concentrations. In Jordan, species of Baetidae family show more tolerance to pollution than Caenidae family. Aquatic mayfly fauna are absent in eutrophic and thermal water bodies. The study concluded that mayfly fauna are qualified bio-indicators for water quality monitoring.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Diversity as Bioindicator of Water Quality of Some Rivers in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…A. parvula (family of Baetidae) is also known as one of benthic macroinvertebrates which is intolerant to the contaminants. Therefore, Baetidae family can also be used as a bioindicator of low levels of organic matter contamination [50].…”

“…In June 2016, Pampang River is dominated by Acentrella parvula and Baetis flavistriga. These two taxa are insects from the Baetidae family which can serve as low organic pollutant bioindicators [50,51]. During dry season (June 2016), it is most likely that Pampang River was contaminated by low level of organic matter due to the decreased water debit and deceased input of allochthonous materials into the water body.…”

Taxonomy of Baetis Leach in Israel (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae)

“…It is common in the Golan Heights, Hula Valley, Upper and Lower Galilee, Jordan Valley, eastern Judean Mountains, and the Dead Sea area. Outside of Israel it is found in Jordan (Gattolliat et al 2012; Alhejoj et al 2014; Ramadan and Katbeh-Bader 2018) and Iran (Bojková et al 2018). Suitable habitats for B.monnerati in Israel vary greatly and include brooks and streams of various sizes in temperate and semi-arid regions (Figure 2A–H), usually with pristine water.…”

“…This species corresponds to the undescribed “ Baetis L12” of Samocha (1972: 45 and pl XIX) and probably also to “ Baetis sp.” mentioned by Alhejoj et al (2014) from Jordan.…”

“…An isolated population is found in Perat Stream (Wadi Qelt; Figure 2G). Alhejoj et al (2014) referred to “ Baetis sp.” from Wadi Hisban in Jordan, about 50km east of Perat Stream. Additional study may confirm that this population indeed belongs to B.pacis .…”