The distributional pattern of benthic macroinvertebrates in a spring-fed foothill tributary of the Ganga River, western Himalaya, India

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates play important ecosystem roles in the cycling and outflow of nutrients. The benthos transforms organic detritus from sedimentary storage into dissolved nutrients that can be mixed into overlying waters and used by rooted plants (macrophytes) and algae (phytoplankton) to enhance primary productivity. This study examined the distribution pattern of benthic macroinvertebrates in a lesser Himalayan foothill stream from the headwaters (2,200m) to mouth (375m). Five stations (S1 to S5) were established along the 43-km course of the stream. Samples were collected at bi-monthly intervals from January to December 2009. The total density of the benthic macroinvertebrate community increased with decreasing altitude and differed significantly among stations. Dominant orders were Diptera at S1 (Simulidae, 27%) & S5 (Chironomidae 24%), Trichoptera at S2 (Limnephilidae 16%) & S3 (Hydropsychidae 9.9%), and Ephemeroptera (Heptageniidae 9.2%) at S4. Principal component analysis revealed that the characteristic taxa were Simulidae at S1, Limnephildae at S2, Hydropsychiidae, Rhyacophilidae, Tipulidae, Perlodidae, Dryopidae & Notonectidae at S3, Heptageniidae at S4, and Chironomidae, Siphlonuridae, & Agrionidae at S5. Cluster analysis showed one large cluster comprising S1 and S2 as sub-groups with resemblance to S3-S4, and S5 as an outlier. The similarity between the stations S3-S4 was attributed to similar land-use pattern (agriculture) and stream order (II Order), while S1 and S2 were slightly similar due to partial similar forest type (oak forest at S1, pine-oak forest at S2) and stream order. At S5, however, the considerable change in forest type (mixed forest) land-use and stream order (III Order) caused S5 as an outlier in cluster. The variations in the abundant and characteristics taxon at different stations were attributed to change in substratum and land-use patterns. 

The impact of heavy metal concentrations on aquatic insect populations in the Asan Wetland of Dehradun, Uttarakhand

“…Consequently, food availability for macroinvertebrates was scarce during this period, compounded by the submergence of the littoral zone. The dominancy of insects (larvae and nymphs) as benthic fauna in the aquatic water bodies in winters has been documented in river Jhelum (Kashmir) 45 , Tons River 46 , and Hinyul stream, a tributary of river Ganga 47 . In this work, 13 genera belonging to 6 orders of macroinvertebrates were collected.…”

“…4 ) between three different sites showed that S2 and S3 were similar, whereas S1 was outgroup. Negi and Mamgain 47 also applied cluster analysis for macrozoobenthos to identify homogeneous groups between different months 21 , 22 .…”

Differential distribution of macroinvertebrate associated with water quality

“…Dipteran and Coleopteran species have also been observed in abundance in various streams of Brazil and Solan (HP, India). Many studies were carried out to find out the connection between the benthic communities and abiotic factors as a crucial parameter for the determination of stream degradation levels (Dutertre et al, 2013;Erman & Erman, 1984;Maul et al, 2004;Semwal & Mishra, 2019). Earth's geology directly impacts various physical and chemical features of the aquatic environment (Glazier & Gooch, 1987).…”

Taxonomic and Trophic Characterization of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Fauna in Headwaters of Eastern Himalaya

“…The study of structural composition of benthic macroinvertebrate fauna is governed with various physico-chemical factors such as water quality, sediments quality and biological factors i.e., competition and predation. In view of above global studies, various Indian studies have been conducted in the rivers and streams of different geographical regions like Himalaya (Nautiyal et al 2015, Semwal and Mishra 2019, Mishra and Prasad 2020, the central Highlands , Mishra and Nautiyal 2016 and in the Western Ghat (Dinakaran and Anbalagan 2010, Though many studies have been Santosh et al 2014). performed in the lesser Himalayan region, but very sparse study is available in the rivers of north east Himalaya and especially in the rivers proposed for hydroelectric project.…”