Ecological status assessment of mountainous rivers (Prespa Lake watershed) via various biotic indices based on aquatic macroinvertebrates

Vol 25 No 1 (2022): Acta Musei Macedonici Scientiarum Naturalium

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide indicative ecological status assessment of mountainous streams of Prespa Lake watershed, based on benthic macroinvertebrates indices according to the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The sampling was conducted in spring period of 2021 and 2022 at 5 sites on three rivers. The benthic macroinvertebrates were collected by hydrobiological hand net applying kick & sweep technique and multihabitat procedure. For indicative ecological status assessment, the following indices were used: BMWP, ASPT and EPT-taxa. The water quality of the examined sites was evaluated from high to moderate (I - III class). In summary, the results assisted the selection of appropriate metrics for ecological quality assessment based on macroinvertebrates as BQE and are important in application of management protocols especially when such activities involve poorly investigated river ecosystems.