Use of macro invertebrates to assess the quality of Seybouse River (North-East of Algeria)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of water, to determine the macro-benthic invertebrates of this ecosystem. The money samples of water are taken (November - May) at three stations at different depths, including a very polluted one at downstream of the Wadi. Several physico-chemical parameters were measured (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, BOD5 MES, water temperature and salinity). The Bi-monthly sampling of macro invertebrates revealed the existence of 40 taxa, divided into 4 branches (amphibians, molluscs, arthropods, annelids), made up of 2344 identified individuals, and distributed according to the bathymetry, where the majority are Arthropods with 95.38%. The annelids represent 3.71%, collected mainly at the level of the strongly anthropized site C. Therefore, the distribution of the macrobenthic fauna, depends on the physico-chemical parameters, on the geographical position.Maintaining a standard water quality in this aquatic ecosystem requires continuous monitoring of its physicochemical characteristics.