Response of aquatic macroinvertebrates communities to multiple anthropogenic stressors in a lowland tributary river

In the current study the response of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities to multiple anthropogenic stressors in a typical lowland river that crosses pristine sectors situated toward headwaters, as well as densely populated urban areas was assessed. We wished to develop an effective bioassay procedure for assessing water and sediment quality in lotic ecosystems from Romania with the aid of macroinvertebrate organisms correlated with physicochemical parameters and pollutants in both dissolved fractions and material bonded to sediment. A fast scanning approach of the river, from springs to the mouth, was employed. We found significant changes in physicochemical parameters along a longitudinal gradient, the highest values being registered within the urban area and heavily agriculturally developed areas. The macroinvertebrates showed affinities for certain abiotic factors, emphasising their potential use for future studies as reliable ecological indicators, shaped by a synergic combination of urban effects and magnitude of type of land use.

Automated summary

This study assessed the response of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities to multiple anthropogenic stressors in a lowland river spanning from pristine sectors to densely populated urban areas. A bioassay procedure was developed to evaluate water and sediment quality, with macroinvertebrate organisms correlated with physicochemical parameters and pollutants. Significant changes in physicochemical parameters were found along a longitudinal gradient, with macroinvertebrates showing affinities for specific abiotic factors, highlighting their potential use as reliable ecological indicators.