«FarDU ilmiy xabarlari» Ҷилди 7 № 3 (2026)
Qualitative assessment of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the Shakhimardan river basin, Uzbekistan
Muhammadiyev, Fazliddin
Аннотатсия
Traditional water resource management relies heavily on temporal chemical monitoring, which fails to capture cumulative environmental pressures. Biological assessment using benthic macroinvertebrates offers a reliable alternative as sedentary bioindicators. To establish a qualitative bioassessment framework in Central Asia, a multi-seasonal sampling campaign was conducted across 4 strategic stations in the Shakhimardan River basin between November 2023 and November 2024. Macroinvertebrates were collected using the standard kicking technique and identified to the family or lower taxonomic level. The surveys revealed distinct biocenotic patterns driven by hydromorphological gradients and anthropogenic interactions. High taxonomic diversity and structural stability were recorded at Site 2 (undisturbed Koksu River), exhibiting the highest mean EPT share (%EPT = 54.7±32.2) dominated by sensitive Perlodidae and Capniidae nymphs. Downstream of a hydropower impoundment (Site 1), the EPT share declined (%EPT = 44.4±37.5) as opportunistic filter-feeders (Simuliidae and Chironomidae) expanded. Along the urbanization gradient of the Aksu River, sensitive specialists were replaced by tolerant generalists, with Diptera reaching a maximum dominance of 60.6±8.1 at Site 4 due to rural settlements and pasture land-use (86.55%). Notably, extreme mountain rheophiles like Blephariceridae and Drunella submontana were documented, highlighting the high conservation value of these headwaters.
Qualitative assessmentBenthic macroinvertebratesBioindicationEPT taxaShakhimardan RiverCentral Asia.Qualitative assessmentBenthic macroinvertebratesBioindicationEPT taxa
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