Structure, distribution patterns and ecological responses to hydrological changes in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in a regulated semi-arid river: Baseline for biomonitoring studies

Abstract

Biological monitoring requires a comprehensive baseline of assemblage distribution patterns and their environmental drivers. In this study we evaluated benthic macroinvertebrates in a regulated river, located in a semi-arid region, which has a seasonal flood pulse and is affected by several anthropogenic pressures. Taxonomic and trophic structures of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were analysed in terms of their longitudinal distribution, hydrological regime and environmental factors, including the effects of hydromorphology, riparian land use and water abstraction. Most taxa were generalists and classified in the collector-gatherer functional feeding group. A large taxonomic replacement was associated with hydromorphological characteristics. Local environmental variables were critical for macroinvertebrate assemblages. There was significant temporal variability regarding seasonal flood pulse. Water abstraction for irrigation had a strong effect on assemblage structure. We suggest some challenges and issues for successful implementation of biomonitoring tools in the Dulce River, related primarily to high spatiotemporal variability.