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Development of Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index for Assessment of Large Rivers in Thailand

Author

Listed:
  • Chotiwut Techakijvej

    (Chiang Mai University, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science)

  • Songyot Kullasoot

    (Chiang Mai University, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science)

  • Rungnapa Tagun

    (Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Department of Biology
    Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Centre of Excellence on Biodiversity Research and Implementation for Community)

  • Tatporn Kunpradid

    (Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Department of Biology
    Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Centre of Excellence on Biodiversity Research and Implementation for Community)

  • Chitchol Phalaraksh

    (Chiang Mai University, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science
    Chiang Mai University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science)

Abstract

Human activities are a significant threat to the health of river ecosystems, especially in developing countries. In Thailand, benthic macroinvertebrates have been widely used for bioassessment for aquatic ecosystem evaluation. However, most of them focuses on streams, which may not be applicable to large rivers. This study aimed to fill this gap by developing a macroinvertebrate multimetric index for Thailand’s large rivers. Sampling was conducted in 15 rivers, and 41 sites across Thailand. Physico-chemical parameters, habitat characteristics, and macroinvertebrates were analyzed. Macroinvertebrate data were analyzed and metrics calculated. The seven selected core metrics, including Plecoptera taxa, EPT taxa, insect individuals %, Crustaceans and Mollusca individuals %, collector-gatherers taxa, intolerant taxa in BMWPThai, and Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, showed a strong response to anthropogenic disturbance. The final Thailand Large River Multimetric Index (TLMI) classified river health from “Excellent” to “Very Poor” condition. The validation of TLMI confirmed its ability to distinguish river health conditions. Overall, the TLMI can used as an assessing and monitoring ecological health tool for Thailand’s large rivers, that can be applied for river management and conservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chotiwut Techakijvej & Songyot Kullasoot & Rungnapa Tagun & Tatporn Kunpradid & Chitchol Phalaraksh, 2024. "Development of Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index for Assessment of Large Rivers in Thailand," Environmental Management, Springer, vol. 73(6), pages 1265-1275, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envman:v:73:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1007_s00267-024-01970-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01970-w
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