Assessing the Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on the Relative Density of Macroinvertebrates in a Hill Stream Located in Western Himalaya, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Author: Sharanjeet Kaur Kahlon and J.M. Julka

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Abstract

Macroinvertebrates act as bioindicators and can be used for biomonitoring freshwater aquatic habitats. Therefore, the present study has been conducted to study the variations in relative densities of macroinvertebrates on moving from a pristine to anthropogenically impacted area in three selected study sites i.e. Barog, Bajhol and Deothal in District Solan, Himachal Pradesh and monthly sampling was done during August, 2014 to July, 2016. Maximum dipterans were recorded from Bajhol sampling site, which received agriculture runoff, industrial effluents and domestic sewage and their presence indicated pollution at this site. The least polluted site was Barog sampling site as indicated by maximum density of ephemeropterans. Deothal sampling site harboured less relative density of dipteran and ephemeropteran individuals as compared to other two study sites, but had maximum density of trichopterans.

Keywords

Macroinvertebrates, hill streams, anthropogenic, density, Western Himalaya, India.

Conclusion

This study has provided a broad perspective of macroinvertebrate density of a perennial stream flowing in the vicinity of Solan town in Himachal Pradesh and western Himalayas, constituent of Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. The present study reveals that high relative density of dipterans at Bajhol indicates pollution at this site as compared to Barog and Bajhol. The least polluted site was Barog as indicated by maximum density of ephemeropterans. Deothal sampling site harboured less relative density of dipteran and ephemeropteran individuals as compared to other two study sites, but had maximum density of trichopterans. Biomonitoring is a tool which should be used to study the environmental condition of water bodies. Proper measurements should be taken for the abatement of pollution.

References

Anthropogenic activities have greatly affected freshwater biodiversity habitats, which have perturbed the ecological balance and resulted in loss of aquatic biodiversity (Jewitt, 2002; Hassan et al., 2005). Freshwater bodies such as streams and rivers, which support high species diversity and density of biota are among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide (Armitage et al., 1983). The health of a stream can be determined using macroinvertebrates as they act as bio indicators and play an important role in the food chains of aquatic systems (Bode and Novak, 1995). The overall health of a stream is linked to the density, diversity, distribution and population of its benthic macroinvertebrates (Callisto et al., 2007). The present study was hence carried to study the variations in relative densities of macroinvertebrates on moving from a pristine to anthropogenically impacted area. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. Study area The present study was carried out on a stream of the Giri watershed.

How to cite this article

Sharanjeet Kaur Kahlon and J.M. Julka (2017). Assessing the Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on the Relative Density of Macroinvertebrates in a Hill Stream Located in Western Himalaya, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India , Biological Forum – An