Determination of diversity and species composition of the benthic macroinvertebrates in Sangı stream (Izmir, Turkey)

Though benthic invertebrates are an important indicator for determining biological quality in freshwater ecosystems, there are still significant deficiencies in their faunistic composition. This study aimed to determine the diversity and species composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in Sangı Stream, Izmir (Turkey). Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected monthly from February 2018 to March 2019 in predefined six sampling stations. As a result of the analysis, four benthic macroinvertebrate groups, including Crustacea, Oligochaeta, Gastropoda, and Insecta, were identified in the Sangı stream. The most dominant taxa were Insecta among all benthic macroinvertebrates. Using species-based biodiversity indices and analyses spatial similarities and differences were also determined. This study is the first study for determining Sangı Stream benthic fauna; that’s why all taxa diagnosed in the stream has been recorded for the first time.