Potential Use of Benthic Macroinvertebrate as Biological Indicators in Sungai Ikan, Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu

A study was conducted to distinguish the likely role of benthic macroinvertebrate as biological indicators in Sungai Ikan, Terengganu. A total of five stations were selected for benthic macroinvertebrate and water quality analysis sampling. Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling was done using Surber net and water quality analysis was carried out based on APHA method. National Water Quality Standard (NWQS) was applied to evaluate water quality parameters of Sungai Ikan and the results showed that Sungai Ikan has excellent water quality and falls within the class I to II. The One-way ANOVA test showed most of water quality parameters did not differ significantly throughout the sampling area (p 0.05, α= 0.05). A sum of 2 phyla, 3 classes, 8 orders, 39 families and 1353 individuals were identified and dominated by Baetidae, Siphlonuridae, Simuliidae, Chironomidae and Elmidae. These dominant families were present in almost all sampling stations. As regards to good water quality along the sampling area, the CCA test was conducted to show other environmental factors influencing the benthic macroinvertebrate distribution, particularly the dominant families. CCA results showed distinct environmental influence to certain family and strongly affected the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate. Based on correlation test, the distribution of Baetidae, Siphlonuridae and Orthocladiinae (Family Chironomidae) were extremely influenced by cobbles, whereas Elmidae distribution was influenced by sand substrate. The results of this study indicate that within pristine ecosystem, environmental factors and habitat characteristics are vital to be accounted for in determining the particular taxa to be used as bioindicator of recreation river ecosystem.