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Natura Croatica Issue number: Natura Croatica, Vol. 30 No.1

Can Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) assemblage reflect nitrogen and phosphorus load in the riverine ecosystem?

Authors: Lidija Kladarić, Renata Ćuk, Ivor Dukić, Aleksandar Popijač, Andrea Marinović Ruždjak

Authors and affiliation

  • Lidija Kladarić Hrvatske vode, Central Water Management Laboratory, Ulica Grada Vukovara 220, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Renata Ćuk Hrvatske vode, Central Water Management Laboratory, Ulica grada Vukovara 220, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Ivor Dukić student, Faculty of Science in Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
  • Aleksandar Popijač Kopački rit Nature Park Public Institution, Mali Sakadaš 1, 31327 Kopačevo, Bilje, Croatia
  • Andrea Marinović Ruždjak Hrvatske vode, Central Water Management Laboratory, Ulica Grada Vukovara 220, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to make a comparative analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate compositions in streams and rivers in Croatia with relation to different physical-chemical factors, especially nutrients. Samples were collected according to the AQEM method. At all the sites, 20 higher taxonomic categories were recorded of which Turbellaria, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Crustacea, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Heteroptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera were included in the present study. Water temperature mostly affected the composition of benthic macroinvertebrates to which it was inversely proportional. Nutrient enrichment, i.e., higher concentrations of ammonium, nitrates, nitrites, total nitrogen, orthophosphates and total phosphorus mostly affected Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Diptera, by decreasing their diversity.

Keywords

nutrient enrichment, water temperature, watercourse, macrozoobenthos, Croatia

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