Journal of Wetland Ecobiology
Volume 17, Issue 2 (Summer 2025)
2025, 17(2): 1-11 |
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kianersi F, Shirmohammadi M, Hoshmand H, Mazraeavi M, Bani Taphroozadegan J. Assessment of Water Quality in Simineh Dam Reservoir Using Macrobenthos-Based Biotic Indices. Wetland Ecobiology 2025; 17 (2) : 1
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1086-en.html
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1086-en.html
Farahnaz Kianersi 
, Mehrnaz Shirmohammadi , Hossein Hoshmand , Mohsen Mazraeavi , Jamil Bani Taphroozadegan
, Mehrnaz Shirmohammadi , Hossein Hoshmand , Mohsen Mazraeavi , Jamil Bani Taphroozadegan
the Institute of Fisheries Research of the Country
Abstract: (414 Views)
Benthic invertebrates (Macrobenthos) play a fundamental role as a vital component of food webs in aquatic ecosystems like lakes and dam reservoirs. Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, low mobility, and relatively long lifespan, these organisms are considered suitable biological indicators (bioindicators) for monitoring water quality and assessing the ecological health of these ecosystems. They can be particularly useful in identifying challenges arising from phenomena such as eutrophication. Accordingly, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the sediment quality and ecological status of the Seymareh Dam Lake in Ilam Province, with an emphasis on its potential for fisheries. Sediment sampling was carried out at five different stations (including the inlet, three mid-lake stations, and the outlet station) during four seasons in the year 1395 (2016-2017). A total of 3090 macrobenthic individuals were collected and identified, belonging to 6 major invertebrate phyla. Analysis of the community composition revealed that Annelids (Annelida) accounted for the highest abundance with a 54% share of the total individuals, followed by Arthropods (Arthropoda) with 21% and Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) with 16%. The spatial variation in benthic populations indicated a decreasing trend in abundance, number of species, and species diversity and richness indices from the inlet station toward the mid-lake sections. Conversely, an increasing trend in these indices was observed at the outlet station. The pattern of change in the percentage of sediment organic matter (OM) was exactly the opposite, with the highest levels of OM accumulating in the mid-lake stations where water flow is reduced. It appears that the stagnant conditions in the central sections of the lake have led to the accumulation of organic matter, resulting in reduced oxygen levels and decreased biodiversity. The findings of this research suggest that Seymareh Dam Lake is in a poor state regarding its benthic fauna stock and diversity. The low values of biodiversity indices across most stations, especially in the central areas, reflect the ecological pressures present in this artificial ecosystem. Therefore, the formulation and implementation of comprehensive management strategies to control the input of organic matter, improve water quality, and ultimately rehabilitate the benthic invertebrate community in this lake are essential for maintaining ecological balance and the sustainable exploitation of its resources.
Article number: 1
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/06/25 | Accepted: 2025/12/7 | Published: 2025/12/7
Received: 2025/06/25 | Accepted: 2025/12/7 | Published: 2025/12/7
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