A Biotic Index Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates for Italian Lakes

The relationships between benthic macroinvertebrates and environmental variables from 42 Italian lakes were analyzed with the aim of developing a biotic index. A trophic status index was calculated ranking oxygen % saturation (O2 %sat), transparency (transp) and total phosphorus (TP). The means of O2 % sat, transp, TP weighted by the species abundances were calculated to have optimum values for each species; a benthic quality index was then obtained multiplying the weighted means of O2 % sat, transp, TP by species abundances, dividing the product by the total number of specimens present at each station. A significant correlation was observed between trophic status and benthic quality index. A good agreement was also observed between the indexes calculated using the large and restricted database.

ROSSARO B.;  MARZIALI L.;  CARDOSO Ana;  SOLIMINI Angelo;  FREE Gary;  GIACCHINI R.; 

2007-02-06

Elsevier Ltd

JRC35084

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC35084,