JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Science, Technology & Engineering Class

Janiuay, Iloilo

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATOR OF WATER QUALITY IN

SUAGUE RIVER JANIUAY ILOILO PHILIPPINES

Submitted by

THOMAS GUILLER M. ESTEVA

TRISZHA FAITH D. CALANTAS
CHRISTINE JOYCE B. LAM

A Science Investigatory Project

Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Research III
For Junior High School - Science, Technology and Engineering

May 2024

LUCILLE E. CADIZ
Research Adviser
 Janiuay National Comprehensive High School
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, & ENGINEERING CLASS
Janiuay, Iloilo

Introduction

Background of the Study

Human activity and population growth have caused water quality degradation in
many river systems. Among freshwater ecosystems, streams and rivers are the most
impacted or endangered by anthropogenic stressors (Allan, 2004; Best & Darby, 2020).
Pollutants from industry, mining, agricultural waste, and urban occupation can wind up in
water bodies and harm the river's ecosystem (Malakane et al., 2020). Although rivers
account for a tiny amount (0.49%) of the total surface freshwater on the earth, they are
not only a precious source of drinking water for people across the world, but also support
growing crops, manufacturing, energy, transport, and natural habitats for many other
organisms. However, more and more rivers are significantly polluted all around the
world, while the global demand for freshwater is estimated to increase one-third by 2050
(Programme & Raymond, 2018). In recent years, the water pollution caused by
anthropogenic sewage discharges, agricultural runoff, and industrial wastewater
discharges has adversely impacted the health of aquatic ecosystems in numerous rivers
and lakes (Griffiths et al., 2018; Xu et al., 2018). The current methods for assessing the
health of the aquatic ecosystem are mainly based on water quality indicators and aquatic
organisms. Various groups of aquatic organisms can be used as bioindicators of
environmental and ecological changes. Examples of these organisms include benthic
diatoms, macrophytes, macroalgae and fish (Hellawell, 1986). However, benthic
macroinvertebrates have been used most commonly in published literature (Resh,
2008), because they are typically found in habitats along the river, display limited
movement, and have a long life cycle in aquatic ecosystems as well as being relatively
sensitive to environmental stress (Resh & Jackson, 1993).
Benthic macroinvertebrates are animals that are big enough (macro) to be seen
with the naked eye. They lack backbones (invertebrate) and live at least part of their
lives in or on the bottom (benthos) of a body of water. Benthic macroinvertebrates are
the potential bioindicators of water quality as they provide a clear picture of past and
present health conditions of aquatic bodies. The ubiquitous distribution, life cycle of
considerable duration, high accumulating capacity, and sedentary nature of benthic
macroinvertebrates make them a great tool in assessing the health condition of aquatic
ecosystems (Mir et al., 2021). Benthic macroinvertebrates are among the quick and

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inexpensive
biomonitoring resources since they are often localized throughout their life and are
simple to obtain (Parikh et al., 2021). One of the most practical and realistic approaches
to assessing the ecological quality of water bodies is to determine these
macroinvertebrates' abundance, diversity, and distribution. Benthic macroinvertebrates
demonstrate diverse responses to both biotic and abiotic factors within their
environment, rendering their structural composition a widely utilized bio-indicator for
assessing water quality in aquatic ecosystems (Li et al., 2010; Wolmarans et al., 2014;
Jun et al., 2016). Unlike the rapidly changing physicochemical characteristics of water
bodies, macroinvertebrate populations offer a more reliable gauge of long-term
ecological shifts (Rosenberg & Resh, 1993). Their sedentary habits, multiple life stages,
and differing tolerances to environmental stressors make them valuable for evaluating
temporal and spatial alterations in aquatic systems (Grönroos & Heino, 2012). Moreover,
distinct preferences for specific abiotic and biotic conditions mean that even minor
changes in these factors can result in significant variations in benthic community
structure across small spatial scales (Grönroos & Heino, 2012). Various taxa of
macroinvertebrates exhibit distinct environmental preferences and responses to factors
such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and salinity (Külköylüoğlu, 2004;
Grab, 2014; Masese et al., 2014), thereby reflecting the overall water quality of rivers.
Janiuay is divided by two rivers that run parallel to one another from the north-
west. Janiuay, a community mostly known for agriculture, is supported by two natural
irrigation systems: the Suague River and the Magapa River. The Suague River in
Janiuay provides water for irrigation and domestic uses. Along the Suague River,
pollution arising from littering, residential occupation, and agricultural waste in all the
sub-catchment and the numerous point and non-point sources (diffuse), including
quarrying and industrial pollution contain complex mixtures of chemicals, many of which
may have deleterious effects on aquatic systems. Due to these various activities, there is
no action used in determining the river's health.
In conclusion, by studying the benthic macroinvertebrates in the Suague River,
the researchers aim to assess the water quality of the upstream and downstream area of
Suague River using the diversity of benthic macro-invertebrates. By assessing the water
quality of the upstream and downstream areas of the Suague River using the diversity of
benthic macroinvertebrates is essential for multiple reasons. Firstly, these organisms are
sensitive indicators of water health, reflecting changes in pollution levels. By studying

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their diversity and
abundance, researchers can measure the overall ecological condition of the river and
identify potential pollution sources, crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and
safeguarding human health.
Moreover, the Suague River serves as a vital water source for various human
activities such as drinking water supply, agriculture, industry, and recreation.
Understanding its water quality, concluded from benthic macroinvertebrates diversity, is
imperative for ensuring sustainable use of the river's resources and protecting human
well-being. By monitoring changes in water quality over time, authorities can implement
targeted management strategies to mitigate pollution and preserve the river ecosystem,
informing policymakers, water resource managers, and local communities about the
necessity of conservation efforts.

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Janiuay, Iloilo

Statement of the Problem

This study generally aims to assess benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicator of
water quality of Suague River, Janiuay, Philippines
Specifically, this study aims to:
1. Identify the macroinvertebrate species
2. Determine the water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH,
biological oxygen demand (BOD), temperature, total phosphate, nitrate,
turbidity, and total dissolved solid (TDS) of the Suague River

Significance of the Study

This study aims to contribute in assessing the ecological health and water
quality of the Suague River in Janiuay, Iloilo, Philippines, through the utilization of
benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality. By identifying
macroinvertebrate species and correlating their presence and abundance with key
water quality parameters. Furthermore, this study will advance scientific knowledge
regarding freshwater ecosystem dynamics and the efficacy of benthic
macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of water quality parameters.

Scope and Limitations

The study is limited by only identifying the species of benthic macro-invertebrates
and their capabilities as bioindicators of water quality parameters of Suage River.
Moreover, it is limited to the downstream of the Suague River as the research area, and
it will only be conducted within the month span of May to June 2024.

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Review of Related Literature

Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Benthic macroinvertebrates are tiny water creatures or insect larvae. They
consist of dragonfly and stonefly larvae, snails, worms, and beetles. They have no
backbone, can be seen without a microscope, and spend portions of their lives in and
around bodies of water. Benthic macroinvertebrates are frequently found adhering to
rocks, plants, logs, and sticks, or burrowing into the bottom sand and sediments (USA
EPA, 2023).

Figure 1. Macroinvertebrates (Watershed Learning Networks, 2018)

Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera species. Ephemeroptera

(mayflies), have large compound eyes, short, bristlelike antennae, and functionless
mouthparts and digestive tracts. Once mayflies enter the winged stages they cannot
feed. Their membranous wings include a large, triangular front pair and a much smaller,
rounded hind pair. In a few species, the hind pair is extremely reduced or absent,
Plecoptera (stoneflies), are soft-bodied insects that can grow up to 50 millimeters long
with a wingspan of 100 millimeters. Adult stoneflies are always found near freshwater as
they have aquatic larvae and as adults they are not powerful fliers. They therefore have
poor dispersal capabilities and rarely move far from the place they were born. Stoneflies
are recognisable by the following characteristics: elongated, flattened, soft body 2 pairs
of membranous wings that are held curved around the body at rest. Some species are
wingless while others have reduced wings Hind wings slightly wider than forewings Long
legs Mandibulate mouthparts 2 cerci at tip of abdomen and Trichoptera (caddisflies) are

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related to
Lepidoptera and resemble small hairy moths, but their wings are covered in dense hairs
rather than scales and they lack the typical curled proboscis of most moths and
butterflies. They are mostly dull-coloured and range in size from 2-40 millimeters in body
length. Caddisflies are recognizable by the following features: elongated body, 2 pairs of
membranous wings that are of differing size, wings covered in fine hairs, wings form a
roof over the abdomen when at rest, reduced mouthparts long tapering, and filiform
antennae. These species orders are environmentally sensitive aquatic insects that are
routinely used in monitoring water quality, which are the species studied to be an
indicator of good water quality in water bodies (DeWalt and South, 2015).

Figure 2. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera insects (ResearchGate,

n.d.)

Midges. Midges are very small, ranging in size from 1-3 mm in length. They
typically are grayish, but more reddish when filled with blood. Wings of many species,
including some that feed on humans, contain dark patterns, which give them a grayish
appearance. These organisms are highly tolerant in bodies of water with poor quality
such as low dissolved oxygen, turbid waters or nutrient-enriched waters
(Macroinvertebrates, n.d.).

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Figure 3. Midge (Midge, n.d.)

Macroinvertebrates and their bioindicator capabilities. According to the study

conducted by Alhassan et al. (2021), data was collected from 20 sampling sites
distributed along the river during three distinct periods. A comprehensive assessment of
21 water quality parameters was conducted alongside meticulous recording of
macroinvertebrate community data. Statistical analyses, including Canonical
Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Factor Analysis (FA), and Spearman’s correlation
analysis, were employed to examine the intricate relationships between water quality
parameters and macroinvertebrate structure.
They identified three distinct groups of macroinvertebrate communities: Sensitive
Taxa (EPTO), Resistant or Resilient Taxa (OHDP), and Tolerant Taxa (PBLHC), each
comprising specific taxa indicative of water quality conditions. Furthermore, all 13
macroinvertebrate-based metrics demonstrated sensitivity in detecting gradients of water
quality and human disturbances. Metrics associated with EPTO and tolerance measures
were particularly robust in discriminating pressure gradients.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Alhassan et al. (2021), emphasizes that
macroinvertebrates at various taxonomic levels serve as reliable indicators for assessing
water quality and human disturbances in tropical rivers. It underscores the importance of
considering macroinvertebrate communities in bioassessment programs for the
sustainable management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems.
In another study conducted by Arafat et al. (2021), the researchers investigated
the role of benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators for assessing water quality in
freshwater bodies. They emphasized the importance of these organisms due to their
ubiquitous distribution, relatively long life cycles, high accumulation capacity, and
sedentary nature.
The researchers employed various bioassessment approaches, including
diversity indices, saprobic indices, FBI indices, BMWP scores, NSFWQI scores, taxa

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richness, and EPT
(Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) ratio. Notably, the presence or absence of
benthic macroinvertebrates was linked to their tolerance towards pollution. Specifically,
the presence of pollution-sensitive macroinvertebrates indicate good water quality, while
the presence of pollution-tolerant ones indicate poor water quality. Additionally, the
classification of benthic macroinvertebrates based on tolerance values provided insights
into the overall status of freshwater bodies.
In general, based on the studies, it emphasizes the critical role of
macroinvertebrates as reliable indicators for assessing water quality in tropical rivers and
freshwater bodies. Incorporating macroinvertebrate assessments into bioassessment
programs is crucial for the sustainable management and conservation of freshwater
ecosystems. Additionally, macroinvertebrates provide valuable insights into the overall
health and pollution status of freshwater bodies, informing effective environmental
monitoring and management strategies.

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Materials and Methods

Sampling areas

Sampling of macroinvertebrates

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