Evaluation of non-indigenous biological assessment tools using benthic macroinvertebrates in a regulated river in the semi-arid region of Iran.

ABSTRACT: Benthic macroinvertebrates are widely used as key indicators in the biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in fragile ecosystems downstream of dams. Nevertheless, the use of non-indigenous biological tools requires regional evaluation, especially for developing countries and rivers with regulated flow in semi-arid regions. The Zayandehrud River is a perennial river in central Iran. Since 1953, it has been subject to inter-basin water transfer projects, and its flow is regulated by reservoirs and diversion dams. This river has recently become increasingly intermittent and fragile due to anthropogenic activities, highlighting the need for tailored assessment methods. This makes it a critical case study for evaluating benthic macroinvertebrate biological tools (BMBTs). Different BM

SUBMITTER: Mohseni F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12578998 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature