Diversity and spatio-temporal distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in a transboundary river basin in the Caucasus region (Aras river, NE Türkiye)

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dc.contributor.authorOzbek, Murat
dc.contributor.authorTasdemir, Ayse
dc.contributor.authorYildiz, Seray
dc.contributor.authorTopkara, Esat T.
dc.contributor.authorCil, Eylem Aydemir
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-25T14:20:16Z
dc.date.available2026-04-25T14:20:16Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.departmentSinop Üniversitesi
dc.description.abstractThis study evaluates the ecological status of the Aras River Basin (T & uuml;rkiye) by analyzing benthic macroinvertebrate communities in relation to seasonal variations and anthropogenic pressures. During 2014-2015 sampling campaigns, we identified 126 taxa, of which 107 were identified at the species level and 19 at the genus level across 17 stations, with Insecta (87 taxa, 69%) showing the highest richness, followed by Clitellata (23 taxa, 18%). The dominant species Tubifex tubifex (15.87%), Chironomus riparius (15.60%), and Gammarus balcanicus (15.11%) served as key bioindicators, revealing significant organic pollution impacts, particularly in lentic habitats. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) for the summer period identified dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH as the primary environmental drivers, with pollution-tolerant taxa (e.g., Chironomus riparius) clustering in low-DO areas, while sensitive species (e.g., Baetis rhodani) were predominantly associated with well-oxygenated, alkaline conditions. Seasonal analyses demonstrated autumn as the most productive period (3,765 ind., 91 taxa), with Station 9 maintaining pristine conditions (BMWP score: 66, Good) year-round. Conversely, spring showed the poorest water quality (BMWP < 25 at most stations), while summer exhibited intermediate conditions. Multivariate analyses (UPGMA, TWINSPAN) confirmed spatial clustering based on pollution gradients, with tolerant taxa (e.g., aquatic leeches, Chironomus spp.) dominating organically enriched sites and sensitive species (e.g., Plecoptera) restricted to high-quality habitats. Our findings highlight: (1) severe degradation at stations receiving agricultural/domestic waste (Stations 1-6), (2) the critical role of seasonal monitoring in detecting climate-driven stressors, and (3) the utility of macroinvertebrate-based indices (BMWP/ASPT) for basin-scale water quality assessment. The study provides a scientific basis for conserving transboundary freshwater ecosystems through targeted pollution control and habitat protection measures.
dc.description.sponsorshipMinistry of Forestry and Water Affairs, General Directorate of Water Management
dc.description.sponsorshipThe authors wish to thank the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, General Directorate of Water Management, for their support. Some sections of this manuscript were supported by AI-based language assistance (e.g., ChatGPT and DeepSeek). The authors remain responsible for the content and accuracy.
dc.identifier.doi10.1186/s12862-025-02428-1
dc.identifier.issn2730-7182
dc.identifier.issue1
dc.identifier.pmid40764544
dc.identifier.scopus2-s2.0-105012598807
dc.identifier.scopusqualityN/A
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02428-1
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/11486/8477
dc.identifier.volume25
dc.identifier.wosWOS:001544857100001
dc.identifier.wosqualityQ2
dc.indekslendigikaynakWeb of Science
dc.indekslendigikaynakScopus
dc.indekslendigikaynakPubMed
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherBmc
dc.relation.ispartofBmc Ecology and Evolution
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Uluslararası Hakemli Dergi - Kurum Öğretim Elemanı
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.snmzKA_WOS_20260420
dc.subjectBioindicators
dc.subjectWater quality assessment
dc.subjectOrganic pollution
dc.subjectSeasonal dynamics
dc.subjectPollution-tolerant taxa
dc.titleDiversity and spatio-temporal distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in a transboundary river basin in the Caucasus region (Aras river, NE Türkiye)
dc.typeArticle

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