Using Aquatic Insect as indicators of Water Quality in Headwater of Chanthaburi River, Amphoe Khao Khitchakut, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

Diversity of aquatic insects and using the aquatic insects as indicator of water quality in headwater of Chanthaburi River, Amphoe Khao Khitchakut in Chanthaburi province. Six stations of headwater of Chanthaburi River were investigated in dry and wet seasons during 2015-2016. Aquatic insects were collected by surber sample in Khlongtarong, Khlongtalin, Khlongpaiboon, Khlongkrasueyai, Khlongkrathing and Khlongplung stations. The Shannon-Wiener Index (H) and Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) were used to assess water quality. Physical, chemical parameters of water samples obtained from six stations were measured to compare with the surface water quality standard of Thailand. The results showed that water quality of six stations met the standard for surface water quality class 2. Diversity of aquatic insect was variable depending on seasons and stations. Aquatic insect identification showed that 7 orders, 37 families and 2,442 aquatic insects were found. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera orders were the most two highest aquatic insect orders. Caenidae in the Ephemeroptera order and Diptera in the Chironomidae order were found in every station during wet and dry seasons. H values ranging from 1.69 to 2.34 were calculated. ASPT values ranging from 5.85 to 6.91 were calculated. Employing aquatic insects as bioindicators showed that water quality of all stations was in moderate condition.