Towards a multimetric index for ecological assessment of Mediterranean flatland ponds: the use of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators

摘要: Fifty-five macroinvertebrate metrics were tested for their response to pond condition in 41 ponds of northwest Spain develop a preliminary multimetric index ecological assessment Mediterranean flatland ponds. Stressor specific individual attributes eutrophication and habitat alteration was also investigated identify differences the responses single stressors elucidate how this might affect performance final index. Several combinations using discrimination efficiency (25th percentile slightly impaired sites decreasing with perturbation 75th increasing perturbation) Mann–Whitney U-test Bonferroni adjustment (P < 0.001). The comprised five measures (generic richness Chironominae, generic Dytiscidae + Odonata Tanypodinae, relative Chironomidae, % Macropelopini Shannon index) discriminated between acceptable (good) unacceptable (moderate) conditions more than 86% efficiency. Moreover, all included showed unidirectional eutrophication, as increased. In contrast, effect less clear, especially best available where vegetation belt shrubs trees prevented growing macrophitic on shores consequently associated fauna. Interestingly, none functional groups (e.g. predators collector–gatherers) sensitive degradation.