Structural equation modelling:a novel statistical framework for exploring the spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in riverine ecosystems

摘要: Benthic macroinvertebrates have been used widely as bioindicators to assess the condition of riverine ecosystems. However, understanding and modelling spatial distribution benthic within these ecosystems remain significant challenges for research management. Statistical analyses multivariate data sets offer opportunities explore ecological systems controlling biota. This article reports a novel statistical analysis national-scale set from England Wales using structural equation (SEM) framework. Relationships between water quality, physical habitat structure indices reflecting macroinvertebrate community were analysed SEM. On basis 219 monitoring sites, models built. These explained 87% variation in average score per taxon index 76% Lotic Invertebrate Index Flow Evaluation. Significant direct indirect effects on exerted by quality variables, particularly concentrations dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand orthophosphate. Independent conditions, both biotic directly affected variables describing degradation habitat. The strengths SEM framework include (i) evaluation priori against observed data, thereby supporting confirmatory theoretical systems; (ii) specification latent representing unmeasured constructs; (iii) simultaneous assessment multiple paths model. define with potential be applied development testing hypotheses regarding processes operating