Seasonal dynamics of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages and water quality in Lake Sapanca (Turkiye): A multimetric assessment
OCEANOLOGICAL AND HYDROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.26881/oahs-2026.1.25
- Journal Name: OCEANOLOGICAL AND HYDROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Geobase, Directory of Open Access Journals, Zoological Record, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest)
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study examined spatial and seasonal variation of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in Lake Sapanca, based on samples from five stations during spring, summer, and autumn 2020, and winter 2021. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), depth, NO2-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, and total phosphorus, were measured to assess their influence on community structure. In total, 31 taxa from Ephemeroptera, Coleoptera, Isopoda, Gastropoda, Oligochaeta, and Chironomidae were identified, with an average density of 1422 individuals & centerdot; m(-2). The Nitrate Pollution Index indicated no nitrate-related pollution across stations or seasons. Bray-Curtis analysis showed the highest similarity (96.80%) between summer and autumn, reflecting stable communities during these periods. Spearman correlation revealed a positive relationship between temperature and EC, while NO3-N was negatively correlated with temperature and PO4-P. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that macroinvertebrate distribution was influenced by temperature and nutrient gradients. Biological indices, including Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP; Spainsh version), Margalef diversity index, and ecological quality ratio (EQR), revealed spatial differences among stations. Station 1 had the highest ecological quality; Stations 3 and 4 were classified as "good," and the remaining stations as "moderate." Overall, Lake Sapanca shows conditions ranging from moderate to good, providing a baseline for long-term monitoring and sustainable management.