Development of Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index for Assessment of Large Rivers in Thailand.

ABSTRACT

Human activities are a significant threat to the health of river ecosystems, especially in developing countries. In Thailand, benthic macroinvertebrates have been widely used for bioassessment for aquatic ecosystem evaluation. However, most of them focuses on streams, which may not be applicable to large rivers. This study aimed to fill this gap by developing a macroinvertebrate multimetric index for Thailand's large rivers. Sampling was conducted in 15 rivers, and 41 sites across Thailand. Physico-chemical parameters, habitat characteristics, and macroinvertebrates were analyzed. Macroinvertebrate data were analyzed and metrics calculated. The seven selected core metrics, including Plecoptera taxa, EPT taxa, insect individuals %, Crustaceans and Mollusca individuals %, collector-gatherers taxa, intolerant taxa in BMWPThai, and Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, showed a strong response to anthropogenic disturbance. The final Thailand Large River Multimetric Index (TLMI) classified river health from "Excellent" to "Very Poor" condition. The validation of TLMI confirmed its ability to distinguish river health conditions. Overall, the TLMI can used as an assessing and monitoring ecological health tool for Thailand's large rivers, that can be applied for river management and conservation.