Estimation of field biotic index and water quality of Kor River in autumn season using aquatic insects fauna

Benthic macroinvertebrate species are differentially sensitive to many biotic and abiotic factors in their environment. The field biotic index is based on family level identification of water arthropods. An interest in environmental quality is one of the major reasons for the study of aquatic insects. The idea of using the aquatic insect community to “indicate” the degree of purity or pollution of a body of water is over half a century old. It is based on the concept of indicator organisms and tolerance levels. During October, November and Dececember 2008 studies were carried out on the field biotic index of Kor river in Marvdasht region (Fars province) using aquatic insects fauna. A total of 16 families were collected and identified in 14 habitat codes of Kor river. In this survey, biotic index of KorRiver was 7.2 and evaluation of the water quality based on the biotic index was calculated. Water quality of Kor river was fairly poor (significant organic pollution) during this survey.