Fluctuating Asymmetry of Chironomus spp. (Diptera: Chironomidae) Larvae in Association with Water Quality and Metal Pollution in Permatang Rawa River in the Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
The levels of fluctuating asymmetry in the fourth instar of Chironomus spp. larvae inhabiting an agrochemical polluted river, Permatang Rawa River (PRR) in the Juru River Basin, northeastern peninsular Malaysia, were measured. The PRR receives waters primarily from adjacent rice fields which are exposed to fertilizer and pesticide residues. Samples of larvae, water, and sediments were collected monthly from November 2007 to June 2008. In situ measurements of water pH and dissolved oxygen were made at three sampling locations along the river. Monthly water and benthic sediment collections were also conducted for the following laboratory water analyses: biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and ammonium-N content. Non-residual metals in the sediment samples were also analyzed. The water quality index (WQI) of the PRR was also calculated.
Description
Keywords
Fluctuating asymmetry, Water and sediment quality, Chironomids, Environmental stress
Citation
Al-Shami, S. A., Che Salmah, M. R., Abu Hassan, A., & Siti Azizah, M. N. (2011). Fluctuating asymmetry of Chironomus spp.(Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae in association with water quality and metal pollution in Permatang Rawa River in the Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 216, 203-216.