Assemblage and distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates at upper and lower reach of Lata Janggut, Jeli, Kelantan

This study was carried out to determine the composition and distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates at three station in Lata Janggut, Jeli. Freshwater benthic macro invertebrate are diverse in their sensitivities to habitat changes. Benthic Macroinvertebrate sampled monthly from March to August 2019. Surber net were used to collect macroinvertebrates for three replicates per station. Benthic Macroinvertebrates species richness and diversity was determined using ecological indices such as Margalef s index, Shannon-Weiner Index (H), and Evenness (E). Biotic indices such as BMWP index, ASPT index, Family Biotic Index, (FBI), EPT Index, calculated to determine the quality of river. There were 4037 individuals benthic macroinvertebrates sampled comprising eight orders (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Odonata and Lepidoptera), 32 families, and 31 genus were recorded. Ecological and biological indices calculated shows all stations is in good condition accept for EPT index The EPT index indicates Station 1 is poor river quality compared to others station. However, the EPT index is monthly differ, where the EPT at Station 1 is 17 (moderate river quality) on March and poor quality for followed months. Yet, the EPT index starting to increase back on August. Thus, the distribution and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates can be used to indicate the river condition as the changes of the water and habitat conditions will change their composition and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates. On the other hand, the land uses and human activities was also factors contributed to the composition and abundance of macro invertebrates.