Water Quality Assessment Based on HFBI& BMWP Index in Karoon River, Khuzestan Province, (Northwest of Persian Gulf)

Score-based biotic indices are widely used to evaluate the water quality of streams and rivers. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the water quality of Karoon River through biotic indices based on the Family Biotic Index (HFBI), and the Biological Monitoring Working Party Score System (BMWP). Macroinveratebrate communities are one of the most widely used groups in assessment of water quality, since they respond directively to the level of contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Sampling was performed in 4 stations (Menikh, Zhian Canal, Bahrakani and Dahaneh). Sampling was carried in each station over one year (winter, spring, summer and autumn). Macroinvertebrates were collected by the grab quantitative sampller. Four phylaum (Nematoda, Annelidae, Mollusca and Arthropoda) distributed amoung 11 families were sampled. Station1 (Menikh) had the highest Macroinvertebrate diversity and richness. The highest density of aquatic invertebrates were recorded in winter (Annelidae 46%, Crustacea 28%, Mullusca 21% and Diptera 5%) and spring (Mullusca 58%, Crustacea 27%, Nematoda 10% and Anellidae 5%) respectively. The BMWP index showed that the water quality was in the regular category (for Menikh, Zhian Canal and Bahrakani) and in the poor category (for Dahaneh). HFBI index pointed out the water quality was in the regular category (for Menikh, Zhian Canal and Bahrakani) and poor category (for Dahaneh) . Biotic indices used reflected the changes to the water quality. The changes and stresses in the river, especially the industrial wastewater, have changed macrobentic community, consequently, the percentage of resistant group increased and decreased in sensitive groups. The stations studied were heavily polluted; sources of pollution include oil refinery, industrial and municipal wastewater and these factors have reduced water quality.