Monitoring of the Zapadna Morava River has indicated moderate to poor water quality since the late 20th century. This study assessed its ecological status using physico-chemical parameters and phytobenthos (epilithic diatoms), and evaluated the applicability of non-diatom algal indices. Sampling conducted at four sites in spring 2024 showed discrepancies between methods: physico-chemical parameters indicated poor to bad ecological status, while diatom indices suggested good status. Non-diatom indices aligned more closely with physico-chemical results. The study highlights the need for further research and development of national indicator taxa lists.
Markeljić et al. (Thu,) studied this question.