Macroinvertebrate Composition and Diversity from Upstream Stretches of the River Godavari, India

The current study assessed macroinvertebrate composition, diversity, EPT index, and BMWI from upstream stretches of River Godavari. A total of 92 taxa were recorded belonging to 49 families the ten different sampling stations. Insects were found to be dominant among macroinvertebrates taxa were observed in Insecta has 75 taxa, Mollusca 10 taxa, Annelida 5 taxa and Crustacea 2 taxa. Chironomini sp. and Macrobrachium sp. were frequently observed across all studied sampling stations. The Diversity Index (H’) ranges from 1.7 to 2.7 highest diversity was observed in Gangapur Dam and Karaajgon stations. EPT index was more in Nathsagar stations, and it indicates a moderate to good water quality status. The BMWP scores suggests that maximum stations maintain good water quality status and expect Kapila it reflects variable ecological condition influenced by anthropogenic pressures. This finding provides an important baseline data for assessing the ecological status of the River Godavari.