Benthic macroinvertebrates for uses in stream biomonitoring and restoration

Biomonitoring is the use of biological responses of populations and communities of certain indicator organisms to evaluate mainly anthropogenic environmental changes. Stream ecosystem biomonitoring using benthic macroin vertebrates is reviewed from a historical perspective. Case studies are provided from the biomonitoring and restoration projects in the Han River system: main watercourse of the Han River, Cheonggye-cheon, Jungnang-cheon, Wangsuk-cheon, and Gapyeong-cheon. From the case studies as well as other various biomonitoring projects conducted in Korea, respresentative benthic macroinvertebrate groups, which are use ful for the biomonitoring and restoration programs in Korean streams, are suggested with a list of endangered, rare, and ecoenvironmentally valuable species of freshwater arthropods.