Riverine macroinvertebrates and physico-chemical characteristics: An indicator of water quality of Balogo River

The study assessed the ecological condition of the Mainit section of Balogo River in Pasacao, Camarines Sur using riverine macroinvertebrates and physicochemical characteristics as indicators of water quality.The research employed a quantitative descriptive design and utilized the Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for wadable rivers and streams.Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from three sampling stations representing upstream, midstream, and downstream sections of the river.Physical parameters such as water depth, temperature, turbidity, odor, color, and stream flow were measured in situ, while chemical parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, and phosphate were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures.A total of 10 macroinvertebrate species belonging to three phyla (Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Annelida) were identified, with 568 individuals recorded.The most abundant species were freshwater snails and river crabs, while sensitive taxa such as Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera were minimally represented.Diversity indices indicated low Shannon-Wiener diversity, suggesting uneven species distribution and dominance of pollution-tolerant species.However, Simpson's Diversity Index showed relatively high diversity, indicating the presence of several species within the river ecosystem.Physicochemical analysis revealed that the water quality parameters generally fall within the Class C water classification under the DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08, indicating suitability for agricultural irrigation, livestock watering, and certain industrial uses.