We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Diversity of caddisflies (Trichoptera), water quality factors, and microplastics in a northern Thai stream
Summary
Caddisfly (Trichoptera) diversity was examined in relation to water quality and microplastic presence, finding that plastic contamination correlates with shifts in caddisfly community composition. Because caddisflies are widely used as bioindicators of water quality, plastic pollution may compromise standard bioassessment methods.
The larvae of various caddisfly species are used to assess water quality at various levels of pollution. The purpose of this study was to determine the species composition and seasonal distribution of Trichoptera larvae in a northern Thai mountain stream, as well as their relationship to physicochemical parameters. Seasonally collected benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled between October 2024 and April 2025. A total of 2748 individual caddisfly larvae, distributed across 13 families and 24 genera were found. The most abundant larvae were Hydropsychidae, followed by Odontoceridae and Philopotamidae. The most prevalent species in this study were Marilia sumatrana, Chimarra sp., Cheumatopsyche dubitants, and Potamyia phaidra. The results from applying the indices of caddisfly biodiversity in the seven streams indicated that the Shannon index (H') ranged from 2.393 to 2.901, the Simpson index (D) ranged from 0.8763 to 0.9374, and the Evenness index (E) ranged from 0.835 to 0.943, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that environmental factors such as water pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and total dissolved solids were significantly associated with caddisfly larvae (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Polyplectropus sp. was significantly related to dissolved oxygen. Amphipsyche meridiana, Hydropsyche askalaphos, and Oecetis sp. were significantly related to ammonia-nitrogen content. Ganonema sp. and Leptocerus sp. were significantly related to nitrate-nitrogen content. Marilia sumatrana was significantly related to water pH. Triaenodes sp. was significantly related to water temperature. The larvae of Chimarra akkaorum, Cheumatopsyche dubitants, Macrostemum sp., and Leptocerus sp. were all significantly associated with total dissolved solids. All individuals tested contained microplastics. Small MPs (less than 100 to 250 μm) were found in the largest concentrations, in the shape of fibers, and primarily in the color blue. A total of seven types of polymers have been identified, of which cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are the most common.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Using aquatic insects as indicators of microplastic pollution in rice field ecosystems
Researchers used aquatic insect communities as bioindicators of microplastic pollution in rice field ecosystems, comparing insect diversity and abundance across fields with different levels of plastic contamination. Insect assemblages responded sensitively to microplastic loads, demonstrating their potential as low-cost monitoring tools.
Microplastics of different characteristics are incorporated into the larval cases of the freshwater caddisfly Lepidostoma basale
Researchers found that the freshwater caddisfly larva Lepidostoma basale actively incorporated microplastics of various sizes, shapes, and polymer types into its larval case alongside natural materials, representing a novel pathway of microplastic interaction beyond dietary ingestion in aquatic insects.
Occurrence Of Microplastics in Immature Aquatic Insects of Gua Musang Tributaries in Kelantan
Researchers investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics in freshwater immature aquatic insects, specifically caddisfly (Trichoptera) and dragonfly (Odonata) larvae, collected from two tributaries of Gua Musang in Kelantan, Malaysia. The study found that microplastics had accumulated in these larvae, raising concerns about microplastic transfer through aquatic food chains in the region.
High Density of Microplastics in the Caddisfly Larvae Cases
High densities of microplastics were found embedded in the cases (shelters built from environmental debris) of caddisfly larvae, with plastics replacing natural materials like sand grains and plant fragments. This documents how widespread microplastic contamination has become in freshwater insect habitats and raises concerns about its effects on larval development.
Aquatic insect biodiversity, water quality variables, and microplastics in the living weir freshwater ecosystem
Researchers assessed water quality, aquatic insect biodiversity, and microplastic contamination along a Thai river system with and without living weirs. They found that living weirs improved habitat conditions for aquatic insects while also influencing microplastic distribution patterns. The study demonstrates that nature-based river structures can support biodiversity while providing insights into how infrastructure affects plastic pollution.