Evaluation of mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. (Chironomidae: Diptera) larvae using modified toxic score index (MTSI) to assess the environmental stress in Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia.
Morphological mentum deformities which represent sublethal effect of exposure to different types of pollutants were evaluated in Chironomus spp. larvae inhabiting three polluted rivers of Juru River Basin in northwestern peninsular Malaysia. Using mentum deformity incidences, the modified toxic score index (MTSI) was developed based on Lenat's toxic score index (TSI). The suggested MTSI was compared with TSI in terms of its effectiveness to identify different pollutants including heavy metals. The MTSI showed stronger relationship to total deformity incidence expressed as percentage. Additionally, the multivariate RDA model showed higher capability of MTSI to explain the variations in heavy metal contents of the river sediments. The MTSI was recommended in bioassessment of water and sediment quality using the mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. larvae from aquatic ecosystems receiving anthropogenic, agricultural, or industrial discharges.
Al-Shami
Salman Abdo
SA
School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800 Penang, Malaysia. alshami200@gmail.com
Salmah
Mad Rawi Che
MR
Hassan
Ahmad Abu
AA
Azizah
Mohd Nor Siti
MN
D000818:Animals; D002683:Chironomidae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D008296:Malaysia; D008334:Mandible / Q000002:abnormalities*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical