Study of seasonal physico-chemical and macroinvertebrates variations of Sarfa river at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The seasonal variation of Sarfa River at Shahdol district was studied for a period of one year. This study focused on analyzing various physico-chemical parameters across different seasons-summer, monsoon, and winter-from August 2023 to July 2024, along with an assessment of macroinvertebrate diversity in the river surface water. The findings highlighted significant seasonal changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the water. A total of 17 genera belonging to seven macroinvertebrate orders were identified, namely Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Plecoptera, Odonata, and Trichoptera, all serving as indicators of good water quality. The correlation analysis among hydrological attributes revealed strong interrelationships, with transparency, dissolved oxygen, and pH emerging as key factors influencing benthic faunal composition.