Sustainable river ecology: The role of meiofauna as bioindicators of environmental health: A case study

Abstract

Rivers are living, ever-changing ecosystems that supports a wide variety of life and play a vital role in maintaining nature’s balance and human well-being. Among many tiny creatures living on the riverbed, Meiofauna are a microscopic organism that dwell between sand and sediment particles are especially important. They help to keep the ecosystem function properly, and are very sensitive to pollution, nutrient loading, and changes in water flow. Because of this sensitivity, they serve as excellent indicators of a river’s environmental health. This review brings together recent research highlighting how meiofauna contribute to the health of river systems and how their study supports global sustainability efforts, especially the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15). By combining meiofaunal research with sustainable management approaches, freshwater conservation can be strengthened and enhance the long-term resilience of river ecosystems.