An assessment of a tropical urban stream using benthic macroinvertebrates as a bio-indicator in Muara Angke, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Kelly C, Mitrasetia T, Sugardjito J. 2017. An assessment of a tropical urban stream using benthic macroinvertebrates as a bio­indicator in Muara Angke, Jakarta, Indonesia. Bonorowo Wetlands 7: 65-73. A preliminary study was conducted on the populations, density, and distributions of benthic macroinvertebrate species along the course of the Ciliwung/Angke River, Jakarta. The selected river section is highly urbanized and heavily polluted, and five study sites were selected along its course to assess the health of the river ecosystem. Benthic macroinvertebrates are used as a bio­indicator for the evaluation of ecosystem health. Their different pollution sensitivities, wide distribution, and relatively sedentary lives make them valuable candidates for this role. The focal point of the study is the Muara Angke mangrove forest and wetland, a small remnant wetland at the mouth of the river in Jakarta Metropolitan. A comparison is drawn between the different study sites to assess this unique habitat's health and potential utility. Despite several intense pressures resulting from the highly urbanized surroundings, and the mangrove's position at the mouth of the river where pollution accumulation would be highest, the data collected from this site showed a macroinvertebrate population dominated by pollution ­sensitive taxa, suggesting the mangrove itself continues to provide significant ecosystem services in water ­purification.