Mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera): An Effective Indicator of Water Bodies Conditions in Jordan

Abstract

In this article, the quality of running and standing water in Jordan is evaluated using mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) as biological indicators species. From March 2011 to April 2013, mayfly larvae were collected, from the study area that covers streams pouring into the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Six species were determined and distinguished from each other including Baetis monnerati, Baetis Sp, Nigrobaetis vuatazi, Cloeon gr simile, Caenis antoninae, Caenis sp. The results of this study showed that the Bestisdes group is commonly associated with Caenidae larvae in running freshwater bodies. Regarding their indicator values, Baetis monnerati as an indicator of clean to moderately polluted water and tolerance to saline water. Baetis Sp occur in clean freshwater but it is so rare that their values indicator in Jordan is low. Caenidae sp can tolerate some household pollutants while Caenis antoninae is a good indicator for standing to slow flowing clean to weakly polluted water. Cloeon gr simile could tolerate salty water and can be considered as a good indicator of unpolluted saline water. Only one species Nigrobaetis vuatazi was found to tolerate mineral water, with high Sr 2+ and Br - concentrations. In Jordan, species of Baetidae family show more tolerance to pollution than Caenidae family. Aquatic mayfly fauna are absent in eutrophic and thermal water bodies. The study concluded that mayfly fauna are qualified bio-indicators for water quality monitoring.