MACRO-INVERTEBRATES AS ECOLOGICAL MONITORS OF LOTIC WATER RESOURCES AND CURRENT STATUS IN INDIA: A REVIEWANNU GOEL, V. HIMA JWALA, ALOK KUMAR MEHER AND V.K. SHUKLAAbstract The water quality assessment of lotic ecosystems using physico-chemical parameters does not accurately reflect the impact of pollutants on the biota. The life span of the inhabiting biota integrates both the past and present environmental conditions and predicts the long-term impact of pollutants. Bio-monitoring- the systematic study of biota- is a powerful tool to assess the degree of impact of pollutants on aquatic environment. Bio-monitoring began in World during 1840s but, in India, it started during 1980s. But, proper coordination among all the stakeholders is required to fill the gap on available information of lotic resources of India. The current article calls for the inventory of the biological water quality of lotic ecosystems and bio-monitoring specific policy framework under regulatory regime in the country. This would help the environmentalists and the policymakers for the sustainable management of both the lotic ecosystems and the inhabiting biodiversity. |