River Water Quality Assessment Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Citarum Upstream Indonesia

Assessment of river water quality because changes in land use and pollution were still a problems in several countries, particularly in developing countries, included Indonesia. Based on river water quality assessment, index needs to be developed using bio-indicators. The aim of study was to determined the benthic macroinvertebrates community in predicted water quality based on influence of organic pollutants, inorganic, nutrients, and toxic. Measurement of the physical and chemical parameter have been done on momentary conditions, and then used benthic macroinvertebrates as biological parameter to indicate the actual environmental conditions based on the characteristics of each benthic macroinvertebrates relating to the preferences of local environmental conditions. This research based on case study and using the purposive sampling method with three times sampling in July, September and November 2014 at 7 locations in upstream Citarum. Further analysis of water quality data using pollution index and benthic index of biological for the assessment of river water quality. The results show that for all site the dominant benthic is Chironomidae. Parameter BOD, COD, TSS, Turbidity, and substrate are the most affected for benthic macroinvertebrates. Pollution index results index value range from 1.64 to 5.37 and Family Biotic Index results index value range from 4.17 to 7.13. For linear regression analysis between Pollution Index and Family Biotic Index obtained the value of the correlation coefficient (R) 0.53 showed the most significant relationship between the two index compared to the other. Based on the results of evaluation station Wayang mountain, Guha mountain, Puncak Cae mountain, and Halimun mountain are not polluted until slightly polluted. While Cikitu Village, Babakan Village, and Wangisagara are moderate polluted until heavy polluted.