Macrozoobenthos of Alijanchay river?the primary indicator of biodiversity within the Greater Caucasus in the territory of Azerbaijan
Abstract
S. Aliyev, V.F. Mammadova* and L.R. Abdullayeva
The article provides information on the biodiversity of the Alijanchay, one of the left tributaries of the Kura River, which originates in the highlands and is formed by inland waters and its main component macrozoobenthos, its species composition, biocenosis distribution, and ecological features. It is known that macrobenthic organisms are actively involved in forming the biological productivity of water bodies, the natural biofiltration of water. At the same time, biological indicators are organisms and form a link in the food chain in the ecosystem. Certain species are the first or second interim owners of parasites. It is worth mentioning some species, which prevent the regular operation of hydro-technical facilities. The river is mainly polluted by household waste. Recently, the development of agriculture and the increase in the number of fertilizers and various drugs applied to the soil have impacted the ecological stability of the river. Thus, the decrease in the species and number composition of fish formed in the river proves it again.
The main task of the study is to assess the current state of biodiversity in the river, the general ecological status of the river, and determine the level of impact of natural and anthropogenic impacts on macrozoobenthos. The main focus here is done on macrobenthos, however, the forest and vegetation of riparian zones. During the study period, 154 species of organisms have been found, where 80 species of found organisms (52%) belong to river macrozoobenthos, 42 species (27%) to plants, and 32 species (21%) to vertebrates.