What does biomonitoring assess in aquatic ecosystems?

Biomonitoring primarily focuses on evaluating the health of aquatic ecosystems by analyzing biological indicators. This approach involves studying the presence, abundance, and diversity of organisms within these ecosystems, such as algae, invertebrates, and fish. These biological indicators provide insights into the overall condition and quality of the water, as they respond to changes in environmental conditions, pollutants, and habitat alterations.

For instance, certain species may thrive in clean, unpolluted water, while others may be sensitive to contaminants, leading to their decline or disappearance in polluted environments. By assessing these organisms, biomonitoring helps scientists determine the level of ecological integrity and health of the aquatic system.

In contrast, sediment composition, water temperature fluctuations, and water color changes, while important factors in understanding aquatic environments, do not directly measure the biological health of the ecosystem. Sediment composition can indicate changes in land use or erosion processes, water temperature fluctuations can affect species respiration and reproduction but do not directly indicate health, and water color changes may speak to organic material or turbidity, yet they lack the holistic view that biological indicators provide.