Macroinvertebrate biodiversity and health status of the upper Wampu River watershed after the eruption of Mount Sinabung

Abstract

The rivers at the foot of Mount Sinabung are part of the Wampu River Watershed. The Wampu River Watershed is one of the principal and most important ecosystems in the regencies of Langkat and Karo, North Sumatra Province. The objective of this study is to determine the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates and the health status of the river using the biotic index method. This research was conducted from July to August 2023 in the tributaries surrounding Mount Sinabung. The identification results of the macroinvertebrates revealed 17 species from 14 families. The most frequently found macroinvertebrate was Melanoides tuberculata, with a density of 65 individuals per square metre. The health status of the upstream section of the Wampu River Watershed generally ranges from very poor to very good water quality. Very poor river conditions were observed in the tributaries directly connected to Mount Sinabung.