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Evaluation of mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. (Chironomidae: Diptera) larvae using modified toxic score index (MTSI) to assess the environmental stress in Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia

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Abstract

Morphological mentum deformities which represent sublethal effect of exposure to different types of pollutants were evaluated in Chironomus spp. larvae inhabiting three polluted rivers of Juru River Basin in northwestern peninsular Malaysia. Using mentum deformity incidences, the modified toxic score index (MTSI) was developed based on Lenat’s toxic score index (TSI). The suggested MTSI was compared with TSI in terms of its effectiveness to identify different pollutants including heavy metals. The MTSI showed stronger relationship to total deformity incidence expressed as percentage. Additionally, the multivariate RDA model showed higher capability of MTSI to explain the variations in heavy metal contents of the river sediments. The MTSI was recommended in bioassessment of water and sediment quality using the mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. larvae from aquatic ecosystems receiving anthropogenic, agricultural, or industrial discharges.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Penang, Malaysia

    Salman Abdo Al-Shami, Mad Rawi Che Salmah, Ahmad Abu Hassan & Mohd Nor Siti Azizah

  2. Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

    Mohd Nor Siti Azizah

Authors
  1. Salman Abdo Al-Shami
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  2. Mad Rawi Che Salmah
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  3. Ahmad Abu Hassan
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  4. Mohd Nor Siti Azizah
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Correspondence to Salman Abdo Al-Shami.

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Al-Shami, S.A., Salmah, M.R.C., Hassan, A.A. et al. Evaluation of mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. (Chironomidae: Diptera) larvae using modified toxic score index (MTSI) to assess the environmental stress in Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia. Environ Monit Assess 177, 233–244 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1630-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1630-1

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