The suitability of Hester–Dendy macroinvertebrate samplers in fluctuating flows

Reliable methods for assessing the ecological status of degraded rivers are essential evaluating restoration efforts in lotic habitats. Several based on biological indicators, such as benthic macroinvertebrates. The Hester–Dendy multi-plate sampler is a commonly used tool sampling macroinvertebrates, but its performance under different environmental conditions not well understood. In laboratory experiment, we assessed if fluctuating and increasing water velocity influences samplers, by studying colonization samplers relation to pre-determined composition Biodiversity (Shannon-Wiener index) colonizing macroinvertebrates was higher constant than flow treatment, there no effect number individuals. results suggest potential bias interpretation biodiversity data from sites with sub-daily changes, example, downstream hydropeaking power plants.