Trophic Structure of Macrozoobenthos in Permanent Streams in the Eastern Balkans

The present study provides data on the trophic structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in mountainous and semi-mountainous small streams river sections belonging to Mesta, Struma Vardar River catchments from 7th Ecoregion. macroinvertebrates were assigned seven Functional Feeding Groups. We analyzed their dynamics different seasons. level similarity between sampling localities was context both typology water catchment. A comparison two indices conducted order analyze advantages application these for assessment ecological status at studied sites. found that ostensibly typologically similar differs undisturbed vs impacted sampled To a large extent, differences also determined by presence anthropogenic influence resulted predominance deposit feeders amplifying higher disturbance some rivers. Long-term negative pressure has led changes microhabitats affect functioning aquatic ecosystem transformation macrozoobenthos.