ECOLOGICAL STATUS ASSESSMENT OF THE MENDELANG RIVER, MEKAR JAYA VILLAGE, SOUTH TABIR DISTRICT, MERANGIN REGENCY, JAMBI PROVINCE BASED ON INTEGRATION OF PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND BIOTIC INDICATORS

Abstract

Assessment of river ecological status based on the integration of physical-chemical parameters and biotic indicators is a comprehensive approach in sustainable inland water management. This study aimed to assess the ecological status of the Mendelang River, Mekar Jaya Village, South Tabir District, Merangin Regency, Jambi Province using physical-chemical parameters and fish community structure as bioindicators. Data collection was carried out in August 2025 with 16 repeated catches using modified ambat nets. Physical-chemical parameters measured included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), water clarity, and current velocity. Biotic indicators were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener (H'), Evenness (E), and Simpson (C) indices. The relationship between environmental parameters and species abundance was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results showed 21 fish species with a total of 1,541 individuals. The H' value was 2.10 (moderate category), E was 0.69 (high), and C was 0.18 (low). Physical-chemical parameters were still within the water quality standard range of Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021. PCA indicated that temperature and DO were the main variables influencing the distribution of dominant species. Integration of indicators showed that the Mendelang River falls in a good ecological status category with a stable community structure and relatively low environmental pressure