Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities as indicators of water quality in the Raška River

This study was conducted to determine the water quality of the Raška River based on physical and chemical parameters and the community of aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators. The research was conducted in August 2023 at six sites. A total of 61 taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrates were identified, with Diptera being the most diverse (20 taxa). The indicative ecological status of the source of the Raška River and the site above the trout farm was assessed as good (Class II), while the site below the farm corresponds to a moderate ecological status (Class III). In the three studied sites, located in populated areas with intensive industrialization, we detected high levels of nitrates, orthophosphates, and ammonia, along with organisms that can tolerate high organic pollution. Consequently, all sites downstream from the center of Novi Pazar exhibited poor water quality (Class IV). This underscores the critical necessity for action to improve and sustain water quality.