Search Results (374)

We address the challenging problem of predicting the biological quality of a water body based on a set of environmental and management-related drivers. While modelling approaches for predicting water quality from hydrological and pollution-load variables are well established, analogous tools for predicting biological status remain less consolidated. Both components are nevertheless required within the Water Framework Directive to assess ecological status (ES) and support restoration planning. This paper concentrates on the latter challenge by presenting an experience developed over four heavily impacted rivers in Regione Lombardia (Northern Italy). Rutinary environmental, hydromorphological and biological data were systematized to develop a predictive framework linking management-related pressures to the macroinvertebrate component of ecological status. A rule-based classifier, denominated MacroSimply, was developed and compared with alternative statistical and machine learning approaches: logistic regression, a classification tree (CHAID), and a multilayer perceptron neural network. The tested models exhibited different strengths and weaknesses: Logistic regression provided a good balance between predictive performance and interpretability; the classification tree generated transparent threshold-based decision rules; and the neural network captured potentially complex non-linear relationships, albeit with reduced interpretability. MacroSimply achieved predictive performance comparable to the alternative approaches, and performing even higher reliability, while maintaining full transparency of the structure and a direct connection between predictors and management actions. The proposed framework was subsequently implemented in a spreadsheet-based tool to be easily used in restoration planning exercises. Although the obtained model should not be considered the definitive modelling solution even for our particular case, the results suggest that the adopted rule-based approach represents a working, valuable option preferrable to more complex data-driven methods when interpretability, reproducibility and practical applicability are key requirements for environmental management. Full article

Background: To date, there are no known published studies in Portugal that link the perceived neighborhood walkability of a specific geographical area to the functional capacity and social participation of older adults living in the community. Thus, the main objective of this study, conducted in Portugal, is to examine whether the perceived neighborhood walkability is associated with functional capacity, walking confidence, social participation, and exercise self-efficacy among community-dwelling older adults, thereby contributing to the national evidence base on the influence of contextual factors on human functioning, with particular relevance to active and healthy aging. Methods: An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from older adults (aged 50 and over) living in the community, in Portugal. A member of the research team assessed physical function using objective measures of upper and lower body function, balance and mobility. To assess the perceived neighborhood walkability, a validated questionnaire for Portuguese adults living in the community with good internal consistency (α = 0.848) was used. The walkability dimensions assessed were safety, facilities/surroundings, comfort/esthetics and accessibility/connectivity. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationships between continuous variables. Differences between groups were analyzed using independent sample Student’s t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA) as appropriate. Results: Perceived neighborhood walkability was associated with several sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial variables. Higher educational levels and better self-perceived health were associated with more positive perceptions of walkability. Participants without urinary incontinence and osteoarthritis reported significantly higher walkability scores, particularly in the safety, facilities/surroundings, and comfort/esthetics dimensions. Older age was associated with higher scores in the facilities/surroundings dimension, whereas slower gait speed and higher anxiety levels were associated with lower perceptions in this dimension. Few significant associations were found between perceived neighborhood walkability and objective physical function measures, and these associations were generally weak. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that neighborhood walkability is a multidimensional construct influenced not only by environmental characteristics but also by health status, psychological factors, and individual perceptions. These results reinforce the importance of considering contextual and environmental factors when promoting mobility, participation, and healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults. Full article

Background: People with schizophrenia are one of the most stigmatized social groups. The purpose of this study was to assess stigma, quality of life, social anxiety and illness insight in a sample of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and to investigate possible correlations between these variables and psychopathology/socio-demographic factors of the study group. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 90 patients (55 males, 35 females) with a mean age of 31.8 ± 8.6 years (18–52) experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The mean ± SD duration of untreated psychosis was 13.4 ± 6.2 weeks. The medications used were risperidone (n = 24; 26.7%), clozapine (n = 34; 37.8%), and olanzapine (n = 32; 35.6%). The tools used for this study were the Internalized Stigma for Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-SR), Schedule for the Assessment of Insight—Expanded version (SAI-E), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: The mean ISMI total score was 50.9 ± 7.9 (range: 29–84), with 56.6% of patients scoring greater than 50, indicative of internalized stigma. Mean PANSS total scores improved from 76.1 ± 7.2 at baseline to 44.9 ± 6.3 after six months of follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients demonstrated insight of (mean ± SD) 20.3 ± 4.5, measured by SAI-E, and moderate-to-good quality of life across WHOQOL-BREF domains. The results of this study indicated that the ISMI scale showed statistically significant linear correlations with the LSAS-SR [anxiety (r = 0.399, p < 0.001) and avoidance (r = 0.421, p < 0.001)], with positive correlations and approximately medium associations. In the multivariable analyses, ISMI was inversely associated with all WHOQoL-BREF domains (physical health: −0.72 units 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.35, p < 0.001; mental health:−1.04, 95% CI: −1.45 to −0.63, p < 0.001; social relationships: −0.79, 95% CI: −1.39 to −0.18, p = 0.012; environmental health: −0.70, 95% CI: −1.00 to −0.39, p < 0.001). Multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, medication, marital status, having children, employment, residence, DUP, SAI-E, ISMI, and LSAS-SR. Conclusions: Stigma is positively correlated with social anxiety. Higher stigma levels were independently linearly associated with lower levels of quality of life, even after adjusting for other predictor variables. Our results also indicated an association between higher insight levels and elevated odds of high internalized stigma. Stigma in first-episode psychosis patients is negatively associated with quality of life and positively associated with social anxiety/avoidance. Full article

This study examined associations between perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) and self-reported voice symptoms in teachers, with exploratory observations on man-made mineral fibers (MMMF). Forty-seven teachers underwent within-day assessments at the beginning (good PIAQ) and end (poor PIAQ) of a workday. Clinical voice status was evaluated with laryngoscopy and the Grade–Roughness–Breathiness–Strain (GRBS) scale. Self-reported symptoms were measured with a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the 30-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Classroom settled dust was collected on gelatin tape and analyzed by light microscopy for MMMF. No significant within-day clinical voice changes were detected, although breathiness showed a non-significant increase. Median VAS scores for voice symptoms showed no meaningful within-day change. Poorer afternoon PIAQ was associated with higher post-VAS, and longer daily exposure time co-varied with greater subjective worsening. Teachers with high VHI scores more often reported symptom worsening and poorer PIAQ ratings. Self-reported voice symptoms correlated positively with poor PIAQ and exposure duration. These findings suggest a symptom-driven pattern without evidence of environmental causality. Longitudinal studies with real-time IAQ monitoring are needed. Occupational health follow-up is recommended for teachers with persistent voice problems, with attention to vocal load. Full article

Freshwater is essential for sustaining the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems; however, agricultural activities remain a major source of water pollution globally. This review examines how crop production, livestock farming, and aquaculture contribute to water contamination, the effectiveness of current European policies, and the potential of sustainable mitigation strategies. Evidence from the research identified pesticides, herbicides, veterinary antibiotics, nutrient runoff, aquaculture effluents, and microplastics as the primary agricultural pollutants affecting surface and groundwater quality. These contaminants have been linked to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, endocrine disruption, antimicrobial resistance, and adverse human health outcomes. Despite extensive regulatory frameworks, including the Water Framework Directive, Nitrates Directive, Farm to Fork Strategy, and European Green Deal, significant implementation and monitoring challenges remain. Current evidence indicates that only 40% of European surface waters achieve “good” ecological status, highlighting persistent water quality concerns across the region. The review further identified precision irrigation, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring, biopesticides, hydroponic systems, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture as promising solutions for reducing agricultural impacts on water resources. However, barriers, including high implementation costs, technological limitations, and inconsistent policy enforcement, continue to hinder widespread adoption. Overall, the findings demonstrate that while existing policies have improved water governance, stronger regulatory enforcement, greater investment in sustainable technologies, and increased adoption of nature-based solutions are required to reduce agricultural water pollution. An integrated approach combining technological innovation, policy support, and sustainable farming practices is essential to protect freshwater resources and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Full article

This study assessed the ecological status of the Aegean Sea coasts of Türkiye using the destructive Ecological Evaluation Index continuous (EEI-c) and non-destructive Benthic Ecological Assessment Rapid Index (BEARI) macroalgal indices within the framework of coastal ecological monitoring. A total of 25 coastal stations were investigated and macroalgal taxa were classified into sensitive Ecological Status Group I (ESG I) and Benthic Ecological Group I (BEG I) and tolerant–opportunistic Ecological Status Group II (ESG II) and Benthic Ecological Group II (BEG II), according to their ecological characteristics. Ecological quality status (EQS) was evaluated using EEI-c and BEARI, while Bray–Curtis similarity analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to examine spatial patterns and relationships with environmental variables. The EEI-c assessment classified 19 stations as “high” and five stations as “good”, whereas only İzmir-Bostanlı exhibited “bad” ecological status. According to BEARI, five stations were classified as “high”, 17 as “good”, and Çandarlı, Güllük, and İzmir-Bostanlı as “moderate”, “poor”, and “bad”, respectively. A significant relationship was detected between EEI-c and BEARI values (R² = 0.71). In addition, Macroalgae-Land Use Simplified Index (MA-LUSI) values were negatively correlated with both EEI-c and BEARI, indicating the sensitivity of macroalgal indices to anthropogenic pressures. Overall, the results demonstrate that macroalgae-based indices provide reliable tools for ecological assessment and support multi-metric approaches in coastal monitoring programs. This study provides one of the first comparative evaluations of destructive (EEI-c) and non-destructive (BEARI) macroalgal indices in relation to MA-LUSI pressure assessment along the Turkish Aegean coasts. Full article

The Jabal Ali Marine Sanctuary, Dubai, is one of the most important marine protected areas (MPAs) in the UAE. The Arabian Gulf is characterised by extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures and hypersaline waters. These conditions, combined with increasing anthropogenic pressures from coastal development projects such as desalination plants, energy plants and the Palm Jebel Ali development, may influence the pelagic ecosystems of MPAs. This study examined seasonal variability in phytoplankton communities and environmental conditions between summer (June 2017) and winter (December 2017), with particular emphasis on the interactions between temperature-driven stratification, hypersaline conditions, and phytoplankton community structure, abundance, and diversity. The AZTI (AZTI Tecnalia Marine Research Centre) Marine Biotic Index indicated predominantly “Good” to “High” ecological status of the pelagic ecosystem, indicating favourable environmental conditions. Potentially harmful algal bloom taxa, including Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis, were detected at low abundances. Summer surveys recorded higher total species richness (44 vs. 34 species) and greater phytoplankton abundance (mean 68.6 vs. 49.8 cells/L) compared to those in winter. Diatoms dominated the assemblages in both seasons, accounting for 62–69% of the recorded species, while distinct spatial zonation patterns reflected habitat heterogeneity. The observed seasonal and spatial variability highlight the importance of incorporating temporal and spatial dimensions into management strategies. As the first pelagic phytoplankton assessment conducted in an MPA, this study provides important baseline data for understanding phytoplankton ecology in one of the world’s most environmentally extreme marine ecosystems. The findings contribute to evidence-based management under increasing climate change and anthropogenic pressures. However, because sampling was limited to the two principal climatic seasons, the study characterises inter-seasonal variability rather than a complete annual succession cycle. Additional surveys during spring and autumn are recommended to fully resolve seasonal succession dynamics. Overall, the findings support the continued protection of the sanctuary as an important biodiversity reservoir and a potential reference site for assessing marine ecosystem responses to environmental conditions. These findings are directly relevant to the environmental sustainability agenda of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritises the protection and expansion of the emirate’s nature reserves and the safeguarding of marine and coastal biodiversity. By establishing the first pelagic phytoplankton baseline for the sanctuary, this study provides an evidence base for monitoring and managing marine protected areas in line with this long-term framework. Full article

LIFE REVIVE aims to restore ecological status and ecosystem services in the Lima and Vouga river basins (NW Iberian Peninsula), where hydromorphological alteration and hydropower-driven flow regulation are major causes of water bodies failing to reach Good Ecological Status under the EU WFD. The project targets key pressures such as longitudinal fragmentation by weirs and dams, artificial flow regimes, degradation of spawning substrates, and the spread of invasive aquatic plants, which strongly affect fish communities, including sea lamprey, salmonids, and other diadromous species. Technically, the project combines barrier removal or eco-adaptation, nature-like fish passes, and spawning-habitat renaturalisation with optimized environmental flow regimes (EFR) downstream of important hydropower systems, explicitly accounting for present and future hydroclimatic scenarios. Multi-scale ecohydrological modelling (species distribution models, habitat suitability models, GLM/GAM approaches) will quantify fish–flow–habitat relationships and support the definition of operational EFR guidelines that balance ecological requirements with hydropower and agricultural constraints through joint work with the main Portuguese hydropower operator, EDP. Impact evaluation is structured around a rigorous BACI monitoring design in intervention and control tributaries, using standard WFD biological indices for fish and aquatic/riparian vegetation, hydromorphological indices (HQA, HMS, RHS), and project-specific Key Performance Indicators for water quality, biodiversity, and habitat. Expected outcomes include the restoration of at least 51 km of rivers towards free-flowing conditions, reduced hydromorphological pressure in more than 20 km of heavily modified river stretches, and measurable increases in the distribution and abundance of fish species and native vegetation. A strong communication and capacity-building programme underpins public engagement, while a decision matrix for barrier prioritization, technical workshops, and pilot replications in additional basins (e.g., Alva, Mouro, Deva, and Tea in Galicia) are designed to maximize transferability, policy uptake, and long-term sustainability of the solutions beyond the project lifetime. Full article

To scientifically evaluate the health of river aquatic ecosystems in the Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwestern Guizhou, systematic surveys of benthic macroinvertebrate and periphytic algal communities were conducted in representative rivers during October 2024 (autumn) and April 2025 (spring), coupled with concurrent water quality monitoring. Reference sites were selected based on water quality indicators and habitat conditions. Core parameters were identified through correlation analysis, discriminatory ability analysis, and distribution range analysis to construct a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) and a Periphytic Algae Index of Biotic Integrity (P-IBI) suitable for the region. These indices were then applied to assess the ecological health of the rivers. Additionally, stepwise regression analysis was employed to investigate the key environmental drivers influencing the two biotic integrity indices. The results indicated that: (1) In terms of species composition, the benthic macroinvertebrate community structure was relatively simple, dominated by arthropods, particularly chironomid larvae. Bacillariophyta and Cyanophyta consistently dominated the periphytic algae community. (2) Assessments using both B-IBI and P-IBI showed that the overall river health in spring was slightly better than in autumn. However, more than half of the sampling sites were rated as “fair” or worse in both seasons. The reference sites (S2, S10) consistently exhibited “excellent” or “good” health, while the impaired sites showed significant spatial heterogeneity. Discrepancies between B-IBI and P-IBI ratings at some sites revealed differential responses of the two biological communities to environmental stressors. (3) Stepwise regression analysis unveiled a seasonal shift in key environmental drivers. The primary factor affecting the B-IBI in autumn was biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), which shifted to total phosphorus (TP) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) in spring. For the P-IBI, the main factor changed from dissolved oxygen (DO) in autumn to chemical oxygen demand (COD) in spring. These findings confirm the applicability of the B-IBI and P-IBI systems in this region, and indicate that multi-assemblage integrated assessments can contribute to understanding the health status of river ecosystems in the Qianxinan Prefecture. This study could serve as a scientific reference for the protection, management, and restoration of local river ecosystems. Full article

The perception of livability varies by individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors. Little is known about environment-livability relationships in unique sociocultural contexts with predominantly Mexican-origin Hispanic populations. This study examines how neighborhood environments relate to residents’ perceived livability in selected neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas, and potential differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic samples. We surveyed 2233 residents and generated GIS (ArcGIS 10.6.1) measures of their neighborhood environments. The binary livability outcome was derived from a survey question about satisfaction with their neighborhood as “a good place to live.” Three logistic regressions were estimated using the full sample and two subsamples (Hispanic and non-Hispanic). For the full sample, significant (p < 0.05) environmental predictors included social cohesion, crime safety, attractive surroundings, sidewalk availability and maintenance, surveillance and night lighting, walkable destinations, and land-use mix; significant interactions existed between Hispanic ethnicity and gender, between Hispanic ethnicity and the density of sit-down restaurants, as well as between age and crime safety. Comparing two subsample models, environmental features and personal health status were more influential in the Hispanic subsample, whereas personal and household factors were more influential in the non-Hispanic subsample. Culturally responsive designs should prioritize the most critical environmental improvements to effectively enhance livability. Full article

Current detection technologies of operation current in power systems primarily rely on electromagnetic induction principles and infrared thermal imaging. These methods suffer from inherent limitations such as dependence on external power supplies, susceptibility to interference in complex electromagnetic environments, and high equipment costs. Electrochromic materials, which can directly convert electrical signals into optical signals and enable self-sensing without external power, offer a novel technological pathway for condition monitoring of electrical equipment. However, existing electrochromic materials still face technical challenges in power equipment operating environments, including high response thresholds, poor environmental stability, and short cycle life. Based on the synergistic electrochromic effect of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fluoran, this study develops a color-changing coating suitable for operating current sensing. Core–shell structured microcapsules with urea-formaldehyde resin as the wall material were prepared via in situ polymerization to effectively encapsulate the P3HT–fluoran composite core material. These microcapsules were uniformly dispersed in an epoxy acrylate/TMPTA ultraviolet-curable resin system to form a current-sensing coating with excellent adhesion and insulation properties. Test results show that the coating, applied on a busbar, undergoes a noticeable color change from red to white within 30 s when a current of 100 A passes through the busbar, with a color difference (ΔE) of 25.3. The coating exhibits adhesion strength exceeding 11.7 MPa, volume resistivity on the order of 10¹³ Ω·m, and a breakdown field strength higher than 85 kV/mm. After 100 cycles, ΔE remains stable, demonstrating good cyclic durability. This research provides a new visual sensing solution for high-current monitoring and shows broad application prospects in the field of power equipment operation status monitoring. Full article

Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by eutrophication and other anthropogenic and climate-driven pressures that undermine ecological functioning and biodiversity. This study evaluates the transferability of a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS–MCDA) framework with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP), originally developed for a shallow coastal lake, to a morphologically distinct deep upland lake (Lough Tay, Ireland). Monthly in situ measurements at a single monitoring point in 2024 were analysed together with meteorological variables using Spearman rank correlations. Because spatial interpolation of in-lake water quality parameters was not feasible, eutrophication susceptibility was mapped using four external spatial drivers: distance from water resources (River Cloghoge inflows), land-based nitrogen export potential, distance from environmental pollutants represented by the transportation network, and a wind exposure index derived from a DEM and wind-rose analysis. Criteria were standardized with fuzzy membership functions, weighted using F-AHP (consistency index 0.056), and aggregated using weighted linear combination at 25 m resolution. The resulting Eutrophication Susceptibility Index (ESI) ranged from 0.18 to 0.81, indicating generally moderate to good conditions, with higher ESI values concentrated in the northern lake sector near inflow zones. The results demonstrate that GIS–MCDA can be adapted to lakes with limited monitoring by relying on external drivers, providing a spatial proxy for susceptibility rather than measured trophic status. Full article

Cascade reservoirs on the Drina River (Bosnia and Herzegovina) are heavily modified water bodies that require reliable biological tools for assessing trophic status and ecological potential. Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), assessments of surface water ecological status and potential rely on biological quality elements, since aquatic communities integrate and respond to prevailing environmental conditions and thus serve as reliable indicators of water quality. This study aims to (i) describe phytoplankton diversity, biomass, and functional-group composition along the Drina reservoir cascade, (ii) examine monthly changes across the studied reservoirs, (iii) determine trophic status and ecological potential, and (iv) provide a preliminary estimate of total phosphorus thresholds that may support future setting of ecological potential boundaries. Phytoplankton composition and functional groups were analysed in three longitudinally connected reservoirs of the Drina River during four monthly surveys in 2024. A total of 80 phytoplankton taxa were recorded, with diatoms dominating most of the study period. The highest biomasses were recorded for Fragilaria crotonensis, Dinobryon divergens, Acanthoceras zachariasii and Sphaerocystis sp., while the dominant functional groups were P, E, A, and F. Phytoplankton assemblage structure showed moderate spatial differentiation among the reservoirs. Mean chlorophyll a and Carlson’s Trophic State Index indicated eutrophic conditions in the Višegrad Reservoir and mesotrophic conditions in the Perućac and Zvornik reservoirs, while biomass showed a pronounced summer maximum, particularly in Perućac. Ecological potential was generally classified as good or better, except for a moderate classification in the Zvornik Reservoir in late summer. The good/moderate TP boundary was estimated at 39 µg L⁻¹, linking EQR-based ecological assessment with the onset of eutrophic conditions. Overall, this study represents the first application of the phytoplankton functional group approach in cascade reservoirs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and may provide a valuable basis for the development of a phytoplankton-based monitoring framework in lakes and reservoirs, which is currently lacking. Full article

In recent decades, the issue of marine litter has emerged as a major environmental concern, particularly with regard to plastic litter. The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) requires member states to monitor marine litter along the coast, in the water, and on the seabed. Since 2014, beach litter monitoring has been carried out in Italy’s coastal regions, an activity entrusted to the Regional Environmental Agencies System (ARPA). ARPA Puglia is responsible for monitoring the Apulian coastline, and this paper summarizes the main results obtained from 2014 to 2023. The monitoring, which was repeated twice a year, consists of a visual census of litter items along a 100-meter stretch of beach in six different locations across the Puglia region. During this period, an average of 506 litter items per 100 m were observed on the six target beaches in Puglia, 90% of which were plastic ones. Among these, single-use plastic items (SUPs) accounted for 37%. A trend analysis reveals a decline in the aggregate quantity of marine litter on Apulian beaches over the past decade, a phenomenon that is particularly evident when considering the SUP subcategory in isolation. This decreasing trend is consistent with the overall pattern observed along the Italian coastline and the coastlines of European seas. Consequently, it can be hypothesized that an increase in awareness of the issue, in conjunction with the implementation of European Directive 2019/904 for the reduction in single-use plastics, has resulted in more responsible practices. However, further efforts are needed to achieve the goal of 20 litter items per 100 m of beach to attain the Good Environmental Status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The findings emphasize the importance of constant monitoring of litter items along the shoreline, as well as the integration of new and alternative methodologies (e.g., drone surveys) to evaluate the efficacy of European regulatory implementation. Full article

Global freshwater scarcity is a pressing environmental challenge, particularly in Egypt, which depends entirely on the Nile River and its tributaries. Rapid population growth, domestic wastes, agricultural runoff, and rapid industrial expansion exert highly anthropogenic stress on aquatic ecosystems, including Bahr Yusuf and Ibrahimia Canals in Upper Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological health and sustainability status of the two canals using an integrated multi-metric framework combining physicochemical variables, microbiological indicators, and community structures of zooplankton and benthic fauna. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, CCA), and ecological indices, including the water quality index (WQI), microbial assessment index (MAI), Rotifer-Based Index (TSI_Rot) and Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, were applied to determine pollution gradients. The results revealed that Bahr Yusuf suffers from higher pollution levels than the Ibrahimia Canal. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that nutrient enrichment and elevated organic load are responsible for over 72% of the variance in zooplankton and benthic invertebrate assemblage in both water bodies. The dominance of pollution-tolerant species, Philodina roseola and B. calyciflorus of zooplankton and Limnodrilus udekemianus, Chironomidae larvae, Melanoides tuberculate and Cleopatra bulimoides of benthic taxa, further indicates a direct increase in organic loading and nutrient enrichment from agricultural and domestic sources. According to the Integrated Water Quality–Biotic Health Index (IWQ-BHI), the downstream stations of Bahr Yusuf are critical risk zones, with scores below 50.0, while the upstream stations of Ibrahimia Canal fell within the “good” category, with scores exceeding 70.0. Overall, both waterbodies are approaching a critical threshold of ecological instability and require urgent, integrated and sustainable management to restore and preserve these vital freshwater ecosystems. Full article