Dynamic restoration process of zoobenthos communities in Suzhou Creek

After years of treatment and management, the ecosystem of the Suzhou Creek is becoming healthier gradually. Surveys were carried out at 8 sampling sites along the creek in the period from October 2000 to April 2003. Findings of the surveys indicate that Bellamya aeruginosa, Bellamya purificata, Tubifex sinicus, and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri were the predominant species in the zoobenthos communities in the creek. Though the communities were composed of more species than in 1999, they were still mostly pollution-tolerant ones. Comparison analysis of different aquatic ecosystems show that the structure of the zoobenthos communities is closely related to the pollution degree. Based on the correlation, a zoobenthos restoration index was established, objectively reflecting dynamic processes of the restoration of the zoobenthos community structure. Presently, the index of the Suzhou Creek shows a rising trend, and the restoration is obvious.