CAPUNG SEBAGAI BIOINDIKATOR ALAMI KUALITAS LINGKUNGAN PERAIRAN DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems face severe degradation due to anthropogenic pollution and climate change, necessitating effective biological monitoring. Dragonflies (Odonata) serve as sensitive bioindicators of aquatic environmental quality due to their amphibious life cycle and physiological responsiveness to water parameter changes. This narrative systematic review analyzes the ecological role of Odonata, their physiological mechanisms in response to aquatic pollution, and their direct implications for public health. Sensitive families such as Gomphidae and Calopterygidae require clean, well-oxygenated water, whereas tolerant groups like Libellulidae persist under organic stress. Using the Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI), community shifts act as an early warning system for habitat degradation. Crucially, dragonfly nymphs act as apex micro-invertebrate predators that suppress mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti, Anopheles, and Culex). Water pollution depletes dragonfly populations, breaking natural biological control and accelerating vector-borne disease transmission. Preserving dragonfly diversity is vital for maintaining aquatic health and controlling vector-transmitted diseases in human settlements.

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