Spatial distribution and seasonal dynamics of molluscs in the Liwiec River (South Podlasie Lowland) were studied: nineteen gastropod species were found, with members of Planorbidae (7 species) and Lymnaeidae (5 species) dominating, and other families being represented by single species. Of bivalves three unionid species, and 2 genera of Spheriidae were represented. The species diversity varied along the river: the malacocenosis of its upper section was the most diverse (14 species), while fewer species (10) were found in the river mouth region. The mid section was the least diverse (5 species). The mollusc densities varied from 1 to 37 indiv./m2. They were the highest in the upper section (11–33 indiv./m2), and at one site in the lower section (37 indiv./m2); the lowest densities were observed in the mid section (1–7 indiv./m2); in the river mouth region they ranged from 4 to 16 indiv./m2. The mollusc abundance was higher in June and September than in April.
The taxonomic composition of macroinvertebrates in the Liwiec River and its tributaries situated in central and eastern Poland was studied during three seasons (spring, summer and autumn). Simultaneously, physical and chemical parameters of water were measured. Water parameters were different in each study period. Macroinvertebrates samples collected in summer and autumn were much more diversified than the samples collected in spring. In the spring samples a greater EPT diversity was observed, while in the samples collected in autumn Odonata, Coleoptera and Heteroptera were more diversified. The values of the BMWP-PL index were slightly higher for the summer and autumn samples than for the spring ones. Correlation between the concentration of oxygen in water and the number of individuals of Plecoptera and Trichoptera larvae was noted. The negative correlation between the values of BOD₅, the concentration of nitrate ions and conductivity, and the number of macroinvertebrate families was observed. A negative correlation also was noted between nitrate and phosphate ion concentrations and the number of individual insect larvae.
Water quality of the liwiec River (the longest tributary of the Bug River, the South Podlasie Lowland, and the Central Mazovia Lowland) was evaluated in 1998-2000 and 2002 using selected physical and chemical parameters and macroinvertebrate analysis. Classification of water quality was done on the basis of physical and chemical parameters. Taxonomic composition of invertebrate macrofauna was used for calculation of the following biological indices: Belgian Biological Index (BBI), British BMWP/OQR Index, and modified for Polish rivers, Margaleff's index of biological diversity. The values of physical and chemical parameters showed that water of the Liwiec River belongs to the 2nd and 3rd class of quality (in the five degree scale). The values of BBI and BMWP/OQR indices revealed that the water was moderately polluted. According to the biodiversity index, the Liwiec River was classified as the 1st quality class. Correlation between chemical parameters and BBI and BMWP/OQR values shows that these indices may be used for evaluation of water quality in Polish lowland rivers (like Liwiec). However, in the case of the biodiversity index, the ranges for various water quality classes should be modified.