index of biological integrity (IBI)

The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is a scientific tool used to assess the health of a water body, such as a river or lake, by examining the types and populations of aquatic organisms living there. It considers factors like species diversity, presence of sensitive or tolerant species, and overall ecosystem balance. A high IBI score indicates a healthy, well-balanced environment, while a low score suggests pollution or disturbance. This index helps scientists and regulators evaluate water quality and make informed decisions about environmental protection and management.