Impact of environmental factors on macrozoobenthos of Lake Saikul (Republic of Karakalpakstan)

The article discusses natural and anthropogenic conditions that form macrozoobenthos communities of Lake Saykul. The species composition of benthic organisms is described, the influence of such factors as salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, the nature of bottom sediments and water level fluctuations is assessed. The impact of economic activity, including drainage water discharges, runoff changes, climate fluctuations and the consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea is analyzed. Measures for monitoring and preserving benthic ecosystems are proposed.