[Aim] Analyzing succession processes and mechanisms of river biota stressed by pollution can help understand biodiversity loss, develop conservation plans, and promote safe management of aquatic ecosystems.[Method] The present study investigated causes and consequences of nutrient-related environmental variables on the variation of rotifer communities in the Beisanhe drainage in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, which was typically polluted by various anthropogenic activities. Rotifer communities were chosen as analytical target taxa in rivers, because they were sensitive indicator of water pollution. After analyzing the variation of rotifer communities and related environmental conditions, we illustrated critical environmental determinants affecting rotifer communities.[Result] Water was highly polluted in west part (H group) of the Beisanhe drainage, with sampling sites having higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (total and dissolved) than those in east part (L group). In addition, compared to communities in L group, species richness, the number of individuals, and Shannon-Wiener index were significantly lower in H group. Community composition between H and L groups significantly differed. Moreover, analyses on community-environmental interactions showed that the variation among communities was significantly related to the total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen.[Conclusion] Water quality and rotifer communities between H and L groups were significantly affected by nitrogen and phosphorus inputs in the Beisanhe drainage.