Abstract

GONZALEZ G, Sulay Maritza; RAMIREZ, Yuly Paulina; MEZA S, Ana María  and  DIAS, Lucimar G. ACUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES DIVERSITY AND WATER QUALITY OF SUPPLY STREAMS FROM MANIZALES MUNICIPALITY. Bol. Cient. Mus. Hist. Nat. Univ. Caldas [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.2, pp.135-148. ISSN 0123-3068.

Freshwater systems are one the most important natural resources to life. Despite their importance, these ecosystems have suffered great impacts caused by human activities, directly affecting aquatic biota and the quality of water sources. Considering the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as water quality bioindicators, the objective of this study was to analyze the richness, and composition of these organisms, as well as water quality in two water supply streams of the municipality of Manizales. With this aim, three samples were performed in three stations of the Olivares and Romerales streams, in three periods (dry, intermediate, and rainy). A Surber Sampler Net was used for the collection of macroinvertebrates, with three repetitions per substrate (leaf litter, rock, and fine sediment). Physical-chemical variables in situ and in the laboratory for each sample site were recorded. In total, 12443 macroinvertebrates were captured, distributed in 17 orders, 62 families, and 156 genera. There were no significant differences found between macroinvertebrate richness of the streams studied, nevertheless, abundance was significantly greater for the Romerales stream. In regards to composition, 72 genera are found to be common by the two streams, 49 genera are exclusive to the Olivares stream, and 59 are exclusive to the Romerales stream. The physical-chemical variables evaluated and the results obtained with the BMWP biotic index indicate that, in general, the two streams present a good water quality.

Keywords : Bioindicators; biomonitoring; aquatic invertebrates; water resources; Caldas.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )