BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY IN THE LOWER PEREQUÊ RIVER, CUBATÃO, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL.

Authors

  • Ana Carolina Ferreira Amorim Centro Universitário Monte Cerrat
  • André Ribeiro Castillo Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG

Abstract

This study aimed to know the communities of benthic invertebrates and characterize the biological integrity of the Perequê River. In June of 2008, a sample was collected from 8 stations where the benthic invertebrates were collected using a Surber sampler (30x30) with mesh of 250 µm. Invertebrates were identified and preserved in alcohol 70 percent. Biological indices were applied, and calculated the values of diversity, richness, dominance, density and homogeneity of each taxa were calculated. A total of 290 organisms distributed in 12 taxa were recorded. The most abundant taxa were Chironomidae (57.6 percent) Hydracarina (12.9 percent) and Leptoceridae (7.6 percent). We can see that there was the dominance of Oligochaeta in sandy substrate and high in debris. Ecosystems, with sediments rich in organic matter decomposition were found in the prevalence of larvae of Chironomidae. The results were useful to advance the state of knowledge of the benthic invertebrate populations in the region. It also supports the role of these animals as important tool in assessing the health and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Published

2010-05-18

Issue

Section

Articles