Aplicación de índices de calidad de agua en un arroyo pampeano utilizando macroinvertebrados bentónicos como bioindicadores (Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos, Argentina)

Abstract

Water quality can be evaluated through a set of physical, chemical and environmental variables that characterize the water body under study. These variables, along with the climate impact,hydrological regime and land use, determine the diversity of organisms. Santa Barbara Stream is a loworder stream and is located in the Gualeguaychú Departament, Entre Ríos, in the Pampean Ecorregion. In order to study the water quality, benthonic macroinvertebrates and physical chemical variables were studied, between March and October 2012. Sixteen orders, 1 suborder and 27 invertebrates families were found. The most abundant families were Cochliopidae, Paleomonidae, Caenidae, and Sphaeriidae. BMWP, IBF, IMRP and IBPamp biotic indices and diversity index of Shannon-Weaver were applied. These showed different results suggesting the need for further studies of water bodies of the Pampas Ecorregion and adjustment of indices for the region. The combined application of different rates indicates that the stream shows signs of seasonal organic pollution associated with land use in the basin.