Determinación de la calidad del agua mediante el uso de macroinvertebrados bentónicos como bioindicadores, en la microcuenca del Río Guanganza Chico de la provincia de Morona Santiago.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine water quality through the use of macroinvertebrates in a section of Guanganza Chico river microbasin, using the Biological Monitoring Working Party index of Colombia (BMWP/Col) and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT), which were supported by the analysis of the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the NSF and the Fluvial Habitat Index (FHI) ecological index:. Five sampling stations were established, carrying out a monthly sampling for four months. The physicochemical parameters DO, pH, BOD5, nitrates, phosphates, fecal coliforms, TDS, and turbidity were analyzed in the laboratory, while the temperature was measured by in-situ. The assessment of the FHI index was made directly at each sampling station. In station G.S-1, G.S-3 and G.S-5 the WQI was calculated, while in station G.S-2 and G.S-4 the parameters corresponding to: temperature, DO, pH, TDS and turbidity were analyzed. The results obtained from this study according to the biotic indices BMWP/Col and EPT presented respectively the following quality values: G.S-1, G.S-4 and G.S-5 = GOOD-REGULAR, in the station G.S-2 = GOOD-GOOD and in the station G.S-3=ACCEPTABLE-REGULAR, in the WQI index showed a good quality water in the three stations sampled, from the FHI index an EXCELLENT quality was reported in the stations G.S-1, G.S-4 and G.S-5, while in the G.S-2 and G.S-3 the quality of the fluvial habitat is REGULAR. According to the analysis of the ADEVA, the biological indexes show a quite significant relation with the WQI index, however, with the FHI index the relationship is significant. In conclusion, the water quality of this microbasin varies moderately in some sections, so it is recommended to establish a management plan for the conservation of this river system, including physical, chemical and biological monitoring.