Análisis de la influencia microbiológica sobre la concentración de diatomeas Epilíticas en el río Yanayacu, sector San José de Poaló

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the microbiological influence on the concentration of Epilithic Diatoms in Yanayacu river, located in San José de Poaló, Píllaro county, Tungurahua province. It was necessary to collect these samples using the modified Eduardo Lobo´s technique which has to do with the collection of flat rocks substrate found in the river, this process is done with a soft bristle brush to place the sample directly into an Eppendorf; then, the organic matter was cleaned in the laboratory for the further identification and quantification of species based on the Diatoms guide of Duero basin. 33 species and 15 genera were found, these data allowed the application of Shannon Weiner, Simpson and Berger Parker diversity indexes, which determined a medium level. Regarding the trophic state of the water calculated by the IPS, a moderate quality is obtained; In the case of total and fecal coliforms, the sample is collected directly from the river at a depth of 30 cm, remaining a third of the flask for the aeration process. EMB and MacConkey Agar seeding process was carried out in the laboratory and the samples were incubated at 35 degrees Celsius during 48 hours, followed by the counting process using the CFU technique. Pearson's correlation coefficient reflects a value of -0.58 which, according to T-Student accepts the relationship between these two variables due to the presence of Diatoms, such as: Nitzschia, Navicula, Melosira and Fragilaria, which are indicators of poor water quality. However, this is not very significant as they act independently in the environment without affecting its diversity and abundance. Based on the results, it is recommended to relate the Epilithic Diatom species with the physicochemical parameters since these are linked to the presence or absence of these species.