Diagnóstico de la integridad ecológica y evaluación de la calidad del agua en la quebrada condorguayco perteneciente al parque nacional Llanganates

Abstract

The aim of the research was to diagnose the ecological integrity and evaluate the water quality of the Condorguayco Gully belonging to Llanganates National Park. Sampling campaigns were conducted from December 2021 to May 2022, determining 24 monitoring points for macroinvertebrates and 4 for the physicochemical and microbiological analysis; in which, a flooded paramo grassland area, two paramo grassland areas and a paramo shrubland area were selected. The Simplified Protocol and the Guide for the Evaluation of the Ecological Quality of Andean Rivers (CERA-S) as well as the Guide for the Study of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of the Department of Antioquia were used to identify the areas and assign their scores. This permitted to obtain the value of the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) index and the Andean Biotic Index (ABI), then the Shannon biodiversity index and Simpson's dominance index were also determined. On the other hand, field guides were used to determine the Andean Riparian Forest Quality Index (QBR-And) and the Fluvial Habitat Index (IHF). Finally, standardized techniques were used for water sample analysis. A total of 3048 macroinvertebrates grouped in 24 families were identified and the most predominant were: Tubificidae (23.56%); Chironomidae (22.74%); Hyalellidae (22.31%) and Cylindroleberididae (13.16%). In conclusion, the biological indices determined a Moderate poor water quality, while the ICA index a determined a Good water quality and the alpha indices revealed that the study area presents a medium diversity and a slightly altered habitat quality, the QBR-And index indicates that the area is slightly altered and its fluvial habitat presents a medium diversity. It is recommended to carry out permanent monitoring of the water bodies which are found in Andean paramos and to conserve the existing biodiversity.