Resumo A comunidade de macroinvertebrados aquáticos do Rio Pindo Grande foi analisada, na época chuvosa de 2014 e 2017; e época seca de 2015 e 2016, na Estação Biológica Pindo Mirador. Os Macroinvertebrados foram coletados com rede Surber, rede de chute e coleta manual, em cinco pontos ao longo do rio. No laboratório, eles foram identificados até o menor nível taxonômico possível. Calculou-se: riqueza (S), abundância, diversidade (H´), níveis tróficos e índice BMWP/Col. Foram coletados 1695 indivíduos pertencentes a 95 espécies; 57 na estação chuvosa e 38 na estação seca. A classe Insecta abrangeu a maioria dos organismos (98.6%). O ponto M1000 teve maior riqueza (34-27 espécies) nas duas épocas climáticas, enquanto os pontos restantes apresentaram valores que flutuavam de moderado a alto (13-35 espécies). Todos os pontos obtiveram média diversidade e organismos distribuídos em três categorias tróficas: herbívoros, detritívoros y predadores. A maioria dos locais tinha média qualidade (BMWP/Col s 102-150). Na estação chuvosa, todos os sítios obtiveram um bom estado de conservação (BMWP / Col 192-152), enquanto, na estação seca, apenas dois locais tinham médio estado de conservação (BMWP/Col 93-67). A Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP), determinou que as variáveis primárias associadas aos locais foram: a montante em época de chuvas de NO3 e DQO, na estação seca o O2. Os locais rio abaixo na estação chuvosa, foram agrupados com base na profundidade e largura do rio, em tempo seco PH, PO4 e condutividade. Se determinou uma comunidade macro-bentônica saudável e variação, frente as atividades antrópicas.

Abstract Pindo Grande River water quality was analyzed during rainy seasons of 2014 and 2017 and dry seasons of 2015 and 2016. Specimens were collected using surber net, kick net and manual stone collection, from five different sites along the river. In the laboratory, specimens were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Taxon richness, abundance, diversity, trophic niches, and Biological Monitoring Working Party for Colombia (BMWP/Col) index were assessed. A total of 1,695 specimens belonging to 95 taxa were collected, including 57 taxa in rainy seasons and 38 taxa in dry seasons. Class Insecta was the most abundant (98.6%). Richness was highest (3,427) at M1000 collection sites in rainy and dry seasons and varied from moderate to high (13-35) at other sites. All sampling sites had medium diversity, and organisms belonged to three trophic categories: herbivores, detritivores, and predators. Environmental water quality was medium at most sites (BMWP/Col = 102-150). All sites exhibited good conservation status (BMWP/Col = 192-152) in the rainy season; only two sites presented medium conservation status (BMWP/col = 93-67) in the dry season. Principal component analysis indicated that main variables associated with sites were NO3 and COD in upstream areas in the rainy season and O2 in the dry season. Downstream areas were grouped based on depth and width of the river in the rainy season and on pH, PO4, and conductivity in the dry season. According to analysis, the Pindo Grande River has preserved epibenthic communities; it is an oxygenated stream, but its habitats have been gradually affected by anthropogenic activities.

RESUMEN El cambio de uso de la tierra con áreas de bosques nativos convertidas a la agricultura, la ganadería y las plantaciones de bosques exóticos, es el factor principal que afecta la vegetación ribereña y las comunidades acuáticas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las respuestas del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos al cambio en la cobertura ribereña en el bosque protector Murocomba, Valencia, Ecuador. Se realizaron muestreos en las temporadas seca (de junio a diciembre 2014) y de lluvias (diciembre hasta abril 2015) en tres quebradas con diferentes coberturas riparias: bosques nativos Q1-CBN, pastos para agricultura y ganadería Q2-CAG y plantaciones forestales Q3-CPF, en las que se recolectaron muestras de macroinvertebrados acuáticos y se midieron diferentes variables fisicoquímicas in situ. Según el IBF y el BMWP/Col, la mejor condición ecológica se presentó en la quebrada Q1-CBN, y el EPT disminuyó en la quebrada Q2-CAG en la estación lluviosa. El índice de Shannon-Weaver mostró valores más altos en Q1-CBN y Q3-CPF en el período seco, y la dominancia aumentó en Q3-CPF en la temporada de lluvias. Un total de 6 583 macroinvertebrados fueron recolectados. El orden Coleoptera mostró una mayor abundancia en Q1-CBN y Diptera en Q2-CAG, mientras que Hemiptera mostró la menor abundancia en Q3-CPF. Los taxones Psephenidae, Chironomidae, Leptophlebiidae, Veliidae, Simuliidae, Baetidae y Leptohyphidae se asociaron con los valores más altos de sólidos disueltos y pH, así como valores más altos de IBF y valores más bajos de los índices EPT, BMWP y profundidad del canal en Q2-CAG, mientras que Leptoceridae, Elmidae, Ptilodactylidae y Philopotamidae, se asociaron con valores más altos de EPT y BMWP y con mayor profundidad en Q1-CBN y Q3-CPF. Se evidenció una influencia negativa de las actividades antrópicas en las variables fisicoquímicas y la estructura del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados. Esto indica que la vegetación ribereña es un factor determinante para el establecimiento y la estructura de las comunidades acuáticas.

Abstract Land-use change from native forests to agriculture, livestock and exotic forest plantations is a main factor affecting riparian vegetation and aquatic communities. The aim of this study was to assess responses of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages to riparian cover change in Murocomba protective forest, Valencia, Ecuador. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected and physicochemical variables were measured during dry (June-October 2014) and rainy (December-April 2015) seasons along three creeks with different riparian cover: native forests Q1-CBN, pasture for agricultural and livestock activities Q2-CAG, and exotic forest plantations Q3-CPF. According to the Macroinvertebrate Family Biotic Index (FBI) and the Biological Monitoring Working Party Index (BMWP/Col) the best conditions existed in the creek Q1-CBN, while the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera Index (EPT) decreased in the creek Q2-CAG during the rainy season. The Shannon-Weaver index showed higher values in Q1-CBN and Q3-CPF in the dry period, and the dominance increased in the Q3-CPF in rainy season. A total of 6 583 macroinvertebrates were collected. Trichoptera was the most abundant order and Hidropsychidae the most abundant family. The Coleoptera order showed greater abundance in Q1-CBN and Diptera in Q2-CAG, while Hemiptera showed the lowest abundance in Q3-CPF. Psephenidae, Chironomidae, Leptophlebiidae, Veliidae, Simuliidae, Baetidae and Leptohyphidae were associated with the highest values of total dissolved solids and pH, as well as higher values of IBF and lower values of EPT, BMWP, and depth of the channel in Q2-CAG, whereas Leptoceridae, Elmidae, Ptilodactylidae and Philopotamidae were associated with higher values of EPT, BMWP and depth of the channel in Q1-CBN and Q3-CPF. A negative influence of anthropic activities on the physicochemical variables and structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblages was evidenced. This indicates that the riparian vegetation is a factor that determines the establishment and structure of aquatic communities.

Resumen Las quebradas están fuertemente influenciadas por su vegetación ribereña y la deforestación afecta a la comunidad acuática. Se estudiaron los efectos de la deforestación sobre la diversidad taxonómica y funcional del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en cuatro quebradas Andinas colombianas. El estudio incluyó 12 sitios, siete de ellos con cobertura arbórea en sus márgenes en áreas boscosas no perturbadas por la deforestación (estaciones de referencia) y los otros cinco sin cobertura arbórea en áreas deforestadas (estaciones alteradas). Se realizaron cuatro muestreos de campo entre junio 2011 y febrero 2012 y se recolectaron muestras de macroinvertebrados bentónicos utilizando el método D-net con malla de 500 μm y recolección manual, y se midieron diferentes variables fisicoquímicas in situ. Se calcularon los índices de Shannon-Wienner (H ‘) y Simpson (D). Se aplicaron análisis unidireccionales de varianza ANOVAs a cada variable ambiental y análisis canónicos discriminantes (CDA). Se recolectaron un total 8 370 individuos correspondientes a 80 taxones durante el estudio. La abundancia y diversidad fue mayor en las estaciones localizadas en áreas boscosas no perturbadas. Thraulodes, Anacroneuria y Rhagovelia, se asociaron con valores más altos de Calidad de Bosque de Ribera Andina (QBR-And), Índice de Hábitat Fluvial (IHF), Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP/Col) y temperatura en estaciones de referencia, mientras que Leptonema, Baetodes y Mayobaetis se asociaron con mayores valores de pH y altura sobre nivel del mar en estaciones alteradas. Los principales grupos funcionales tróficos (GFT) en las estaciones de referencia fueron colectores-recolectores/raspadores (27.2 %), raspadores (25.4 %) y depredadores (24.4 %), mientras que en estaciones alteradas fueron: Colectores filtradores (27.5 %), colectores-recolectores/raspadores (17.4 %) y raspadores (15.7 %). Los hábitos de vida más abundantes en las estaciones de referencia fueron agarradores (50.5 %), taxones con tres o más hábitos (28.7 %) y patinadores (16.1 %), mientras que en las estaciones alteradas fueron agarradores (68.1 %), taxones con tres o más hábitos (13.7 %) y excavadores (5.2 %). El conocimiento de las variables que determinan la estructura taxonómica y funcional de los ensamblajes de macroinvertebrados, y cómo responden a impactos como la deforestación, puede ayudar a determinar acciones de protección o restauración de las condiciones ambientales y ecológicas de las quebradas Andinas y los hábitats riparios.

Abstract The creeks are strongly influenced by their riparian vegetation, and the deforestation affect the aquatic community. The effects of deforestation on taxonomic and functional diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblage in four Colombian Andean creeks were evaluated. The study included 12 sites, seven of them with arboreal coverage at their margins in forested areas undisturbed by deforestation (reference stations) and the other five without tree cover in deforested areas (altered stations). Four field samplings were carried out between June 2011 and February 2012, and samples of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected using the D-net method with 500 μm mesh and manual collection, and different physicochemical variables were measured in situ. The Shannon-Wienner (H′) and Simpson´s index (D) were calculated. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) to each environmental variable, and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) to establish differences in environmental variables, taxonomic and functional diversity between references and altered stations were applied. 8 370 macroinvertebrate individuals corresponding to 80 taxa were collected in the study, with 6 758 individuals and 75 taxa in references stations and 1 612 individuals and 50 taxa in altered stations. The reference stations had higher values of diversity and the taxa that made major contributions to the variance between reference and altered stations were Thraulodes, Anacroneuria and Rhagovelia, which were associated with the highest values of Index of Andean riparian vegetation Quality (QBR-And), fluvial habitat index (IHF), Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia BMWP/Col, EPT index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) and temperature in reference stations, whereas Leptonema, Baetodes and Mayobaetis were associated with higher pH and elevation above sea level in altered stations. The main functional feeding groups (FFG) at the reference stations were collectors-gatherers/scrapers CG / SC (27.2 %), scrapers SC (25.4 %) and predators PR (24.4 %), and for altered stations were collectors-filterers CF (27.5 %), collectors-gatherers/scrapers CG / SC (17.4 %) and scrapers SC (15.7 %). The most abundant life habits were clingers Cg (50.5 %), taxa with three or more habits (28.7 %) and skaters Sk (16.1 %), in the reference stations, and clingers Cg (68.1 %), taxa with three or more habits (13.7 %) and burrowers Bu (5.2 %) in the altered stations. The knowledge of the variables that determine the taxonomic and functional structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblages, and how they respond to impacts such as deforestation, can help to determine actions of protection or restoration of the environmental and ecological conditions of the Andean streams and the riparian habitats.

Se evaluó la calidad ecológica de cuatro quebradas andinas afluentes de los ríos Nare y Guatapé, cuenca del río Magdalena, Colombia. Se realizaron cuatro muestreos entre junio de 2011 y febrero de 2012, en tres sitios por quebrada, para un total de 12 evaluados. Se recolectaron muestras de macroinvertebrados, utilizando el método D-net, con malla de 500µm y colección manual sobre sustratos. El hábitat del río y la vegetación ribereña fueron evaluados, mediante el establecimiento de estaciones de referencia y la aplicación del Índice de Hábitat Fluvial (IHF), el Índice de calidad de la vegetación de ribera Andina (QBR-And), adaptado para los ríos andinos, el Índice Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP/Col) y el índice ECOSTRIAND (ECOlogical STatus RIver ANDean). Se establecieron siete sitios de referencia, caracterizados por vegetación ribereña en ambos márgenes, sin alteraciones o con un bajo grado de alteración antrópica, los cuales, presentaron altos valores de IHF, QBR-And, BMWP/Col, indicando buena calidad ecológica para los ensamblajes de macroinvertebrados. Cinco sitios se determinaron como alterados con alta afectación antrópica, vegetación ribereña reducida o ausente en los dos márgenes, predominio de pastos y actividades agrícolas y bajos valores en los índices antes mencionados, lo que indica una menor calidad ecológica.

The ecological quality of four Andean creeks tributaries of the Nare and Guatapé Rivers, Magdalena River Basin, Colombia was evaluated. Four field samplings were carried out between June 2011 and February 2012, at three sites for each creek, for a total of 12 sites evaluated. Macroinvertebrates samples were caught using the D-net method with mesh of 500µm and manual collection on substrates. The river habitat and riparian vegetation were evaluated through of the establishment of reference stations and the application of the River Habitat Index (IHF), the Riparian-Andean vegetation quality index (QBR-And) adapted for Andean rivers, the Biological Monitoring Working Party-Colombia index (BMWP / Col), and the ECOSTRIAND index (ECOlogical STatus RIver ANDean). Seven reference sites were established, which were characterized by riparian vegetation in both sides, without alterations or with a low degree of anthropic disturbance, presented high values of IHF, QBR-And, BMWP/Col, indicating good ecological quality for macroinvertebrates and fish assemblage's. Five sites were determined as altered with high anthropogenic disturbance, riparian vegetation reduced or absent in the two margins, predominance of pastures and agricultural activities, and low values in the afore mentioned indexes, which indicates less ecological quality.

ABSTRACT Productive activities such as agriculture and livestock have transformed the Andean basins in South America. In accordance with this statement, the objective of this study was to assess the water quality of “Las Piedras” river located in an Andean basin with 6626 ha in Colombian Highlands. This study analyzed nutrient inputs from agricultural production, spatial crops distribution, human activities and their influence on the ecological state of the river. The evaluation integrated physicochemical and biological parameters in the indexes of water quality, pollution and the aquatic macroinvertebrates community. Results showed that aggregated crop fields occupy 25.2 % in the basin and the biological water quality through the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) index denotes the presence of tolerant-pollution organisms, additionally the biodiversity was low (Shannon H´1.1). The water quality in the river satisfies the Colombian regulation criteria for human consumption, even higher concentrations of nutrients in the lower area with 2.20 mg/L nitrates and 1.49 mg/L of phosphates, besides the loss of nutrients by runoff, which was 2.57 mg/L nitrates in the middle area and 0.18 mg/L phosphates in the upper area. In this sense, the nutrient concentration input increases toward the lower area of the basin because of the crop distribution. The agricultural land use modified the hydrological ecosystem services by decreasing the basin water regulatory capacity and nutrients input to the main stream.

RESUMEN Las actividades productivas como la agricultura y la ganadería han transformado las cuencas andinas de América del Sur. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad del agua en la cuenca del río Las Piedras (6626 ha), localizada en la alta montaña colombiana. Se analizaron los aportes de nutrientes a partir de la producción agrícola, distribución espacial de cultivos, actividades humanas y su influencia en el estado ecológico del río. La evaluación integró los parámetros físicos, químicos y biológicos en índices de calidad del agua, de contaminación y de macroinvertebrados acuáticos. Los resultados mostraron que los cultivos ocupan el 25.2 % de la cuenca, la calidad biológica del agua según el índice del Grupo de Trabajo de Monitoreo Biológico (BMWP, por sus siglas en inglés) evidenció la presencia de organismos tolerantes a la contaminación y baja biodiversidad (Shannon H’ 1.1). La calidad del agua es apta para consumo humano según los estándares establecidos por la normatividad Colombiana. Sin embargo, se encontraron altas concentraciones de nutrientes en la zona baja del río con 2.20 mg/L de nitratos y 1.49 mg/L de fosfatos, adicionalmente los aportes de nutrientes en escorrentía superficial fueron de 2.57 mg/L de nitratos en la zona media y 0.18 mg/L de fosfatos en la zona alta. En este sentido, se observó que el ingreso de nutrientes aumenta hacia la zona baja de la cuenca debido a la distribución espacial de los cultivos. El uso agrícola del suelo modificó los servicios ecosistémicos hídricos por la disminución de la capacidad de regulación en la cuenca y el aporte de nutrientes al cauce principal.

Abstract Background. In 2012, a biologic water quality study was conducted in the central part of Río Puyo, in Pastaza Province. The river is characterized for an increasing environmental degradation due to a rise in population with a simultaneous housing development increase. Goals. To assess Rio Puyo water quality with macroinvertebrate monitoring and chemical parameters. Methods. The macroinvertebrates were collected at four different dates, and two biotic indexes, Biological Monitoring Working Party for Costa Rica (BMWP-CR) and Biological Family Index for El Salvador (IBF-SV), were determined for each site. The study was complemented with pH and dissolved oxygen sampling to determine their correlation with the biotic indices. Results. There were 14 orders, 40 families and 2 808 individuals identified, most of the especimens belong to Leptohyphidae (23.3%) and Hydropsychidae (18.7%) families. The indexes showed that the water quality in the river drops significantly between points 1 (Fátima) and 3 (La Isla), showing some increase at point 4 (Unión Base). A 5% significance correlation were established between dissolved oxygen and BMWP-CR index (r=0.915), and 1% significance correlation between BMWP-CR an IBF-SV index (-0.947). Conclusions. all indexes show a significant drop of quality at the urban areas, one of them (IBF-SV) shows some recovery when the river leaves the city.

Resumen Antecedentes. En 2012 se realizó un estudio de calidad de agua en el curso medio del río Puyo, en la provincia de Pastaza, caracterizada por un creciente deterioro ambiental a causa del incremento poblacional, la urbanización y el consiguiente aumento en la descargas de aguas residuales. Objetivos. A fin de evaluar la calidad ambiental del medio hídrico, se identificó macroinvertebrados como biota acuática indicadora y su relación con parámetros físico-químicos. Métodos. El estudio fue realizado en cuatro sitios y en cuatro fechas distintas, permitiendo la determinación de los índices: Biological Monitoring Working Party for Costa Rica (BMWP-CR) e Índice Biológico de Familias para El Salvador (IBF-SV) para cada sitio, con base en los ejemplares previamente colectados e identificados. El estudio fue complementado con el monitoreo de pH y oxígeno disuelto, lo que permitió establecer su correlación con los índices bióticos aplicados. Resultados. Se identificaron 14 órdenes, 40 familias y 2 808 individuos en los cuatro sitios; la mayor cantidad de individuos pertenece a las familias Leptohyphidae (23.3%) e Hydropsychidae (18.7%). Los valores obtenidos para los índices BMWP-CR y IBF-SV señalaron una disminución en la calidad del agua entre los puntos 1 (Fátima) y 3 (La Isla), y una posterior recuperación en el índice IBF-SV al llegar al sitio 4 (Unión Base). Se estableció una correlación significativa (0.05) entre el oxígeno disuelto y el índice BMWP-CR (r = 0.915) y muy significativa (0.01) con IBF-SV (-0.947), Conclusiones. La aplicación de los índices permitió demostrar que la calidad de agua en el río desciende significativamente ante la influencia de la zona urbana y que, de acuerdo a uno de los índices (IBF-SV), puede experimentar cierta recuperación al alejarse de aquella zona, lo cual se evidencia en la correlación antes descrita.

Abstract Background. Stream ecosystems reflect human impacts on the environment. An understanding of the threats affecting these ecosystems and the development of tools to assess them is key for the conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems. Puerto Rico is an oceanic island with dense human presence and strong pressures over freshwater resources that result in the degradation of water bodies. Aquatic macroinvertebrates respond to pollution and are good indicators of anthropogenic impacts on streams. Goals. To describe major threats to the ecological condition of streams in Puerto Rico and introduce two biomonitoring indices based on macroinvertebrates that allow for the assessment of stream condition on the island. Methods. We proposed a standardized methodology for the use of the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) and Family Biotic Index (FBI) modified for Puerto Rico. Results. Major threats to aquatic ecosystems in Puerto Rico are associated with urbanization, water extraction, and untreated water discharges. For the elaboration of the indices, a tolerance value was assigned to each of the 87 taxonomic groups reported for Puerto Rico. Based on stream sampling, impact scales were developed for the BMWP-PR and FBI-PR. In addition, a standardized methodology is proposed to avoid sampling biases. Conclusions. The conservation status of rivers in Puerto Rico is relatively good compared with other tropical regions. The indices proposed (BMWP-PR, FBI-PR) are the first developed for the island with the goal of evaluating the ecological condition of streams. The indices are proposed as a starting point, future efforts should focus on the development of additional tools.

Resumen Antecedentes. Los ecosistemas de río reflejan los impactos que los seres humanos tienen sobre el ambiente. Entender las amenazas a los que están expuestos estos ecosistemas y tener herramientas para evaluar estos impactos es esencial para la conservación y el manejo de los ecosistemas acuáticos. Puerto Rico es una isla oceánica con alta presencia humana y altas presiones de uso sobre sus recursos de agua dulce que resultan en impactos sobre los cuerpos de agua. Los insectos acuáticos responden claramente a la contaminación y son buenos indicadores de los impactos antropogénicos en ríos. Objetivos. Describir las principales amenazas a la condición ecológica de los ríos en Puerto Rico y proponer dos índices ecológicos basados en macroinvertebrados que permite la evaluación de la condición de los ríos en la isla. Métodos. Se propone una metodología estándar de muestreo para el uso adecuado de los índices Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) e Índice Biótico de Familias (IBF) modificados para Puerto Rico. Resultados. Las mayores amenazas sobre los ecosistemas acuáticos de Puerto Rico están asociadas a la urbanización, la extracción de agua, y descargas de aguas residuales no tratadas. Para la elaboración de los índices, se le asignó un valor de tolerancia a cada uno de los 87 grupos taxonómicos de macroinvertebrados acuáticos reportados para Puerto Rico. Basados en muestreos, se desarrollaron escalas de impacto para el BMWP-PR y el IBF-PR. Además, se desarrolló una metodología estandarizada para evitar sesgos de muestreo. Conclusiones. El estado de conservación de los ríos en Puerto Rico es relativamente bueno comparado con otras regiones tropicales. Los índices propuestos (BMWP-PR, IBF-PR) representan las primeras herramientas desarrolladas para la isla con el objetivo de evaluar la condición ecológica de los ríos. Los índices se proponen como un punto de partida, futuros esfuerzos deben contemplar la elaboración de herramientas adicionales.

Resumo: Objetivo O foco do presente estudo foi a aplicar dois índices biológicos, baseados nos macroinvertebrados bentônicos (BMWP e ICB RES-P), utilizando o Reservatório de Itupararanga como modelo para determinar as vantagens e desvantagens na aplicação de cada índice nesse ambiente. Métodos A metodologia consistiu em três etapas: 1) coleta de macroinvertebrados bentônicos, determinação in situ das variáveis limnológicas e triagem dos organismos em laboratório, 2) identificação taxonômica dos organismos e 3) determinação dos graus de saprobidade para os pontos de coleta e a eficácia da aplicação do Índice BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party score system) e do Índice de Comunidade Bentônica de região profundal (ICB RES-P) criado pela CETESB (Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo). Resultados O estudo foi desenvolvido em dois períodos (primavera/verão e outono/inverno) onde 8.841 organismos foram coletados e divididos em 17 famílias. As famílias Chaoboridae (gênero Chaoborus), Chironomidae (subfamílias Chironominae e Tanypodinae) e Tubificidae foram os táxons mais abundantes. O grau de saprobidade obtido para a região do reservatório de Itupararanga, no geral, classificou o reservatório como as β-α mesasaprobic (βms- αms), considerado crítico quanto o teor de matéria orgânica. O índice BMWP foi adaptado para os pontos de coleta e subsequentemente as pontuações foram obtidas classificando o reservatório como de categoria V (qualidade muito ruim). O índice ICB RES-P classificou a qualidade da água nos pontos de coleta do período de primavera/verão como regular, e no período de outono/inverno como boa. Conclusões A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que são necessários mais estudos e refinamentos dos componentes de ambos os índices para determinar com eficiência a qualidade da água em reservatórios.

Abstract: Aim The aim of the present study, was to apply two biological indexes based on benthic macroinvertebrates (BMWP and ICB RES-P) using as model the Itupararanga Reservoir to know what the advantages and disadvantages of the application of each index in that environment. Methods The methodology consisted on three stages: 1) macroinvertebrates sampling and determination of limnological variables in situ, and sorting of the organisms in laboratory, 2) taxonomic identification of organisms and 3) determination of the saprobic degree for the collection sites and effectiveness of the application of the BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party score system) index and the Benthic Community Index created by CETESB (Environmental Sanitary Company of State of São Paulo) for deep regions (ICB RES-P index). Results The study was performed over two periods (spring/summer and autumn/winter), and 8,841 organisms were sampled and divided in 17 families. The Chaoboridae (genus Chaoborus), Chironomidae (subfamilies Chironominae and Tanypodinae) and Tubificidae families had the most abundant taxa. The saprobic degree of the Itupararanga reservoir region resulted in the general classification of the reservoir as β-α mesasaprobic (βms- αms), considered critical due to its organic charge content. The BMWP index was adapted to the sample points and the scores subsequently obtained ranked the reservoir as category V, representing very poor water quality. The ICB RES-P index classified the sample points in the spring/summer period as having regular water quality, and the autumn/winter period as having good water quality. Conclusions From previous findings, it can be concluded that further study and refinement of the components of both indexes are required in order to effectively assess the quality of water in reservoirs.

Durante los meses de septiembre y octubre de 2009, se realizó una caracterización biológica y fisicoquímica de la cuenca del río Opia, con el fin de estimar la calidad del agua a través de la fauna béntica y variables fisicoquímicas. Para esto, se seleccionaron 14 estaciones en donde se recolectó un total de 11573 macroinvertebrados acuáticos agrupados en 4 phyla, 7 clases, 16 órdenes, 50 familias y 98 géneros; y se evaluaron 14 parámetros fisicoquímicos y uno bacteriológico para establecer la influencia de éstos sobre la comunidad de macroinvertebrados acuáticos. A partir de los índices bióticos de familias por Hilsenhoff (IBF), Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera y Trichoptera (EPT) y Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP/Col) e índices fisicoquímicos como el índice de calidad de agua (ICA), el índice de contaminación por mineralización (ICOMI) e índice de contaminación por sólidos suspendidos (ICOSUS) y se evalúo la calidad del agua. Las estaciones CR, EG, Ja, TP, Lc, EP, BD, QD y Et registraron la mejor calidad del agua, mientras que las estaciones BO, Tv, MF, PD y QO, registraron una calidad del agua regular, evidenciando la perturbación de los ecosistemas, afectando la calidad ecológica y fisicoquímica de las zonas. Este trabajo denota el uso de los índices bióticos y fisicoquímicos en los estudios del recurso hídrico, lo cual permite tener una información más amplia para el diagnóstico de las cuencas. Los resultados son relevantes y constituyen uno de los primeros esfuerzos en el departamento del Tolima en utilizar estas herramientas para conocer a fondo el estado de la cuenca y su grado de intervención.

A biological and physicochemical characterization of the Opia river basin water quality was made from September to October 2009. A total of 14 sampling stations were selected. 11573 macro-invertebrates were collected, belonging to 4 phyla, 7 classes, 16 orders, 50 families and 98 genera. Additionally, 14 physicochemical variables were measured to establish how they could influence aquatic macro-invertebrates. The biotic indexes of Hilsenhoff (IBF), Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) and the Biological Monitoring Working Party for Colombia (BMWP/Col) were calculated. Also the Water Quality Index (WQI), the Polution for Mineralization Index (ICOMI) and the Suspended Solid Index (ICOSUS) were calculated in order to assess the water quality of Opia river basin. The sampling stations CR, EG, Ja, TP, Lc, EP, BD, QD and Et had the best water quality; while BO, Tv, MF, PD and QO had a low water quality. These results showed that impact on the ecosystems is related to diminished water quality, affecting ecological and physicochemical quality of the water in the Opia river basin. This study emphasizes the use of biotic and physicochemical indexes in water resources research, which allows a more comprehensive diagnosis. These results constitute one of the first initiatives in the Tolima department to use these tools to get an insight of basin status and intervention degree.

No seu entorno, a lagoa Caiubá apresenta regiões preservadas e áreas com cultura de arroz e de pecuária. Esta pesquisa descreve o padrão de variação sazonal e espacial das variáveis fisico-químicas e biológicas durante os anos de 2009 e 2010, em nove pontos distribuídos espacialmente na lagoa, representando suas partes norte, central e sul. A qualidade da água foi avaliada através da aplicação do índice de estado trófico (IET), do índice de qualidade de água (IQA) e das classes da Resolução CONAMA 357/2005. Foram coletadas amostras de invertebrados bentônicos e determinados os Índices Bióticos (IB) de acordo com os modelos da Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-USA) e a adaptação do Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP). Os resultados evidenciaram um sistema com alta turbidez e conteúdo de fósforo, além de baixa razão N:P, e com poucas alterações sazonais e espaciais nas variáveis medidas. Embora os resultados do IQA e CONAMA tenham classificado a lagoa Caiubá como águas de excelente a boa qualidade, os resultados do IET e dos IB foram opostos classificando a lagoa como sistema alterado e poluído. Conclui-se que esses índices devam ser readequados através de avaliações sistemáticas visando refletir as condições de qualidade de ecossistemas aquáticos em meio rural, na região subtropical do Brasil.

The Caiubá lagoon has its surroundings with preserved areas and areas with rice cultivation and livestock. This study describes the pattern of seasonal and spatial variation of physico-chemical and biological variables during the years 2009 and 2010 at nine points, representing part of northern, central and southern regions. Water quality was evaluated by applying the trophic state index (TSI) and the water quality index (WQI), and classes according to CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. Samples of benthic invertebrates were collected and determined the biotic index (BI), following the models of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-USA), and adaptation of Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP). The results demonstrated a system with high turbidity and phosphorus content, and low N:P ratio, and with little seasonal and spatial changes in the measured variables. Although the results of WQI and the CONAMA have classified the lagoon waters with excellent to good quality, the results of the TSI and the BI were opposites, classifying the ecosystem as amended and polluted system. It is concluded that these indices should be readjusted through systematic evaluations in order to reflect the quality condition of aquatic ecosystems in rural areas in the subtropical region of Brazil.

A comunidade de macroinvertebrados aquáticos é um dos grupos mais utilizados na avaliação da qualidade da água, pois respondem de forma diferente ao grau de contaminação dos ecossistemas aquáticos. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da água na bacia hidrográfica do Rio dos Sinos (Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil) através de índices bióticos baseados em comunidades de macroinvertebrados aquáticos (Family Biotic Index - FBI, e Biological Monitoring Working Party Score System - BMWP). Três arroios de pequena ordem (2º ordem) foram selecionados em cada uma das três principais regiões da bacia. Em cada arroio foram realizadas coletas em três trechos (superior, médio e inferior), totalizando 27 trechos. Foram realizadas duas coletas ao longo de um ano em cada trecho de arroio (inverno e verão). Um total de 6.847 macroinvertebrados distribuídos em 54 famílias foi coletado nos arroios. Os arroios da região superior da bacia apresentaram uma melhor qualidade da água do que os da região inferior. A qualidade da água não variou entre os trechos superior, médio e inferior dos arroios. Entretanto, os trechos superiores dos arroios apresentaram uma melhor qualidade da água em todas as regiões da bacia. A qualidade da água nos arroios não variou entre o verão e o inverno. Este resultado demonstrou que a qualidade da água pode ser analisada em ambas as estações do ano (verão e inverno), utilizando os índices bióticos. A análise dos resultados nos permite concluir que os índices bióticos utilizados refletiram as mudanças relacionadas à qualidade da água ao longo do gradiente longitudinal da bacia. Portanto, os macroinvertebrados aquáticos foram importantes bioindicadores da qualidade da água e da qualidade ambiental dos arroios da bacia hidrográfica do Rio dos Sinos.

Macroinvertebrate communities are one of the most used groups in assessments of water quality, since they respond directly to the level of contamination of aquatic ecosystems. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the water quality of the Sinos River basin (Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil) through biotic indices based on the macroinvertebrate community ("Family Biotic Index - FBI", and "Biological Monitoring Working Party Score System - BMWP"). Three lower order streams (2nd order) were selected in each one of three main regions of the basin. In each stream, the samplings were performed in three reaches (upper, middle, and lower), totalling 27 reaches. Two samplings were carried in each reach over one year (winter and summer). A total of 6,847 macroinvertebrates distributed among 54 families were sampled. The streams from the upper region were of better water quality than the lower region. The water quality did not change between the upper, middle and lower reaches of the streams. However, the upper reaches of the streams were of better water quality in all the regions of the basin. The water quality of the streams did not vary between the summer and the winter. This result demonstrated that water quality may be analysed in both studied seasons (summer and winter) using biotic indices. The analysis of the results allows us to conclude that the biotic indices used reflected the changes related to the water quality along the longitudinal gradient of the basin. Thus, aquatic macroinvertebrates were important bioindicators of the water and environmental quality of the streams of the Sinos River basin.

Las comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentonicos (MIB) pueden emplearse como eficientes indicadores biologicos de la calidad de agua en los ecosistemas dulceacuicolas. Durante el periodo Octubre del 2002 a Setiembre del 2003. se desarrollaron evaluaciones de MIB en el rio Rimac, aguas abajo de la Atarjea, Lima - Callao, Peru. El objetivo fue analizar su composiciòn faunistica, riqueza de familias y calidad del agua con base en el indice Biological Monitoring Working Party modificado (BMWP' modif.). La evaluacion se realizo en seis estaciones de muestreo ubicadas a lo largo del curso del rio Rimac, que cruza Lima y Callao. Se registraron 35 taxa de MIB: Hexapoda (27). Annelida (2). Mollusca (2). Arachnida (2). Plathyhelmintes (1) y Chilopoda (1). De los 2.166 especimenes coleccionados. Oligochaeta (n = 597) obtuvo la mayor abundancia absoluta, seguido por Psychodidae (n = 521). Physidac (n = 442). Chironomidae (n = 300) y Dixidae (n = 168). El indice BMWP' modif. valoro el agua del rio Rimac, aguas abajo de la Atarjea como de calidad critica o de aguas muy contaminadas (29 puntos). De los analisis fisicoquimicos evaluados, la Demanda Bioquimica de Oxigeno. indico efectos de perturbacion en el ecosistema acuatico. Finalmente se analizo la potencialidad del empleo de los MIB para evaluar la calidad de agua de los rios en el Peru.

The communities of benthic macroinvenebrates (BM1) can be used as efficient biological indicators of the water quality in fresh aquatic ecosystems. Between October 2002 and September 2003. evaluations of MIB were developed in the Rimac River downstream from Atarjea. Lima- Callao. Peru. The objective was to analyze their faunistic composition, richness of families and water quality, based on the modified Biological Monitoring Working Parly index (BMWP' modified). The evaluation was conducted in six sampling stations located along the course of the Rimac river that crosses Lima and Callao. Thirty-five taxa of BMI were reported: Hexapoda (27). Annelida (2). Mollusca (2). Arachnidae (2). Plathyhelmintcs (1) and Chilopoda (I). From 2.166 specimens collected. Oligochaeta (n = 597) had ihe higher absolule abundance, followed by Psychodidae (n = 521), Physidac (n =442). Chironomidae (n = 300). and Dixidae (n = 168). The modified BMWP' index scored the water of Rimac River downstream from Alarjea as critical qualify or very polluted waters (29 points). Of all the physicochemical analyses evaluaicd. Biochemical Oxygen Demand indicated perturbance effects in this freshwater ecosystem. Finally, the potential of the BMI to evaluate the water quality of the rivers in Peru is analyzed.