Estructura trófica de los macroinvertebrados de la cuenca del río Chambo.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the trophic level of the macroinvertebrates of the Chambo river basin. The purpose was to obtain more information on the state of water and thus take appropriate conservation and protection measures in terms of the quality of this resource which has suffered from loss of biodiversity, irrational exploitation and inadequate management. The first step consisted of making an inventory of the macroinvertebrates that live in the river basin. The data collection was developed through the Surber Network method and direct capture. The results demonstrated that there are 1383 individuals distributed in 21 families, being the most abundant The Physidae and Leptophlebiidae families which belong to the trophic group of collectors – scrapers. The presence of organic matter and periphyton due to wastewater in the basin and nearby agricultural activities was also evidenced. Subsequently, the cenotic analysis was developed through the similarity index of the Bray Curtis test, Biodiversity Indices, Biological Indices of Water Quality, Water Quality Index (ICA-1987) under physical-chemical parameters and its analysis was based on TULSMA (2015). The tests probed that Penipe Bridge and Baños Bridge sections have a low quality in their water which makes it unacceptable for human consumption and preservation of aquatic life. For the sections which presented alterations in their water quality, an environmental management plan was conducted, it included 4 programs aimed at reducing and eliminating sources of contamination; raising awareness of the importance of having a quality water resource in the surrounding populations; and implementing good agricultural, livestock and waste management practices. It is recommended to implement norms that promote the use of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators in environmental assessment programs for water bodies.