Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Bioindicators of water quality in the Copueno River, Morona-Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract The water quality of the Copueno River located in the city of Macas, Province of Morona Santiago was determined through the use of physicochemical, biological, and microbiological parameters using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators using the BMWP/COL Biological Index. A total of 59 individuals distributed in 17 families corresponding to 12 orders of species were recorded. Complementarily, the IQA DATA software was used at 3 different points to determine the water quality index in August 2021. As a result, at point 1 a value of 49.93 was obtained, while points 2 and 3 maintained values of 30.94 and 36.64 respectively; demonstrating that the quality at point 1 is doubtful, while for point 2 it is acceptable. Subsequently, the Shannon-Weaver biodiversity index was applied and significant differentials were found between the average diversity of macroinvertebrates with results of 1.68 for point 1 and 2.17 for point 2.

Keywords

• water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates, water quality index, bmwp/col biological index, copueno river, shannon - weaver biodiversity index.