Invertebrados acuáticos como indicadores del estado ambiental del río Negro

Abstract

The study of macroinvertebrate communities has increased as a result of their application as bioindicators. The objective of this work was to analyze the changes in the composition and structure of the macroinvertebrate communities of the Negro River. 19 sites were selected where physical-chemical parameters of the water were measured and macroinvertebrate samples were taken under two different conditions: high and low waters. Statistical models were explored to establish differences between water quality and community descriptors. The dissolved oxygen concentration (OD) was shown as a variable indicating the state of the river. Among the macroinvertebrates, Ephemeroptera was sensitive to low OD concentration, finding an exponential relationship between these variables. These preliminary results show the potential application of the macroinvertebrate for the design of environmental monitoring and surveillance tools for the Río Negro.