Use of aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of water quality in the middle basin of the Guatapurí river (Valledupar, Colombia)

Abstract

The objective of the present research study was to evaluate water quality in the middle basin of the Guatapurí River (Colombia) through the analysis of aquatic macroinvertebrates. The BMWP/Col and ASPT water quality indices and the alpha diversity indices were determined. The 1640 collected samples were grouped into 5 classes, 12 orders, and 34 families showing that taxa composition was diverse. The class Insecta was the most dominant. The order Hemiptera was the most diverse and abundant and there were no differences in richness or abundance at the spatial level. There were significant differences in alpha diversity between different ecological indices. The BMWP/Col and ASPT indices were consistent with good quality condition, indicating clean waters. It is concluded that the Guatapurí River middle basin is in good ecological condition, after evaluating and comparing univariate and multivariate indices.