Relationship between sugar cane cultivation and stream macroinvertebrate communities

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the influence of the sugar cane cultivation on the macroinvertebrate communities of 11 streams under different land uses. Analysis of the sediment (organic matter contents and metals) and water complemented the study. Ninety six macroinvertebrates taxa were identified, of which 54 were Chironomidae and 42 of other aquatic macroinvertebrates. The streams located in the areas of sugar cane culture and pasture presented low taxa and a great participation of Chironomidae (78% of the total). In contrast, the streams located in the areas with riparian vegetation presented a rich aquatic fauna with less participation of Chironomidae (60% of the total).