Use of benthic macroinvertebrate community as a water quality indicator in streams in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates are affected by changes in aquatic systems that can influence their population size and community structure. Because of this, knowledge about benthic macroinvertebrates fauna can be used as a water quality indicator in lakes and streams, since many of them are sensitive to environmental disturbances. This study sought to evaluate the use of the benthic macroinvertebrate community as a water quality indicator in two streams in Southern Brazil. The streams were sampled monthly from November 2014 to April 2015. The macroinvertebrate collections were made with a Surber sampler. Environment heterogeneity was evaluated using the protocol for rapid assessment of habitat diversity (RAP). A total of 4096 benthic macroinvertebrates was recorded, distributed among 41 taxa of the Annelida, Nematoda, Crustacea, Arachnida and Insecta. The two rivers showed antropic influence on their banks, and the more affected sites were associated with a higher abundance of the collectors‑gatherers. The taxon diversity was determined by the environmental heterogeneity and the trophic structure of the community seems to be influenced by the presence of organic matter and nutrients. The use of the RAP integrated with knowledge of the benthic macroinvertebrates communities can be an efficient tool to evaluate water quality and the parameters of degradation in aquatic systems.