Comparing two biological indexes using benthic macroinvertebrates: positive and negative aspects of water quality assessment

Vinicius Moraes Rodrigues,Eliane Pintor De Arruda,André Cordeiro Alves Dos Santos,Monica Jones Costa

doi:10.1590/s2179-975x4516

Vinicius Moraes Rodrigues, Eliane Pintor De Arruda + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s2179-975x4516

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Abstract

Abstract: Aim The aim of the present study, was to apply two biological indexes based on benthic macroinvertebrates (BMWP and ICB RES-P) using as model the Itupararanga Reservoir to know what the advantages and disadvantages of the application of each index in that environment. Methods The methodology consisted on three stages: 1) macroinvertebrates sampling and determination of limnological variables in situ, and sorting of the organisms in laboratory, 2) taxonomic identification of organisms and 3) determination of the saprobic degree for the collection sites and effectiveness of the application of the BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party score system) index and the Benthic Community Index created by CETESB (Environmental Sanitary Company of State of São Paulo) for deep regions (ICB RES-P index). Results The study was performed over two periods (spring/summer and autumn/winter), and 8,841 organisms were sampled and divided in 17 families. The Chaoboridae (genus Chaoborus), Chironomidae (subfamilies Chironominae and Tanypodinae) and Tubificidae families had the most abundant taxa. The saprobic degree of the Itupararanga reservoir region resulted in the general classification of the reservoir as β-α mesasaprobic (βms- αms), considered critical due to its organic charge content. The BMWP index was adapted to the sample points and the scores subsequently obtained ranked the reservoir as category V, representing very poor water quality. The ICB RES-P index classified the sample points in the spring/summer period as having regular water quality, and the autumn/winter period as having good water quality. Conclusions From previous findings, it can be concluded that further study and refinement of the components of both indexes are required in order to effectively assess the quality of water in reservoirs.

Highlights

The increase in anthropogenic activities in recent decades has intensified pressure on water resources
Aim: The aim of the present study, was to apply two biological indexes based on benthic macroinvertebrates (BMWP and ICB ) RES-P using as model the Itupararanga Reservoir to know what the advantages and disadvantages of the application of each index in that environment
The methodology consisted on three stages: 1) macroinvertebrates sampling and determination of limnological variables in situ, and sorting of the organisms in laboratory, 2) taxonomic identification of organisms and 3) determination of the saprobic degree for the collection sites and effectiveness of the application of the BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party score system) index and the Benthic Community Index created by CETESB (Environmental Sanitary Company of State of São Paulo) for deep regions (ICB RES-P index)

Summary

Introduction

The increase in anthropogenic activities in recent decades has intensified pressure on water resources. As water is a key natural resource for establishing and maintaining life, several methodologies have been developed in order to determine and diagnose the environmental impacts and disturbances that result from human activities (Buss et al 2003). One of these is the biomonitoring of aquatic organisms, such as benthic macroinvertebrates (Rosenberg et al, 1999; Egler et al, 2012; Coe et al, 2013, Feio et al, 2014; Smetanová et al, 2014). The BMWP index has been widely used in the United Kingdom to characterize the quality of rivers, streams and creeks (Metcalfe, 1989), as well as in other countries (López et al, 2005) such as Brazil (Junqueira & Campos, 1998; Junqueira et al, 2000; Monteiro et al, 2008; Roche et al, 2010; Ruaro et al, 2010)

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