Chironomus larvae (Chironomidae: Diptera) as water quality indicators along an environmental gradient in a neotropical urban stream

Anthropogenic interference in urban lotic systems is a factor affecting the biota of waterbodies. Aquatic macro invertebrates are an important food source for fish and are valuable indicators of water quality. The objective of this work was to study Chironomus larvae (Chironomidae: Diptera) distribution along an environmental gradient in Barbado Stream, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. No individual Chironomus was found in the springs of Barbado Stream, which may indicate preservation of the area. During the study period, we found 40.3 and 94.4 individuals/m2 at points 3 and 4 (low course), respectively. There is eutrophication in these sites due to domestic sewage discharges, indicating low quality water. The Barbado Stream needs restoration projects that include an awareness of the residents of their neighborhood's environmental importance, and investments in the sanitation sector to prioritize the collection and treatment of wastewater and solid waste collection.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Machado,Nadja Gomes, Nassarden,Danielle Christine Stenner, Santos,Francyele dos, Boaventura,Isabelle Christina Gonçalves, Perrier,Gregory, Souza,Fernanda Silveira Carvalho de, Martins,Eucarlos de Lima, Biudes,Marcelo Sacardi
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais em Bacias Hidrográficas 2015
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-993X2015000200298
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!