Water quality assessment in the Limache stream (central Chile), using bioindicators and bioassays

Cordova S; Gaete, H; Aranguiz, F; Figueroa, R.

Abstract

The water quality in the Limache stream was evaluated at five sampling stations during the period of low water flow. At each station, aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected and the following parameters were measured in situ: pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids. The biological oxygen demand, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen were determined in the laboratory. Water toxicity was determined through toxicity bioassays with the microalga Pseudokirchrneriella subcapitata. Thirty-three macroinvertebrate families were found and the dominant taxa were Dugessidae, Oligochaeta and Chironomidae. A significant correlation was found among the Family Biotic Index ChFBI, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (r = 0.92; p < 0.05). Species diversity was lowest, as was the growth rate of P. subcapitata, at the stations with the greatest anthropogenic activity and in the discharge zone of a domestic wastewater treatment plant.

Más información

Título según WOS: Water quality assessment in the Limache stream (central Chile), using bioindicators and bioassays
Título según SCOPUS: Water quality assessment in the Limache stream (central Chile), using bioindicators and bioassays [Evaluación de la calidad de las aguas del estero Limache (Chile central), mediante bioindicadores y bioensayos]
Título de la Revista: LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC RESEARCH
Volumen: 37
Número: 2
Editorial: UNIV CATOLICA DE VALPARAISO
Fecha de publicación: 2009
Página de inicio: 199
Página final: 209
Idioma: Spanish
URL: http://www.lajar.cl/pdf/imar/v37n2/Articulo_37_2_7.pdf
DOI:

10.3856/vol37-issue2-fulltext-7

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS