Biomonitoring at Cachoeira do Paraíso located on Itinguçu river, Peruíbe-SP, by the use of macroinvertebrates as water quality indicators

Abstract

Rivers have several ecological functions and a key role in human survival, thus the protection of aquatic ecosystems is of great importance. In this context, protected areas play an important role in protecting the springs, riparian forests, and watersheds, such as the Atlantic Forest. However, many of these protected areas still have no management plan, therefore researches in different subjects are required; one of the instruments that can be used in order to study the rivers and the quality of its waters is biomonitoring. The objective of this study is the evaluation of water quality in Paraíso Waterfall, Peruibe, SP, from the biomonitoring of benthic macroinvertebrates. The sampling will be carried out in dry and rainy periods, with the reference point collection in Verde River, present in the Jureia ecological station; plus, three points in Paraíso Waterfall. Evaluation of parameters such as pH, DO, temperature, and conductivity will be performed; In addition, sediment samples for analysis of the organic matter, and calcium carbonate particle size will be done. Each collection point will be sampled in the same microhabitat from the use of a hand net using the kick sampling technique. The organisms will be identified at the lowest possible taxonomic level and will be assigned points according to their sensitivity and tolerance to pollutants. Then, it will be created a biological index to validate the quality of water. In addition, some environmental indexes will be calculated and compared by ANOVA. Finally, the organisms will be photographed to generate an identification guide, which will serve to guide education activities to be developed in the visitor center Paraíso Waterfall.