MACROINVERTEBRATES AS BIOINDICATORS OF WATER RESOURCES

JULIO VÁSQUEZ-ZERPA; MARÍA GLEM; GUILLERMO CENTENO-BORDONES; NICOLETA- MARICICA MAFTEI; ANA RAMOS-VILLARROEL

JULIO VÁSQUEZ-ZERPA Laboratory for Valuation and Use of Marine Resources, Center for Oceanology and Antarctic Studies, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
MARÍA GLEM Laboratory for Valuation and Use of Marine Resources, Center for Oceanology and Antarctic Studies, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
GUILLERMO CENTENO-BORDONES Marine Chemical Technologies Laboratory, Center for Oceanology and Antarctic Studies, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
NICOLETA- MARICICA MAFTEI Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Dunarea de Jos” University, Galati, Romania
ANA RAMOS-VILLARROEL Laboratory for Valuation and Use of Marine Resources, Center for Oceanology and Antarctic Studies, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela

Keywords: macroinvertebrates, biotic indices, bioindicators, water quality

Abstract

This research focuses on evaluating the usefulness of aquatic macroinvertebrates as
bioindicators for detecting changes in water quality associated with anthropogenic disturbances, as well as understanding the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on their communities. The potential of indices based on the presence or absence of these organisms for low-cost biomonitoring will be highlighted, emphasizing the need to expand their application in regions with limited knowledge such as Venezuela. This work focused on the review of the most recent literature to support the application of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators both nationally and internationally and to point out the lack of information in the area. It will also address the different methodologies applied in the studies, the explanation and usefulness of these biotic indices to reflect tolerance to disturbance, the limitations and challenges that the use of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators addresses.

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