Amphipoda and Decapoda as potential bioindicators of water quality in an urban stream (38°S, Temuco, Chile)

Abstract

The benthic crustaceans in Chilean rivers and streams are characterized by their marked endemism and low species number. Ecological studies have indicated that some species may be used as indicators of water quality, considering the involvement of river basins in human agricultural, industrial, and urban activities. The aim of the present study was to study the abundance of benthic crustaceans in a small stream located inside Temuco town, and to determine correlations of their various abundances with pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. The species discussed here are Aegla rostrata, Hyalella araucana, and Parastacus pugnax. We report an inverse correlation between dissolved oxygen and A. rostrata abundance, as well as of temperature with H. araucana abundance, whereas P pugnax showed no significant correlations. The ecological results are discussed.