ESTUDIO DE LA CORRELACIÓN ENTRE EL ÍNDICE BIÓTICO BMWP-CUB Y PARÁMETROS FÍSICOQUÍMICOS EN EL RÍO GASCÓN DE SANTIAGO DE CUBA

Abstract

In the last decades it has stimulated a developing study driving towards quality evaluations in river waters, dams or ponds, bays, etc. Actually, it recommends a systematic election of the benthic macroinvertebrates, for elaborating the detection index for the biologic quality of waters. Taking into account the anterior stated, this work applies the Cuban Index (BMWP-Cub) proposed by Naranjo C. et al., that has as its’ base the contamination tolerance for the macro-invertebrate family in the Cuban rivers. While
carrying out these investigations four transversal cuts were brought about, in the dry season. Three areas of the hydrographical basin were monitored and 17 environmental parameters were analyzed. To know the contamination tolerance level that the macro-invertebrates existing in that zone presents, the BMWPCub index was used, as well as, the correlation of this with 8 physical-chemical parameters. This demonstrated that only 5 parameters correlate negatively with the index. The second and third stations were the most contaminated, not complying with the Cuban norms for fishing /1/ and supplying /2/.
Following the biotic index, the quality of water is regular (station 1) to bad (stations 2 and 3).
Key words: benthic macro-invertebrates, family biotic index, water quality, fluvial ecosystem, Cuba.