Biodiversity and Water Quality Using Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge (Phase 1)

This project focuses on studying aquatic macroinvertebrates within the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge (RVSP), a crucial remnant of native Andean forest in Pichincha, Ecuador. The research addresses the scarcity of entomological studies in the area by comparing two key sites: a pristine zone within the Pasochoa volcano caldera and an adjacent area with anthropogenic influence. The field methodology utilized a Surber net for collecting organisms at four sampling points along a 100m transect, covering diverse aquatic microhabitats. Collected organisms were preserved in 70% alcohol and identified taxonomically using specialized keys. Complementary physicochemical water analyses were performed. Data analysis included metrics for abundance, diversity, and species accumulation curves using EstimateS and PAST software. Furthermore, ANOVA and correlation analyses were applied using SPSS to determine significant differences between sampling stations and their relationship with physicochemical variables. The findings aim to establish an ecological baseline for ecosystem management and conservation.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate and compare the diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in two distinct zones of the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge (RVSP) in Pichincha Province: a pristine zone within the caldera and an anthropogenically influenced zone outside the refuge.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Prevention and control of pollution of natural resources