Macroinvertebrados Bentónicos y Parámetros Fisicoquímicos como Herramientas de Evaluación Ambiental en Ecosistemas Altoandinos del Ecuador

The San Francisco River micro-basin, located in the Gualaceo canton (Azuay, Ecuador), supplies water to several communities, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring of its quality. This research evaluated water quality using physicochemical and microbiological parameters and the analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates at six stations distributed throughout the microbasin during two campaigns in the dry season and two in the rainy season. A total of 2,892 macroinvertebrates belonging to 25 families and 11 orders were collected. Ephemeroptera was the predominant order (61.9%). The Shannon-Weaver and Simpson diversity indices were applied, indicating medium diversity and low dominance. In terms of biotic indices, the ABI, BMWP/Col, and ETP values revealed water quality ranging from fair to good. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrients remained within the permissible limits established by Ecuadorian environmental regulations (TULSMA). This multidimensional approach allowed for the identification of anthropogenic pressures (livestock, deforestation, land use) that threaten the ecological integrity of the basin. The study demonstrates the usefulness of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators for sustainable water resource management.