Response of macroinvertebrate and epilithic diatom communities to pollution gradients in Ecuadorian Andean rivers

Abstract Population growth and increasing production demands threaten the highly diverse Andean freshwater ecosystems. Biological indicators constitute a valuable tool for evaluating ecological quality of ecosystems under different pressures. Diatom macroinvertebrate assemblages are most used bioindicators to assess water pollution, whereby these biotic groups occupy first second trophic levels respond habitat pollution. Several studies have explored response communities pollution in other regions, but no examined their performance rivers. In this context, research aimed evaluate responses relationships both Upper Guayllabamba basin. We collected diatom samples from nine sites basin during dry wet seasons, calculated indices groups, related them environmental characteristics. The results indicated that were sensitive changes land use nutrients. Epilithic diatoms more chemistry macroinvertebrates fluvial use. index based on better-detected classes between seasons. Therefore, gave complementary information, joint seems suitable streams.