Specific indicator invertebrates of urbanized habitats in tributary streams of the Luján River basin (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Abstract

The increase of urbanized areas produces disturbances in rivers and streams, and its widespread effects reduce water quality and threaten aquatic biota. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the invertebrate communities of the Luján River basin (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) in an urbanization gradient and to determine the specific indicator taxa of urbanized habitats. Nine sampling sites were selected in the Luján River basin, distributed along a land use gradient. At each sampling site physicochemical variables of water were recorded, and invertebrate samples were collected during four seasons. A Principal Component Analysis separated three groups of sites with different urbanization conditions: low (<15%), moderate (between 15% and 60%) and high urbanization (>60%). These groups showed differences in the concentration of dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate organic matter, and nitrates. The communities changed with urbanization conditions, with a simplification of the community composition and a decrease in richness towards the lower basin (moderate and high urbanization). The IndVal method found three indicator taxa for the low urbanization sites (Heleobia sp. (Cochliopidae), Uncancylus sp. (Ancylidae) and Callibaetis sp. (Baetidae)) and three for the moderate urbanization habitats (Nematoda, Hyalella curvispina (Hyalellidae) and Chironominae). These taxa were useful to identify different disturbance conditions due to urbanization, which makes them potential bioindicators in the diagnosis and monitoring of water quality in the Luján River basin.