Revisão metodológica dos índices bióticos bmwp’ e aspt para corpos d’água da região oeste do Paraná

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems have been altered as a result of anthropogenic activities. Tools such as biotic indexes exist for the purpose of biomonitoring these ecosystems and especially for making important decisions regarding the preservation and management of vital water bodies. These indices generally use species called bioindicators, from which the quality of a watershed can be inferred. This work places emphasis on the use of the BMWP biotic index (Biological Monitoring Working Party score system) developed for use in countries of the Iberian Peninsula and adapted by the Environmental Institute of Paraná (IAP) for use in water bodies of the State of Paraná. This index was considered to be inappropriate for use in Paraná, as it does not consider several factors, for example, the composition of the local fauna and seasonality. An adjustment methodology was proposed to enable the use of this index in the western region of Paraná, with the proposal to be carried out in other regions of the country. The results indicated that the adjusted index responded more faithfully to environmental conditions than the IAP adapted index, altering the classification of the collected sites over time and indicating a strong influence of seasonality on site quality. Finally, it is suggested that this adjustment be made every time and everywhere the BMWP' is applied, to facilitate better decision making in the management of natural resources.