Ephemeroptera genera as bioindicators of agricultural impact on Atlantic Forest streams

Abstract

Insects of the Ephemeroptera order have been used as bioindicators of water quality as they respond to countless anthropic impacts. In this study, we assessed the use of Ephemeroptera as bioindicators of streams impacted by agricultural activities. We collected Ephemeroptera nymphs in six streams with different uses and soil cover in their drainage areas located in the northern region of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Based on soil use and cover analysis, we categorized the streams as ‘natural’ (drainage area with >42% native arboreal vegetation) and ‘agricultural’ (drainage area with >72% agricultural use). We collected a total of 2,767 organisms, distributed into four families and eleven genera. We observed greater abundance (68%) and taxonomic richness (11 genera) of Ephemeroptera in the agricultural streams. The natural streams comprise 32% of the fauna collected, with eight genera. That pattern was especially determined by the Baetidae and Leptohyphidae families. The genera Caenis, Cloeodes, and Tricorythopsis were abundant in the agricultural streams. In this study, we observed that genera of Ephemeroptera are tolerant to environmental changes, particularly those caused by agricultural activities. Therefore, the use of the order in studies to assess water quality must be carried out with caution.