[Physicochemical and biological characterization of the water quality in the Piedras Blancas basin, Antioquia, Colombia] [In Process Citation]
From April to December 1996 a limnological study was carried out in 17 streams near Medellin, in order to stablish their water quality. The area is located in Piedras Blancas Park (6 degrees 8' 20"N, 75 degrees 30' 20"W) SE of Medellin at 2,400 m altitude. Three sampling periods, encompasing wet and dry season were selected: April-May, August-September and October-December. For qualitative collection methods hand screen and D-net were used. Each station was intensively sampled to collect most macroinvertebrates in all types of habitat. The area sampled in each station was 6 m2. Physicochemical variables in general showed small fluctuations along the study; only conductivity and total dissolved solids exhibited significant changes, all related with high precipitation in the wet season. Macroinvertebrate community consisted of 113 genera, 63 families and seven phyla. Trichoptera was the most abundant group. The results indicate that the freshwater ecosystems in the study area present a high water quality corresponding to a oligo-mesotrophic system.
Posada
JA
Departamento de Biologia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia. japosada@catios.udea.edu.co
Roldan
G
Ramirez
JJ