Composição de macroinvertebrados associados a macrófitas aquáticas como parâmetro para avaliação da qualidade da água de um reservatório no semiárido baiano

Macroinvertebrates associated with aquatic macrophytes have become more abundant since the plant’s morphological characteristics contribute to an increase in colonization, diversity and environmental quality assessment. This study presents a survey of the composition and richness of macroinvertebrates (Insecta Class) associated with different species of aquatic macrophytes and evaluates the water quality of the Tanque de Aroeiras reservoir, Caetite, Bahia. Macroinvertebrates were collected from macrophyte banks of different biotypes (Nymphaea L.; Ludwigia L.; Polygonum ferrugineum Wedd.) and identified at the family taxonomic level. The Biological Monitoring Working Party System (BMWP) and Average Score per Rate (BMWP-ASPT) indices were determined. A total of 7,120 specimens were recorded, with a richness of 27 families, distributed in the following orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Odonata and Trichoptera. Coleoptera showed greater richness, while dipterans showed greater dominance, with Chironomidae being more abundant. This fact may be associated with a variety of aquatic life habits that contribute to a greater availability of food resources. The results of the BMWP-ASPT classified the water in this reservoir as likely to be moderately polluted. All things considered, this study highlights the importance of new research for added knowledge regarding the macroinvertebrate community and its application in evaluating the water quality of this reservoir.