Ecological and Cultural Values of Water Bodies: Recognising a Plural-Values Approach of Ecosystems
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
This article explores cultural and ecological values associated with water bodies, which can be considered helpful tools for both sustainable management and strengthening of responsibilities of the general public towards water bodies. The paper begins by setting out a bioindicator assessment for the quality of streams. That is then extended with cultural values of water quality. The article ends by discussing conclusions in relation to the importance of integrating socio-cultural perspectives into decision-making and water management.Methods: Bioindicator assessment for the quality of streams by using a macro invertebrate community index: The field study was conducted in 2005 in ten sites located in Chíquiza (Boyacá high mountain region, colombia). Indicators of stream quality were estimated according to the Biological Monitoring Working Party for Colombia - BMWP/Col (Roldán 2003). BMWP is a score system aimed at providing an index of river water quality based on aquatic macro invertebrates. Sampling is qualitative with a general assessment of the taxa of aquatic insects present, with observations of their relative abundance. Score is derived from points attributed to different invertebrate families, according to their degree of intolerance against organic pollution. If the aquatic community is made up of more intolerant species and a few intermediate and tolerant forms, the stream can be considered healthy. Poor water quality is indicated when the number of tolerant species exceeds that of intermediate species, and intolerant species are absent. Ten sites were sampled along the Cane-Iguaque river subbasin in three lagoons, two superficial aquifers and five streams of different sizes. Sites were selected according to: the symbolic significance of water bodies for local communities; water supply for household purposes; variety of land uses in catchments (i.e., crops such as potato, Andean tubercles, maize; livestock); stream size of 1st, 2nd and 3rd orders being headwater streams and first-order streams the smallest. Macro invertebrate were collected at each site by means of a hand screen or kicknet and the collected individuals were preserved in 70% ethanol. Identification was made in the lab to the family taxonomic level. Physical and chemical parameters were also quantified from samples of the same ten sites (e.g. inter alia, water conductivity, dissolved oxygen).
Authors and Affiliations
G Liliana Bravo Monroy
Keywords
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- EP ID EP569570
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000251
- Views 201
- Downloads 0
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