| We assessed the water quality in two pampean lotic systems (Argentina), the Juan Blanco and Buñirigo streams, subjected to different land uses (i.e., the UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve vs. industry and agriculture, respectively) through measurements of physicochemical data and the structural parameters of the macroinvertebrate assemblages in addition to ecotoxicological analyses. The objective was to identify the degree of ecological impairment in adversely affected areas and the consequent effects on the biota. The results obtained allowed the establishment of different water-quality classes within the study area. According to the indices applied, the downstream zone of the Buñirigo stream was categorized as moderately polluted on the basis of losses of... |
