Biomonitoring of benthic Chironomidae (Diptera) fauna of two Amazonian 'igarapés' influenced by the activities of a bauxite mine

Abstract

The biomonitoring of Chironomidae (Diptera, Insecta) benthic larvae on "igarapés" Saracá and Caranã (1°25' and 1°35' S and 56°15' and 56°25' W) was done foccusing changes of ecological characteristics resulting from the activities of a bauxite mine in Central Amazonia. The result s showed highest taxoriornic richeness and abundances on sections damed by the construction of a railroad and Chironomus spp., Goehlichironomus spp. and Polvpedilum spp. predominated on those areas.