Degradation of the Chuchuchir micro-watershed (Ecuador): Assessment of ecological quality using the CERA-S protocol

Abstract

High Andean micro-watersheds are fundamental for water supply, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and hydrological regulation, making them essential for water security and the well-being of communities. The Chuchuchir micro-watershed, located in Saraguro, provides water for human consumption and irrigation, but faces increasing degradation due to deforestation, land-use change, agricultural expansion, and population growth. This study assessed the ecological quality of the micro-watershed using the CERA-S protocol, which combines hydromorphological assessment (ICH) and the Andean Biotic Index (ABI) based on benthic macroinvertebrates. Samples were taken at 15 points distributed along the micro-watershed, in the upper, middle, and lower zones. The results showed that in the upper zone, families of macroinvertebrates that are bioindicators of good water quality predominate, such as Perlidae, Leptophlebiidae, Baetidae, and Xiphocentronidae. In the middle and lower zones, families such as Chironomidae, Tipulidae, and Simuliidae were found, indicative of poor water quality. The ecological quality of the entire micro-basin is moderate. A significant relationship was established between macroinvertebrate diversity and the ABI (p-value = 0.0001). This analysis reveals marked degradation in the micro-basin due to human activities, which negatively impact water quality. The study results highlight the urgent need to implement conservation and restoration strategies to preserve ecological integrity and ensure water quality in the Chuchuchir micro-basin.