Study of the diversity of microalgae and fish in “La Encantada” and “Bosque Azul” lakes of the Lagunas de Montebello National Park

Abstract

The impact of human activities in the Lagunas de Montebello National Park (LMNP) has been reflected in the change in color of some lagoons, so the objective of the research was to evaluate the variation in the diversity of microalgae and fish, and their characteristics as bioindicators of pollution in two lagoons in Montebello Park, in the dry and rainy season. Physicochemical characterization of the water was carried out and the richness and abundance of fish and microalgae in the La Encantada and Bosque Azul lagoons was evaluated. The physicochemical characterization allowed us to determine that the water quality of both lagoons is classified as contaminated. Regarding the ichthyofauna, a total of eight species were identified, four in La Encantada and seven in Bosque Azul. Regarding microalgae, a total of seven genera were identified, six in La Encantada and seven in Bosque Azul. Fish species such as Poecilia sphenops, Oreochromis niloticus and Chuco intermedium, as well as the microalgae genera Monoraphidium, Limnothrix and Scenedesmus can be useful as pollution bioindicators due to their presence, abundance, and tolerance to contaminated environments and high concentrations of heavy metals.