ZOOPLANCTON AS POLLUTION INDICATORS IN THE CASCAVEL STREAM

Knowledge of different groups of zooplankton has been a powerful tool for assessing changes in aquatic ecosystems caused by various impactful activities such as introduction of exotic species, siltation and contamination by domestic and industrial waste water, deforestation and others. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality and detect the effects of a lotic environment of this community. The samples were collected during the period from April to September 2006. Water samples for qualitative and quantitative analysis of zooplankton were collected by vertical hauls the entire water column, using -If a cylinder-conical net of 35 mm mesh width. Samples were collected in the stream Cascavel in Goiânia, Goias. The analysis of the zooplankton community stream Cascavel revealed the presence of several groups in the body of water. The study also showed the importance of these living things in water quality and its relationship to the physical and chemical factors.