Aim: We studied the distribution of freshwater macroinvertebrate taxa and traits to distinguish ecological gradients among the mining- controlled and natural headwaters, and rural and urban economic activity influences. Location: In 2016’s dry season, macroinvertebrate samples were collected at 40 loca tions in the Mashcon watershed, northern Peruvian Andes. Six locations were in the headwaters directly influenced by mining, eight near- pristine tributary headwaters, 14 agricultural locations at midstream and 12 urban locations downstream. Methods: Eight traits (five biological and three ecological) were selected according to data availability, and modalities scores were assigned using the weighted and the dominant- trait approaches. The traits relative abundances and abiotic conditions were compared among watershed sections. The ecological interpretability of the un grouped data was v...

Water quality assessments provide essential information for protecting aquatic habitats and stakeholders downstream of mining sites. Moreover, mining companies must comply with environmental quality standards and include public participation in water quality monitoring (WQM) practices. However, overarching challenges beyond corporate environmental responsibility are the scientific soundness, political relevance and harmonization of WQM practices. In this study, a mountainous watershed supporting large-scale gold mining in the headwaters, besides urban and agricultural landuses at lower altitudes, is assessed in the dry season. Conventional physicochemical and biological (Biological Monitoring Water Party-Colombia index) freshwater quality parameters were evaluated, including hydromorphological and land-use characteristics. According to the indicators used, water quality deterioration by ...

Water quality assessments provide essential information for protecting aquatic habitats and stakeholders downstream of mining sites. Moreover, mining companies must comply with environmental quality standards and include public participation in water quality monitoring (WQM) practices. However, overarching challenges beyond corporate environmental responsibility are the scientific soundness, political relevance and harmonization of WQM practices. In this study, a mountainous watershed supporting large-scale gold mining in the headwaters, besides urban and agricultural landuses at lower altitudes, is assessed in the dry season. Conventional physicochemical and biological (Biological MonitoringWater Party-Colombia index) freshwater quality parameters were evaluated, including hydromorphological and land-use characteristics. According to the indicators used, water quality deterioration by m...