Checklist of ciliated protozoa from surface water and sediment samples of Atibaia River, Campinas, São Paulo (Southeast Brazil)

ABSTRACT

The knowledge of the diversity of ciliated protozoa in an aquatic ecosystem is an important information that can serve as a tool in the environmental quality management. A survey of the ciliated protozoa of the Atibaia River, Campinas, São Paulo was done during 24 months. Surface water and sediment samples were collected monthly from two sampling points. Qualitative analyses of ciliates were performed in vivo and by protargol staining. A total of 66 taxa belonging to 55 genera were identified. This is the first study in Atibaia River and, as this is an impacted water body, these informations can be very useful for conservation.