Preliminary analysis of the effect of white chuvo production on the aquatic macroinvertebrate community in rivers of the Central Andes of Peru

Silva Poma M.A.; Peralta Argomeda J.L.; Tinoco Vega H.; Castillo Roque L. · Acta Zoologica Lilloana (2026) · DOI: 10.30550/j.azl/2355

Resumen

The high Andean aquatic ecosystems of Junín are key to biodiversity and water supply, as well as supporting ancestral practices such as the production of white chuño (freeze-dried potatoes). This activity involves the prolonged immersion of potatoes in rivers, a process that releases glycoalkaloids, compounds potentially toxic to aquatic fauna. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of white chuño production on the aquatic macroinvertebrate community in the Huayricucho River, in the central Andes of Peru. Three sampling stations were established: upstream of the chuño ponds, in the immersion zone, and downstream. Physicochemical and hydrological parameters, as well as the community structure of the macroinvertebrates, were analyzed. A total of 2282 individuals distributed among 16 genera were recorded. Abundance and Pielou evenness showed significant differences between stations, with a marked reduction in the immersion zone of chuño, while richness did not show significant differences. The ordination analysis (nMDS) and the ANOSIM test revealed significant changes in community composition, characterized by the predominance of more tolerant taxa at the impacted station. These findings indicate that the production of white chuño (freeze-dried potatoes) can alter the structure of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Although this practice has high cultural value, its management without ecological criteria could compromise the integrity of high-Andean aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate conservation strategies that harmonize ancestral knowledge with environmental sustainability. Esta obra está bajo una Licencia Creative Commons Atribución - No Comercial - Sin Obra Derivada 4.0 Internacional.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Científica del Sur