Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia

(631 Artigos indexados)

Ichthyofauna of the Brazilian semiarid region reservoirs: a scientometric analysis of publications from the last 50 years - (2025)

Ana Luisa Eufrasio Pinto, Juan Alves Pereira, Bianca de Freitas Terra

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim The construction of reservoirs in the Brazilian semiarid region is a predominant practice aimed mainly at water supply. Introducing fish in these ecosystems has generated environmental and social consequences. We analyzed articles on the ichthyofauna found in reservoirs from this region over the past 50 years. Methods This qualitative-quantitative scientometric analysis considered the scientific impact of the articles, the origin of the species studied, the main topics covered, and women´s participation in the authorship. The articles were collected from the leading research databases: Google Scholar, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), and Web of Science. Results We found 60 scientific papers on the subject. Most had low impact and visibility, and the state that contributed the most was Rio Grande do Norte (RN). The three most studied reservoirs made up almost half of the articles found (28). Research has only advanced considerably in the last decade, and the most discussed topics are related to the cultivation of commercial fish species, emphasizing pisciculture, reproductive biology, and fish nutrition. Conclusions Despite the significant number of women participating, their visibility in the scientific community remains limited, which affects the community as a whole. Besides, it is crucial to continue promoting research on fish taxonomy, phylogenetics, and functional ecology in the reservoirs of the Brazilian semiarid region.

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Importance of abiotic factors and hydroperiod for the zooplankton community from ponds with different hydrological dynamics - (2025)

José Gabriel Melo da Cruz, Fernanda Zucoloto Domingues, Luisa Rodrigues dos Santos, Rayanne Barros Setubal, Elder de Oliveira Sodré, Reinaldo Luiz Bozelli

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim The increasing impact on natural environments has led to changes in ecosystem characteristics. When not properly understood and managed, these changes can negatively affect the dynamics of aquatic environments, particularly small ones such as temporary ponds. Hydroperiod can influence the structure of aquatic ecosystems and the factors determining species occurrence in these water bodies. Within this context, studies assessing the influence of hydroperiod become highly relevant. This study evaluates how zooplankton species are distributed across five ponds with different hydroperiods in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park and the importance of water retention time for the taxonomic and functional diversity of this community. Methods We indirectly assessed water retention time through daily temperature measurements over three years and analyzed the main limnological parameters. The zooplankton community was sampled from the five studied ponds, and its diversity was evaluated using species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), functional richness (FRic), functional divergence (FDiv), and functional dispersion (FDis). Results We observed that even though the ponds are part of the same natural mosaic, they exhibit distinct characteristics. Abiotic factors such as water salinity and a more unstable hydroperiod negatively impacted zooplankton taxonomic and functional diversity, as shown by the integrated analysis of both diversity components. The highest taxonomic diversity values were found in ponds with intermediate water retention conditions (seasonal droughts). Conclusions Our results indicate that seasonal environments favor the co-occurrence of species from both perennial and ephemeral ponds, showing higher Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), functional richness (FRic), and functional divergence (FDiv) values when analyzed through an integrated approach. Furthermore, we observed that even under the same regional species pool, differences in desiccation frequency were sufficient to determine variations in the zooplankton community.

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Microcrustaceans structure determined by the type and trophic state of lakes - (2025)

Bharguan Pizzol Nogueira, Camila Moreira-Silva, Thaís Coimbra Marigo, Gilmar Perbiche-Neves

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim In this study, we investigated the response of microcrustaceans composition, diversity and abundance (Cladocera and Copepoda) to the lake’s origin (natural and man-made) and trophic state (mesotrophic and eutrophic, with natural eutrophication and artificial eutrophication). We tested the following hypotheses: (I) the increase in the abundance of certain microcrustacean species may indicate a rise in the trophic level; (II) the richness and abundance vary amongst lakes and are higher in the lake with natural eutrophication; and (III) the microcrustaceans abundance is associate with high primary productivity, being higher in the eutrophic environment with artificial eutrophication. Methods The study was conducted in a segment of the Paranapanema River basin, in southeastern Brazil, focusing on five lakes spanning an eight-kilometer stretch, to understand the different organisms' responses to distinct conditions of aquatic environments. Sampling was carried out bimonthly over the course of a year. Results A principal component analysis (PCA) separated three types of lakes: eutrophic (natural and man-made) to mesotrophic. Additionally, 25 taxa were found. SIMPER analysis filtered six species with more than 70% dissimilarity contribution. Five species exhibited differences amongst the lakes, one species correlated with natural variables as depth. The redundancy analysis associated the Bosminopsis deitersi abundance with man-made eutrophic lakes and with the variables electrical conductivity, phosphorus, nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and hardness. High abundances of B. deitersi indicated artificial eutrophication especially in man-made lakes, while natural lakes with natural eutrophication were not favorable environments for the increase of B. deitersi abundance. Conclusions This study highlights the neotropical oxbow lakes, emphasizing the significance of physicochemical characterization, detailed temporal sampling, and lake classification by origin and trophic level.

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Morphological variation between two fish populations – phenotypic radiation in a rare case of geographical isolation - (2025)

Fernanda Biscaino Saluceste, Fábio Teruo Mise, Bruna Angelina Mayer, Franciele Fernanda Kerniske, Roberto Ferreira Artoni, Jean Ricardo Simões Vitule, Letícia Cucolo Karling, Igor de Paiva Affonso

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim We examined the morphology of two populations of the Neotropical Characidae Psalidodon aff. fasciatus from two distinct environments with different selective pressures. One is the single fish population from an isolated lake, hence is deprived of interaction with any other fish species for countless generations. The other shares life-history with several fish. Methods We obtained 10 linear body measurements from 294 specimens from both populations, calculated and compared the ecomorphological indices for each population. Results We found significant distinct morphometry between populations, primarily attributed to the high level of isolation observed in individuals from the isolated population. This population exhibited greater morphological variation, likely due to reduced selection pressure and limited ecological interactions (e.g., absence of other fish species). Conversely, the non-isolated population displayed less morphological variation, possibly as a result of more intense intra- or interspecific interactions, such as competition and predation. Conclusions Considering that allopatry and major factors such as “isolation time” and “ecological interactions” are crucial drivers of evolution, this study highlights a rare case of natural isolation and provides insights for evolutionary investigations on isolated populations, allopatric speciation, and the role of ecological interactions in phenotypic intrapopulation variation.

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Predictive capacity of phytoplankton functional groups in a tropical wetland (Pantanal, Brazil) - (2025)

Renata Felicio-Santos, Simoni Maria Loverde-Oliveira, Wilkinson Lopes Lázaro, Patricia Fernanda dos Santos de Loureiro Nunes, Carolina Joana da Silva

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim Considering the prediction capacity of the phytoplankton community, this study analyzed the environmental factors that influenced the Reynolds Functional Groups (RFG) in hydrological period (dry, rising, flood and ebb) and the type of environment (river and lake), in the Pantanal wetland (Brazil). We expect environmental variability to reflect in the predictive ability of phytoplankton to describe habitat types and flood-pulse periods, where the seasonality (high and low water) are the main drivers of phytoplankton distribution, biomass and functional groups. Methods We collected environmental variables and phytoplankton quarterly in 2018 from 18 points in the flood, rising, dry and ebb. Results recorded 425 taxa distributed into 13 taxonomic groups and 20 RFGs, of which nine groups (D, F, J, G, K, MP, N, S1, and P), represented by green algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms, had the highest predictive value, characterizing lentic environments as rich in nutrients and light, and the Paraguay River as having a lower availability of these resources for phytoplankton. The variation in biomass was related to the phases of the flood pulse, being higher in low waters in floodplain lakes and smaller in high waters in the river. Conclusions Thus, the predictability of the phytoplankton community structure was directly associated with the environment types in the Pantanal wetland and with the homogenization or isolation of the systems promoted by the flood pulse that acted as drivers of phytoplankton distribution, biomass and functional groups.

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Review of biomonitoring metals in rivers using bullfrog tadpoles: an applicability study of exposed animals to Sorocaba River - (2025)

Victor Holanda Arjonas, Isabela Ferreira Fernandes, Mayara de Almeida Ribeiro Carvalho, Luciana Camargo de Oliveira, Heidi Samantha Moraes Utsunomiya, Gabriel Hiroshi Fujiwara, Cleoni dos Santos Carvalho

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim This study reviewed recent literature on the use of the bullfrog species (Aquarana catesbeiana, Shaw, 1802) as an environmental bioindicator of pollution. Additionally, the total concentration of metals in the skin of bullfrog tadpoles exposed to the Sorocaba River was evaluated to explore the potential of this tissue as a biomonitoring tool and assess the bioavailability of metals in the river to aquatic organisms. Methods A bibliographic review was conducted using the Scopus and PubMed platforms with the search terms “Lithobates catesbeianus biomarkers,” “Aquarana catesbeiana biomarkers,” and “Rana catesbeiana biomarkers.” Tadpoles were exposed for 96 hours to water from two points along the Sorocaba River: Point Ibiúna (PI), representing the river's source, and Point Itupararanga Reservoir (PIR), a key water supply location for the Sorocaba-SP region. Deionized, contaminant-free water served as the control. Metal concentrations (Ba, Cu, Mn, Sr, and Zn) in skin samples (n=30) were analyzed after sample digestion using HNO3 and HCl, with determination via Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES). Results A review of the last 10 years of bibliographic production revealed 35 articles, where metals were the second most studied contaminant using this species (approximately 34% of articles), following agricultural pesticides (43%). Metal concentrations of Ba and Zn in the PI group varied compared to the control group. For the PIR group, Mn concentrations varied significantly relative to both the control and PI groups. No significant variation in Cu and Sr concentrations was observed across the groups. Conclusions Existing literature supports the use of various bullfrog tissues as bioindicators of environmental pollution. In this study, Ba concentrations increased by 12% and Mn by 54% in the PIR group compared to the PI group. No differences were observed for Cu, Sr, and Zn across groups. Metals such as As, Cd, Co, Mo, Ni, and Pb were below the quantification limit in all groups. The increased Mn concentration in PIR-exposed tadpoles suggests metal accumulation, pointing to a potential decline in water quality downstream from the river's source.

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Seasonal variation of the zooplankton communities’ diversity in ponds of the Atlantic Forest - (2025)

Maria Eduarda Turcato de Souza, Natan Guilherme Dos Santos, Laura Jardim Chiarelli, Maria Stela Maioli Castilho Noll

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim This study analyzed the structure and seasonal variation of the zooplankton community in five ponds in a preserved Atlantic Forest environment in Brazil, the Betary Reserve. Methods Sampling took place in March and September 2022, January and July 2023, covering the summer (rainy) and winter (dry) seasons. Vertical trawls were carried out with a 45μm plankton net and, at the same points, physical-chemical parameters of the water were measured with a multi-parameter probe. Results Fifty-nine taxa were recorded, distributed between Copepoda (1), Cladocera (5) and Rotifera (53). Among them, the families Lecanidae, Brachionidae and Trichocercidae were the most representative in number of species. Mesocyclops longisetus longisetus, Ceriodaphnia cornuta and Brachionus quadridentatus were present in all samples. The highest richness was observed in January/23. There was a difference in the composition of the assemblage between the seasons. Conductivity and temperature were structuring factors for some populations. Conclusions The study pointed to a high diversity of the zooplankton in ponds within the Atlantic Forest, demonstrating the importance of preserved sites for the conservation of the biodiversity of this threatening biome. Further studies are needed to understand the distribution pattern of zooplankton species, the seasonal variation and their relationship with the physical-chemical parameters of the water.

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Spatial and temporal factors determining the structure of ciliate protist communities in neotropical streams - (2025)

Carolina Leite Guimarães Durán, Felipe Rafael de Oliveira, Matheus Henrique de Oliveira de Matos, Leonardo Antunes Pessoa, Melissa Progênio, Loiani Oliveira Santana, Aline Aparecida Aguiar Ferreira, Luiz Felipe Machado Velho

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim In this study, we focused on patterns of ciliate protist community composition in urban and rural streams. Methods We analyzed 12 urban and rural streams during two different periods of the year (rainy and dry seasons) across three different stream mesohabitats (riffles, runs, and pools). We predicted that the species composition of ciliates would differ between types of environments (rural and urban), between basins (Pirapó and Ivaí), between mesohabitats (riffles, runs, and pools), and between seasonal periods. We also expected that ciliate species composition would be similar between streams within the same basin. Results Contrary to our expectations, our results showed that the richness and abundance of ciliates were higher in urban streams than in rural streams. In the analysis of beta diversity, we observed that this measure was higher in rural environments, but only during one period (dry season). Among the mesohabitats, no significant alterations in ciliate species composition were noted, contrary to our predictions. Conclusions The results obtained in this study demonstrated the effect of multiple spatial (basin, type of environment) and temporal (rainy and dry seasons) factors on the structure of ciliate protists in the water column of neotropical streams. No differences in ciliate attributes were found among the mesohabitats analyzed in this study.

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Tailwater fish of a Brazilian dam: abundance estimation and protection from turbine-induced mortality - (2025)

Ana Carolina Lacerda Rêgo, Kátia Gomes Facure, Alexandre Lima Godinho

Volume: 37 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim To determine for Pimelodus maculatus, the fish most affected by the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Amador Aguiar II Hydropower Dam, Araguari River, Brazil, (i) the most suitable fishing gear for its sampling, (ii) the seasonal variation in catches, (iii) the abiotic variables that most influence catches and (iv) the best period of the year to schedule O&M risky to the species. Methods We collected fish by hook-and-line, cast net, and gillnet in the first 300 m downstream of the dam every two months for three consecutive years. We analyzed the catches of P. maculatus and its temporal variation as a function of fishing gear type, year's season, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, water transparency, rainfall, turbine discharge, spillway discharge, and tailwater discharge. Results We captured 5,117 individuals of 32+ species. Pimelodus maculatus (52.6% of the total) was the most sampled species for all fishing gear types. Gillnet captured 70.2% of all P. maculatus, followed by hook-and-line (22.6%) and cast net (7.3%). The bycatch of gillnet (55.4%) was much higher than that of cast net (10.9%) and hook-and-line (7.6%). Temporal variation in the catch of P. maculatus by the three types of fishing gear showed synchrony. Between the two best fishing gear types for sampling P. maculatus, gillnet caught more individuals but caused more bycatch and fish death than hook-and-line. Season of the year and water temperature were the abiotic variables that most influenced temporal variation in the number of P. maculatus sampled. We sampled more individuals during the wet season when the water temperature was higher. Conclusions For any O&M activity that poses a risk of fish death, particularly turbine dewatering, we recommend scheduling it for the dry season when the catch of P. maculatus near the dam is lower. Additionally, we advise sampling fish in the tailwater before the O&M using gillnet or hook-and-line, with the latter preferred due to its lower bycatch and fish mortality.

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Extemporaneous environmental legislation: an analysis of the conflicts underlying Law 3824/1960 on coarse wood removal in Brazilian artificial reservoirs - (2025)

Lívia Helena Tonella, Oscar Barroso Vitorino Junior, Dilermando Pereira Lima Junior, Luiz Carlos Gomes, Fernando Mayer Pelicice, Angelo Antonio Agostinho

Volume: 32 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract This article discusses the purpose and effects of Law 3824/1960, which makes mandatory the removal of vegetation and consequent cleaning of land sites subject to flooding by the construction of artificial reservoirs. The importance of this reflection is to avoid having a law that is considered effective, though if questioned, may prove contrary to the objectives for which it was created. Thus, this article aims to awaken decision makers to the possibility that this law is considered inapplicable to the current reality, according to the social, scientific, legal and environmental advances achieved in recent years. As a specific objective, based on the findings obtained, we aim to stimulate authorities to act in favor of the elaboration of a law that will meet these advances.

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Seasonal variation on diet of juvenile Elops saurus Linnaeus, 1766 (Ladyfish) in the Parnaiba River Delta - (2025)

Tatiane Araujo Santos, Thamires Souza Gonçalves, Patricia Silva do Nascimento, Cézar Augusto Freire Fernandes, Francisca Edna de Andrade Cunha

Volume: 32 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim Identify seasonal variations in the diet of juvenile living in the estuary of the Parnaíba River Delta. Methods Food items were identified through analysis of stomach contents, and later submitted to analysis by regular methods for Frequency of Occurrence (FO), Frequency Numerical (FN), Gravimetric Frequency (FW) and Relative Importance Index (IRI). Results Juvenile diet of Elops saurus that inhabit the lagoons in the Parnaíba delta was composed in order decreasing of importance by Osteichthyes (Teleostei), Insecta and Crustacea in addition to Polychaeta and Nematoda. It was also observed a high frequency of occurrence of fragments of plastics in the diet. In the rainy season, 17 items were recorded in the diet, whereas in the dry season only 7 items were present. Relative Importance Index showed high presence of the Teleostei fish (69.93%) on diet of E. saurus during the rainy season, whereas during the dry period the insects of the families Corixidae (43.25%) and Dysticidae (39.16%). Conclusions With the study it was possible to identify that juvenile are piscivorous in the rainy season when there is a higher availability of prey in the environment and insectivores in the dry season when it reduces the supply of food, indicating feeding flexibility to environmental alterations.

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Biomass and abiotic variables change in phytotelmic environment in the tank-bromeliad Nidularium longiflorum Ule in tropical forest - (2025)

Karina Margaret Silva das Neves, Armando Reis Tavares, llka Schincariol Vercellino, Carla Ferragut

Volume: 31 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim Phytotelm plays an important role in plant growth and ecosystem functioning, but this natural aquatic microcosm is poorly known. We evaluated the seasonal (dry and rainy seasons) and spatial variations (forest trail and stream sites) of the phytotelm in Nidularium longiflorum, bromeliad that occurs in the Atlantic Forest. Methods Abiotic and biotic variables were measured in tank-bromeliad phytotelms. The biomass was analyzed by ash-free dry mass and chlorophyll-a concentration. Results Abiotic variables measured in the phytotelmic environment of bromeliads varied between sampling sites and seasons. Temperature, electrical conductivity and total nitrogen values were significantly different between seasons and sites. Chlorophyll-a and ash-free dry mass (organic matter) in phytotelm were significantly different between sampling sites. Eleven genera of algae in the phytotelm were identified. PCA axis 1 ordination evidenced the seasonal variation of environmental conditions. Conclusions Our findings suggest that environmental and micro-environmental conditions do not favor the development of algal community in the phytotelm. Biomass and abiotic variables in phytotelm of Nidularium longiflorum change seasonally, however biomass accumulation was strongly influenced by site characteristics.

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Habitat, limnological signatures and spatial modeling: a zoning proposal for the Curuá-Una hydroelectric reservoir, Pará, Brazil - (2025)

Juciley de Almeida Santos, Keid Nolan Silva Sousa, Paulo Roberto Brasil Santos, Joelson Leal de Lima, Rivolo de Jesus Bacelar

Volume: 31 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim The objective of this work is to characterize, spatially model and to perform the zoning of the aquatic environment in the Curuá-Una HPP reservoir, in the state of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. Methods The data were collected from 77 sampling points distributed over 20 transects in the Curuá-Una reservoir, in November 2016. The data were obtained through descriptive templates of the landscape, and assessment of limnological, bathymetry and georeferencing variables. To describe and model spatial patterns for the limnological Proxies, geostatistical analysis was used with semivariogram fitting, and interpolation using Ordinary Kriging to generate the maps. To determine the degree of association of the landscape Proxies, Correspondence Analysis (CA) was chosen, and to relate the landscape Proxies with the limnological Proxies, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was carried out. Results The results of the analysis of the limnological Proxies showed that the variables presented normal distribution according to the Shapiro-Wilk test (5%) except for transparency and temperature. Most of the variables obtained well-defined, level and good geostatistical analysis. There was a prevalence of gaussian and spherical adjustment models. Different zones in the distribution of the limnological variables in the longitudinal axis of the reservoir were observed. The CA showed a short local gradient in the variables, which effectively characterizes the interface of landscape and human. In Figure 5, the first two axes of the CCA showed 61.17% of the data variability. The limnological signatures showed 42.3% of variability, with high correlation between the landscape Proxies and the environmental Proxies in both axes. Conclusions This type of approach should be useful in managing Brazilian river basins, especially in the Amazon, a focus for the construction of numerous hydroelectric dams, as it can indicate the limnological and environmental state and provide a clearer view of these environments.

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Spatial and temporal trends in freshwater fish research: the case of three neotropical river basins from Goiás State, Central Brazil - (2025)

Rodrigo Assis Carvalho, Francisco Leonardo Tejerina-Garro

Volume: 31 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim In this paper, we conducted a scientometric analysis on published studies related to freshwater fish species at Goiás State to evaluate: i) their spatial and temporal trends; ii) areas of knowledge; iii) scientific journals where these papers were published and their comprehensiveness; iv) the role of institutions and financial support on fish research. Methods Using Google Scholar and Lattes platform, we searched for scientific papers related to freshwater fish, and we extracted the following information of each paper: title, author and co-authors’ name, number of authors, year, authors and co-authors’ affiliation, journal, field/area of the research, and financial support. Results We found 322 scientific papers related to Goiás State with a slightly growth in the number of publications over time. Most of these papers are related to Ecology, Systematic/Taxonomy and Fish Biology, and the participation of local institutions in these studies was mainly concentrated in Paraná River basin. Although most of funding were granted by agencies or institutions located outside Goiás State, the results showed that fish papers achieved a broad audience with publications in national and international journals with impact factor. Conclusions Our study revealed that: 1) freshwater fish research at Goiás State has a slow increase trend; 2) there are gaps in Education, Conservation and Fisheries knowledge areas; 3) local institutions’ contribution is spatially concentrated; 4) studies achieved a broad audience with many scientific papers published in journals with impact factor; 5) financial support was granted in most part by agencies or institutions located outside Goiás State. These findings suggest that despite achievements in freshwater fish research in this region, local investments in infrastructure, materials and human resources are still necessary to improve the production of studies.

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The role of sediments in the carbon and pollutant cycles in aquatic ecosystems - (2025)

Simone Jaqueline Cardoso, Gabrielle Rabelo Quadra, Nathália da Silva Resende, Fábio Roland

Volume: 31 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim Anthropogenic modifications in the landscape are accelerating biogeochemical cycles and causing unbalances in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with still unknow impacts on biotic and abiotic processes. Therefore, there has been increasing scientific interest in the links between human activities and ecosystems functions. Methods Here we review the role of aquatic sediments in the carbon and pollutant cycle. Results We briefly explore the historical context, origin, and composition of the sediments, as well as the factors that influence the processes of carbon and contaminants cycling and the role of sediments in the greenhouse gases emissions in aquatic ecosystems. Conclusions Aquatic sediments can help to understand the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem changes, once they are good sentinels, reflecting key biogeochemical processes over time.

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Adult emergence of Phyllocycla Calvert, 1948 (Odonata: Gomphidae) in artificial environments - (2024)

Carolina Gomes Viana, Lucas Pereira-Moura, Daniel Silas Veras

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim This study aimed to analyze aspects of adult emergence of Phyllocycla Calvert, 1948 (Odonata: Gomphidae) in artificial environments. Samplings were conducted in Sanharó stream, Caxias municipality, Maranhão State, Brazil. Methods Specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Polystyrene boxes were used as rearing sites, and the following methods were analyzed: a) sand; b) strips of filter paper simulating substrate; c) without substrate. For emergence, the rearing sites had their lids removed and were placed inside larger jars with mesh windows, less water, with most of the substrate exposed above the water level. To verify the difference between treatments, the Log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used. Results The curves indicated that emergences occurred more frequently in the initial days of rearing. There was an absence of statistical difference between groups. Despite that, all treatments showed success in emergence, with larvae without substrate emerging more quickly. Conclusions By exploring the use of different substrates in Odonata rearing, this research provides guidelines for optimizing laboratory conditions, helping to overcome experimental challenges and supporting new studies and inventories.

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Are functional freshwater Nematode traits a good tool for view an early succession on hard artificial substrate in a reservoir of Brazilian semiarid? - (2024)

Fábio Lucas de Oliveira Barros, Sebastião Tilbert, Taciana Kramer Pinto, Maria Cristina da Silva, Francisco José Victor de Castro, Miodeli Nogueira Júnior

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim The Brazilian tropical semiarid is a biome with small freshwater ecosystems, often intermittent, acting as a mosaic in constant transformation between dry and rainy seasons. Meiobenthic communities play crucial roles in these environments, and understanding their colonization and succession processes is essential to comprehend how these organisms’ structure in a defaunated habitat. In addition to the traditional taxonomic approach, functional traits provide valuable insights into the dynamics of these processes. In this study, we tested the following hypotheses: i) although meiofauna consists of microscopic organisms with limited active dispersion, they quickly colonize new substrates, increasing in abundance, richness, and diversity; ii) functional traits of freshwater Nematoda are a good tool for view an early succession on hard artificial substrate in a lentic reservoir. Methods We placed 27 ceramic plates in a reservoir in the Brazilian semiarid and randomly sampled three replicates each week over nine weeks. Weekly differences in community abundance, richness, and diversity were tested with one-way ANOVA and pairwise PERMANOVA. Results Nematoda predominated in the first week, with Rotifera taking over from the second week of the experiment. No differences were observed in the Nematode taxonomic structure over the weeks. There was an increase in the functional complexity of the Nematoda community over time, as indicated by the maturity index and trophic structure. Colonizers/persistents emerged quickly in the first week. Deposit feeders dominated, but an increase in trophic diversity was observed with the growing presence of chewers over the weeks. Conclusions This study highlights that the functional traits of Nematoda represent a robust tool for assessing ecological succession in freshwater lentic environments in the tropical semiarid.

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Assessing the occurrence of alien species on Brazilian freshwater ecosystems: insights from a comprehensive survey - (2024)

Anderson Oliveira Latini, Daniela Chaves Resende, Daniel Paiva Silva, Dilermando Pereira Lima-Junior

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim Assessing the damage caused to natural environments and native biodiversity by alien species is challenging. We tested whether the number of detections of alien species is affected by total alien or total invader alien species richness, considering the importance of predicting which species are more probable future invaders. Methods We summarized a research information survey conducted on alien amphibians, annelids, aquatic macrophytes, cnidarians, crustaceans, fish, microorganisms, mollusks, nemathelminths, platyhelminths, and reptiles, and for Brazilian watersheds. We used linear regressions between detections and total alien species richness and between detections and invader species richness. Results We obtained 1,896 alien detections of 183 aquatic species in Brazil. Fish and mollusk species were the commonest invaders due to their detections being more frequent than expected by chance, considering all the alien species occurring in Brazilian freshwater ecosystems. We also found positive and robust linear relationships between alien species detections and alien species richness. Conclusions Our results illustrate how Brazilian freshwater systems are fragile to alien invasions and highlight the need for effective action to address this question. Scientific uncertainty in Brazil regarding the status of some alien species and their potential harm is high, highlighting the need for a cautionary overview of invaders. Despite this scenario, new policies create opportunities for aquatic parks with exotic organisms to spread further in Brazil, which, in actual Brazilian conditions, is likely to increase the pressure on natural ecosystems and native species. This reinforces the already expressed need by the scientific community for greater attention to the issue.

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Assessing the taxonomic sufficiency of macroinvertebrate communities and their potential to distinguish the impacts of land use on lowland streams in Uruguay - (2024)

Bárbara Suárez, Margenny Barrios, Franco Teixeira de Mello

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim Macroinvertebrates are extensively employed as bioindicators for evaluating how stream ecosystems respond to alterations in physical and chemical habitats caused by human activity. Although family-taxonomic level is usually used to identify macroinvertebrates in biomonitoring programs, coarser taxonomic resolution may provide similar information. We aim to evaluate taxonomic sufficiency by comparing macroinvertebrate communities at the order and family levels to differentiate the effects of different land uses. Methods We conducted colonization experiments using artificial substrates in streams representing three land use types: urban (U, n=3), intensive agriculture - dairy production (AD, n=4), and extensive cattle ranching (CR, n=4). Results We obtained similar results using both taxonomic levels, which effectively distinguished the impacts of different land uses. In the sites examined, the majority of indicator groups exhibited only one family per order, with the exception of Ephemeroptera (Leptophlebiidae, Baetidae, and Caenidae). Notably, Baetidae and Caenidae were more prevalent in streams associated with extensive cattle ranching (CR). Conclusions Although this study provides a clear precedent, further investigation of these systems and other land uses (e.g., afforestation) is needed to validate this pattern. Coarser taxonomic assessment holds potential as a cost-effective method for stream monitoring and assessment in Uruguay.

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Bacterial community dominance in a sewage-driven eutrophic coastal lagoon by next generation sequencing: initial findings - (2024)

Analy Machado de Oliveira Leite, Mauricio Mussi Molisani, Renan Monte de Oliveira, Paula Veronesi Marinho Pontes, Rodrigo Nunes da Fonseca, Jackson de Souza Menezes, Lupis Ribeiro Gomes Neto, Francisco Assis Esteves

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: This study investigates the presence of bacterial dominance in one of the most studied sewage-driven eutrophic coastal lagoons, the Imboassica Lagoon in Macaé (RJ), Brazil, utilizing high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA. Water samples were collected from three sites within the lagoon. Total microbial DNA was extracted, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 744,879 partial 16S rRNA sequences were clustered, revealing the absence of a single bacterial dominance in the sewage-driven eutrophic coastal lagoon. The prominent phyla detected in the lagoon were Cyanobacteria (27.8%), Proteobacteria (23.7%), and Actinobacteria (14.6%). Proteobacteria emerged as the most abundant phylum in the sewage-impacted lagoon site, whereas Cyanobacteria dominated the other two sampling sites. Among families, Synechococcaceae predominated with genus Synechococcus exhibited the highest prevalence. Families of potentially toxic Cyanobacteria represented less than 1% of the total families. The sewage-impacted lagoon section displayed greater bacterial diversity and richness. The dominance of bacterial communities associated with raw sewage, such as members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, was not confirmed, constituting only 0.75% of the families in the most affected site. This study presents the initial analysis of the bacterial community in the Imboassica Lagoon and suggests that dominance in the lagoon responds to the eutrophication and sewage discharge.

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Beta diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with aquatic macrophytes in shallow lakes within a tropical floodplain-dammed river - (2024)

Marcos Callisto, Ricardo Solar, Daiana dos Reis Pelegrine, Marden Seabra Linares

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aims We assessed the beta diversity of macroinvertebrates associated with aquatic macrophytes in a dam-regulated river floodplain. We tested two hypotheses: (1) macroinvertebrates associated with aquatic macrophytes have higher beta diversity (higher turnover and nestedness components) in the downstream areas closer to the São Francisco River compared to upstream sites; (2) closer lakes share a higher similarity of aquatic macroinvertebrates, disregarding their position relative to the dam. Methods We sampled four lakes, including two upstream (L1- natural and L2- regulated by a Small Hydropower Dam - SHD) and two downstream (L3, L4, unregulated) by the SHD. Results We corroborated our first hypothesis because we found a higher turnover of macroinvertebrates associated with aquatic macrophytes close to the São Francisco River (L4 downstream), where higher non-native mollusk species richness occurs, while we found higher nestedness upstream and downstream of the SHD (L1, L2, L3). We corroborated our second hypothesis, as closer lakes are more similar than distant lakes. Finally, these differences were consistent between lakes for emergent, floating leaf, and submerged aquatic macrophytes. Conclusions Aquatic macrophytes are essential habitats for macroinvertebrates in the Pandeiros River basin, with higher beta diversity in the lake closer to the São Francisco River.

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Community attributes reflecting the zooplankton secondary production: using field and experimental approaches - (2024)

Juliana Deo Dias, Nadson Ressye Simões, María Rosa Miracle, Thais Xavier de Melo, Claudia Costa Bonecker

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim We investigated the relationship between ecological attributes of the zooplankton community and its secondary production. Methods Samples were taken from lakes in the floodplain of the Upper Paraná River (Brazil), in low and high-water periods, and in a manipulative experiment realized in mesocosms. Results The highest amount of production was related to the dominance of few species. Secondary production of larger and long-lived organisms, such as copepods, had been most associated with the biomass, whereas smaller ones, such as rotifers, with the abundance. Conclusions These attributes of the zooplankton community (biomass and abundance) can be used as proxies to estimate the zooplankton secondary production in the floodplain, supporting the studies on monitoring and conservation of these ecosystems.

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Comparative analysis of ex situ zooplankton hatching methods - (2024)

Daniel Nino Flores-Mendez, María Florencia Gutierrez

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aims This study aims to analyze the efficiency of two novel methods for ex situ zooplankton hatching experiments, compared with a traditional one. Both proposed methods were specifically designed to minimize sediment resuspension during the sampling of hatched individuals when no previous egg isolation is performed. Methods Sediment samples were collected from shallow lakes, homogenized, and incubated for 18 days under stable laboratory conditions. The traditional method (1M) involved simple water filtration from incubated sediments. The so called “inverted funnel filtering” method (2M) includes an inverted funnel located above the sediment to trap zooplankton that passes through the funnel aperture, and the “levels filtering” method (3M) involves perforated plates above the sediment. The efficiency of each method was evaluated by analyzing the cumulative abundance and number of taxa in hatched total zooplankton, rotifers, and microcrustaceans, as well as the overall composition. Results The new proposed methods significantly favored higher abundances than 1M for total zooplankton and rotifers. Even more, 3M outperformed 2M in the case of microcrustacean hatching abundances. Conclusions Our findings suggest that despite all analyzed methods being suitable for studying zooplankton hatchings, the newly proposed methods incorporating internal structures to minimize sediment resuspension displayed increased capture efficiency.

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Composition, life-history, and population dynamics of the Chironomidae from a tropical high-altitude stream (Saltana River, Ecuador) - (2024)

Narcís Prat i Fornells, Andrea C. Encalada, Christian Villamarín, Blanca Ríos-Touma

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract: Aim To study the composition and population dynamics of Chironomidae (Diptera) from a high-altitude tropical stream in Ecuador. Methods Samples were taken at Saltana River between April 2009 and November 2010. Physico-chemical parameters, such as flow, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and temperature, were measured in each sampling campaign. Larvae and pupae sampling was conducted with a Hess sampler in different substrates. During each sampling campaign, adults were sampled using amphibious emergence traps for 24 hours. All materials collected were separated and classified in the laboratory. The biomass was calculated using the individual weight of the larvae of different instars multiplied by the density of each instar at each sample. Results A total of 18 larval taxa were found in 14 different genera in the benthic samples. The subfamily Orthocladiinae showed the highest richness (12 genera), followed by Podonominae, Diamesinae, and Chironominae, with two genera each. The most frequent taxa were Cricotopus sp.3, C. (Oliveiriella) rieradevallae, and Genus 1 sp.a. Total densities fluctuate very much from one month to another following the changes of the most abundant species, and only one species showed a relationship with the substrates. Biomass values are lower from June to August of both years, which matches the high flow season. Conclusions The Saltana River’s cold temperature (6-7 °C) and the flow variability determine the low richness, density and biomass throughout the year. It is unclear if individuals showed very short or long-life cycles due to constant temperature throughout the year. However, there is a clear asynchrony in life cycles due to the presence of emerging adults throughout the year.

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Concentrations of metals in water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes in a river located in a region with a hot semi-arid climate - (2024)

Camila Tâmires Alves Oliveira, Antonio Fernando Monteiro Camargo, Eulene Francisco da Silva, Gustavo Gonzaga Henry-Silva

Volume: 36 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Abstract Aim i) is there a difference in the level of contamination in the different parts of the basin in the water, sediment and aquatic macrophytes compartments? and ii) do the three compartments respond similarly to metal contamination? Methods Samples of water, sediment and aquatic macrophytes (Salvinia auriculata Aubl., Pistia stratiotes L., Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (Mart.) H. Hara and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) were collected at 10 sampling sites in different stretches of a tropical hydrographic basin. We determined the metal concentrations of Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu and Cd, and to the results we applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA), separately for each compartment, to order the sampling sites. Results Fe and Mn had higher concentrations than other metals in plants and sediment. With the exception of Mn, the order of metals was similar between water and sediment. However, the PCAs ordered the sampling sites differently. Our results demonstrated that the ordering of sampling sites by metal concentrations differs among water, sediment and macrophytes. Conclusions We conclude that to evaluate the contamination of aquatic environments by metals and the effects of contamination on the food chain, it is not enough to evaluate them only in water or sediment, but also in an aquatic community.

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