Colonization by benthic macroinvertebrates in two artificial substrate types of a Riparian Forest

Lívia Borges Dos Santos,Jean Carlos Santos,Cyntia Goulart Côrrea Bruno

doi:10.1590/s2179-975x3616

Lívia Borges Dos Santos, Jean Carlos Santos + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s2179-975x3616

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Abstract

Abstract: Aim To analyze the efficiency of organic and inorganic substrates in samples of benthic macroinvertebrates of riparian forests from the Cerrado. Specific objectives (i) characterize the ecological succession and taxonomic richness of benthic macroinvertebrates in stream affluent of a riparian forest; (ii) analyze the influence of seasonality on the colonization of macroinvertebrates; and (iii) determine the effect of the types of artificial substrates on the richness, composition and abundance of the benthic community. Methods Sampling was carried out in the rainy and dry seasons, and we installed in the watercourse two types of substrates: organic (leaf packs) and inorganic (bricks), organized in pairs. Six samples per season were done to verify colonization, succession, richness and abundance of benthic community. The substrates were carefully sorted and the organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Results The ecological succession was clearly observed, with the initial occurrence of Chironomidae and Baetidae (considered early colonizers), and a late occurrence of organisms such as Helotrephidae and Trichoptera (considered late colonizers). No significant difference was found in the richness and abundance among the studied seasons (rainy and dry), but the organic substrate was significantly higher than the inorganic substrate for these parameters. Conclusion Organic artificial substrates are more efficient in characterizing the community of benthic macroinvertebrates in the study area, because they are more similar to the conditions of the substrate found naturally in the environment.

Highlights

Benthic macroinvertebrates (BM) have a huge ecological importance to many aquatic ecosystems, e.g., they have a key role in food chains (Suriano & Fonseca-Gessner, 2013)
Organic artificial substrates are more efficient in characterizing the community of benthic macroinvertebrates in the study area, because they are more similar to the conditions of the substrate found naturally in the environment
Initial colonization of Chironomidae in brick (Figure 4A) and Baetide in leaf pack (Figure 4B) marked the succession patterns found in substrates

Summary

Introduction

Benthic macroinvertebrates (BM) have a huge ecological importance to many aquatic ecosystems, e.g., they have a key role in food chains (Suriano & Fonseca-Gessner, 2013). These organisms are an important link between the basal resources and fish (Callisto et al, 2001). The BM fauna present in an ecosystem can be measured and characterized by colonization of patterned substrates (Esteves et al, 2011) This important tool makes it possible to analyze changes in richness and composition of communities over time (ecological succession), and determine the exact time from this process (Ribeiro & Uieda, 2005). Several studies of BM colonization use artificial substrates to characterize the benthic fauna (e.g., Leite-Rossi et al, 2015; Pereira et al, 2010; Wantzen & Pinto-Silva, 2006)

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