Influence of land-use on structural and functional macroinvertebrate composition communities associated on detritus in Subtropical Atlantic Forest streams

Luiz Ubiratan Hepp,Frederico Machado Urbim,Rodrigo Fornel,Rozane Maria Restello,Tanise Luisa Sausen,Rafael Chaves Loureiro,Gabriela Tonello

doi:10.1590/s2179-975x0616

Abstract

Abstract Aim Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effects of land use in drainage basins of the streams on the taxonomic and functional composition of aquatic invertebrate communities associated in leaf litter. Methods We evaluated the colonisation of invertebrates in the incubated plant debris in streams with presence and absence of riparian vegetation and different land-uses in the drainage area. We used the litter bags approach. Results The taxonomic and functional composition invertebrate associated with leaf litter ranged between streams. In addition, streams with presence of vegetation showed less variation taxonomic and functional composition communities. Still, the density of shredders invertebrates were lower in streams without vegetation. Conclusions The riparian vegetation is an important environmental factor in the composition of invertebrates. However, the land-use throughout the drainage basin should be considered as relevant factor in structuring aquatic biota.

Highlights

Agricultural activities have increased the degradation of forests in recent decades (Carvalho et al, 2009; Diniz-Filho et al, 2009)
Aim: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effects of land use in drainage basins of the streams on the taxonomic and functional composition of aquatic invertebrate communities associated in leaf litter
When natural riparian vegetation is removed for agricultural uses, the water temperature, nutrient concentration and sediment input tend to increase in streams, causing negative effects to the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems (Allan, 2004; Blevins et al, 2013)

Summary

Introduction

Agricultural activities have increased the degradation of forests in recent decades (Carvalho et al, 2009; Diniz-Filho et al, 2009). When natural riparian vegetation is removed for agricultural uses, the water temperature, nutrient concentration and sediment input tend to increase in streams, causing negative effects to the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems (Allan, 2004; Blevins et al, 2013). It is unclear how the combined effect of different anthropogenic factors (e.g., riparian vegetation removal) can alter ecological processes and aquatic biota (Hagen et al, 2006; Arnaiz et al, 2011; Bonato et al, 2012; Chadwick et al, 2012). The removal of riparian vegetation in agricultural areas causes the loss of allochthonous material input, which is of key importance for maintaining the energy flow and balance of streams (Henry et al, 1994; Gonçalves Junior & Callisto, 2013)

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