Is it possible to simplify environmental monitoring? Approaches with zooplankton in a hydroelectric reservoir

Abstract

Cite as: Missias, A.C.A. et al. Is it possible to simplify environmental monitoring? Approaches with zooplankton in a hydroelectric reservoir. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, 2017, vol. 29, e8. Abstract: Aim:In order to contribute to the knowledge about the simplification of biological surveys, this study evaluated the use of substitute groups, numeric and taxonomic resolution for the three main groups of zooplankton (cladocerans, copepods and rotifers) in a Hydropower Plant (UHE). The following issues were addressed: (i) the patterns of spatial and/or temporal ordering generated between each zooplankton group are in concordance? (ii) The concordance is maintained using presence/absence data instead of density data? (iii) The identification of organisms to the species level can be replaced by genus or family level? Methods: Samples were taken in seven sample units over five campaigns between 2009 and 2010 in the UHE Serra da Mesa (Goiás, Brazil). To evaluate the correlation between each pair of matrices was used the Mantel test. Results: The results demonstrate that the replacements should not be made among the zooplanktonic groups, requiring the monitoring of three groups (copepods, cladocerans and rotifers). Furthermore, the results suggest the use of density data of individuals rather than just presence/absence of species. Finally, the results of this study indicate the possibility to use data at species level instead of data at genus or family level. Conclusion: For zooplankton community monitoring purposes only the use of taxonomic resolution showed to be efficient for this area of study, not being recommended the use of surrogate groups or numerical resolution.

Zooplankton trajectory before, during and after a hydropower dam construction

“…We reinforce the urge in literature for a complete assessment of biodiversity (Socolar et al, 2016) and also for digging deeper in evaluating phenomena such as Biotic Homogenization as a consequence of anthropogenic impacts (Olden et al, 2018). We also suggest that data resolution and differential responses of biological groups are features that should be considered in zooplankton assessments (Missias et al, 2017). Our study is unique by following the trajectory of the formation of a reservoir lake in a still under-study aquatic biological group.…”

“…However, our results also suggest that Cladocerans can also have a disruption of its spatial organization, but the fact that effect was detected using occurrence may suggest that the disruption occurred mainly in less abundance taxa, which could be more susceptible to environmental alterations promoted by reservoir damming. Relatedly, Missias et al (2017) also suggest that Rotifers, Copepods and Cladocerans do respond differently to spatial ecological gradients in reservoirs; which reinforce that all groups should be evaluated separately in studies evaluating anthropogenic impacts in aquatic ecosystems.…”