A study of the aquatic invertebrate communities from two locations (Location 1 and Location 2) within the Matapouri catchment in Northland, New Zealand, was conducted to assess community structure in differing local-scale habitats. Four data collection methods were utilised generating 33,058 adult or larval invertebrates. The sampling methods comprised benthic kick-sampling, sticky trapping, light trapping, and emergence trapping. For the sticky trapping and light trapping, sampling was carried out at three different sites (Sites 1–3) within each location. The sites were situated within three habitat types; native forest, native forest-fringe, and raupo wetland. Emergence trapping also commenced within the three sites, at both locations, but was discontinued after two months, due to the equipment being destroyed by consecutive flooding events (method described in Appendix 1). Benthic sampling was carried out within the Forest and Forest-fringe habitats. Benthic sampling, sticky trapping, and light trapping were carried out following a monthly schedule between June and November 2005. Conductivity, pH, and water temperature measurements were taken concurrently with benthic sampling on a monthly basis, while water velocity and substrate measurements were taken once to assist in habitat characterisation. Overall, 71 taxa were recorded by benthic sampling over the six month period, with a mean of approximately 30 taxa per site per month. In comparison with similar studies elsewhere in New Zealand, a figure of around 30 taxa per sample was high. The benthic macroinvertebrate fauna at all sites was dominated by Trichoptera (19 taxa), Diptera (16 taxa) and Ephemeroptera (10 taxa). This pattern of diversity is similar to that reported in other New Zealand studies. However, in contrast to previous studies, the leptophlebiid mayfly genus Deleatidium was not numerically dominant over the rest of the community, and other leptophlebiid genera (Acanthophlebia, Atalophlebioides, Mauiulus and Zephlebia) were equally represented, possibly reflecting niche partitioning between the groups. The genus Nesameletus was not recorded at any site, despite being one of the core mayfly species in New Zealand streams. The rare mayfly Isothraulus abditus was recorded at one of the forest locations. There are no published records of this species from Northland. Although acknowledged as another of the core New Zealand benthic taxa, the hydropsychid caddisfly Aoteapsyche was not recorded during the study. However, another hydropsychid, Orthopsyche, was commonly recorded, and these may be filling a similar niche to the Aoteapsyche genus. In contrast to the Trichoptera, Diptera, and Ephemeroptera, the Plecoptera fauna was relatively depauperate, probably reflecting the warmer climate of the region and lack of temperature-buffered spring-fed streams. Surprisingly, Zelandobius, a core New Zealand genus, was absent but is regularly recorded in Northland. A species of conservation interest, Spaniocercoides watti, currently recognised as a Northland endemic, was recorded in low numbers. There were no apparent trends in diversity or abundance of benthic invertebrates over time. Also, there were no significant differences in species diversity between the two locations. However, in many cases, taxa were more abundant at Location 2. This may have been due to steeper gradients at Location 2, and the consequent effects on substrate size and streambed stability, as all other physical factors appeared similar between locations. Although several significant differences of individual benthic taxa were recorded, no broad effect of habitat (sites) on species diversity was observable. However, at Location 2, abundances were significantly higher at Site 3 (Forest) compared to Site 2 (Forest-fringe). The reasons were uncertain, but may be attributed to higher retention of allochthonous organic materials, trapped by in-stream cover and larger substrates. Investigations of adult stages by sticky traps supported benthic results recording community compositions and abundances dominated by Trichoptera and Diptera. Plecoptera were poorly represented. Location 2 recorded higher abundances of taxa, particularly Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera. Investigations of adult stages by light traps however did not produce any statistically significant differences in abundances between sites, between locations, or between sites across locations, and it is believed to be due to limited sampling replication combined with some biases of light trapping. This study indicates that the aquatic invertebrate community at Matapouri is diverse but also reasonably representative. Several rare or uncommon insects inhabit the catchment. It is therefore important that Iwi and the local Landcare Group, who invited and supported this research, together with the Department of Conservation, continue their efforts in protecting these areas. The resident fauna have the capacity to restock areas downstream, which are intended to be improved and restored through sediment control and riparian management.

A study of the aquatic invertebrate communities from two locations (Location 1 and Location 2) within the Matapouri catchment in Northland, New Zealand, was conducted to assess community structure in differing local-scale habitats. Four data collection methods were utilised generating 33,058 adult or larval invertebrates. The sampling methods comprised benthic kick-sampling, sticky trapping, light trapping, and emergence trapping. For the sticky trapping and light trapping, sampling was carried out at three different sites (Sites 1–3) within each location. The sites were situated within three habitat types; native forest, native forest-fringe, and raupo wetland. Emergence trapping also commenced within the three sites, at both locations, but was discontinued after two months, due to the equipment being destroyed by consecutive flooding events (method described in Appendix 1). Benthic sampling was carried out within the Forest and Forest-fringe habitats. Benthic sampling, sticky trapping, and light trapping were carried out following a monthly schedule between June and November 2005. Conductivity, pH, and water temperature measurements were taken concurrently with benthic sampling on a monthly basis, while water velocity and substrate measurements were taken once to assist in habitat characterisation. Overall, 71 taxa were recorded by benthic sampling over the six month period, with a mean of approximately 30 taxa per site per month. In comparison with similar studies elsewhere in New Zealand, a figure of around 30 taxa per sample was high. The benthic macroinvertebrate fauna at all sites was dominated by Trichoptera (19 taxa), Diptera (16 taxa) and Ephemeroptera (10 taxa). This pattern of diversity is similar to that reported in other New Zealand studies. However, in contrast to previous studies, the leptophlebiid mayfly genus Deleatidium was not numerically dominant over the rest of the community, and other leptophlebiid genera (Acanthophlebia, Atalophlebioides, Mauiulus and Zephlebia) were equally represented, possibly reflecting niche partitioning between the groups. The genus Nesameletus was not recorded at any site, despite being one of the core mayfly species in New Zealand streams. The rare mayfly Isothraulus abditus was recorded at one of the forest locations. There are no published records of this species from Northland. Although acknowledged as another of the core New Zealand benthic taxa, the hydropsychid caddisfly Aoteapsyche was not recorded during the study. However, another hydropsychid, Orthopsyche, was commonly recorded, and these may be filling a similar niche to the Aoteapsyche genus. In contrast to the Trichoptera, Diptera, and Ephemeroptera, the Plecoptera fauna was relatively depauperate, probably reflecting the warmer climate of the region and lack of temperature-buffered spring-fed streams. Surprisingly, Zelandobius, a core New Zealand genus, was absent but is regularly recorded in Northland. A species of conservation interest, Spaniocercoides watti, currently recognised as a Northland endemic, was recorded in low numbers. There were no apparent trends in diversity or abundance of benthic invertebrates over time. Also, there were no significant differences in species diversity between the two locations. However, in many cases, taxa were more abundant at Location 2. This may have been due to steeper gradients at Location 2, and the consequent effects on substrate size and streambed stability, as all other physical factors appeared similar between locations. Although several significant differences of individual benthic taxa were recorded, no broad effect of habitat (sites) on species diversity was observable. However, at Location 2, abundances were significantly higher at Site 3 (Forest) compared to Site 2 (Forest-fringe). The reasons were uncertain, but may be attributed to higher retention of allochthonous organic materials, trapped by in-stream cover and larger substrates. Investigations of adult stages by sticky traps supported benthic results recording community compositions and abundances dominated by Trichoptera and Diptera. Plecoptera were poorly represented. Location 2 recorded higher abundances of taxa, particularly Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera. Investigations of adult stages by light traps however did not produce any statistically significant differences in abundances between sites, between locations, or between sites across locations, and it is believed to be due to limited sampling replication combined with some biases of light trapping. This study indicates that the aquatic invertebrate community at Matapouri is diverse but also reasonably representative. Several rare or uncommon insects inhabit the catchment. It is therefore important that Iwi and the local Landcare Group, who invited and supported this research, together with the Department of Conservation, continue their efforts in protecting these areas. The resident fauna have the capacity to restock areas downstream, which are intended to be improved and restored through sediment control and riparian management.

Τα υδρόβια μακρόφυτα και τα βενθικά μακροασπόνδυλα μελετήθηκαν εποχικά σε δύο λιμνοθάλασσες της Δυτικής Ελλάδας (Κοτύχι και Πρόκοπος), με σκοπό την ανάλυση της χωρικής και εποχικής διακύμανσης των βιοκοινωνιών τους. Η λιμνοθάλασσα Κοτύχι παρουσιάζει μεγαλύτερη επικοινωνία με τη θάλασσα, ενώ ο Πρόκοπος έχει μεγαλύτερο βαθμό απομόνωσης από τη θάλασσα. Τα υδρόβια μακρόφυτα αποτελούν κύριο στοιχείο των λιμνοθαλασσών. Συνολικά και στις δύο περιοχές μελέτης βρέθηκαν 22 taxa μακροφύτων (αγγειόσπερμα και μακροφύκη), εκ των οποίων τα 8 αποτελούν νέες αναφορές για την περιοχή μελέτης. Συγκεκριμένα, βρέθηκαν 16 taxa στο Κοτύχι (2 ροδοφύκη, 8 χλωροφύκη, 5 αγγειόσπερμα, 1 στρεπτόφυτο) και 14 στον Πρόκοπο (1 ροδοφύκος, 5 χλωροφύκη, 5 αγγειόσπερμα, 3 στρεπτόφυτα). Τα αγγειόσπερμα Ruppia cirrhosa και Potamogeton pectinatus ήταν κυρίαρχα και στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες. Κυρίαρχο taxon στο Κοτύχι ήταν και το χλωροφύκος Cladophora glomerata, ενώ για τον Πρόκοπο το αγγειόσπερμο Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata. H βιομάζα των υδρόβιων μακροφύτων παρουσίασε μεγάλη αύξηση κατά τη διάρκεια της θερινής περιόδου. Στο Κοτύχι απαντούν 28 taxa υδροβίων μακροασπονδύλων, ενώ στον Πρόκοπο 19. Η οικογένεια των Chironomidae (Miscellanea) και το Lekanesphaera monodi (Καρκινοειδή) ήταν τα κυρίαρχα taxa και για τις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες. Η ποικιλότητα (Η’) της βενθικής πανίδας κυμάνθηκε από 1,3 έως 2,6 στο Κοτύχι και από 0,7 έως 2,4 στον Πρόκοπο. Τα αποτελέσματα της ιεραρχικής ομαδοποίησης (Cluster analysis) σε σύνολο 72 δειγματοληπτικών επιφανειών, με βάση την αφθονία των υδρόβιων μακροφύτων στις δύο περιοχές μελέτης, ανέδειξαν 5 ομάδες βλάστησης. Στην ομάδα Ι κυρίαρχο taxon είναι το αγγειόσπερμο Zostera noltii, ενώ στις ομάδες ΙΙa και ΙΙb κυριαρχεί το αγγειόσπεrμο Ruppia cirrhosa, με διαφορετική αντιπροσώπευση των συνοδών ειδών. Στην ομάδα ΙΙIa κυριαρχούν τα αγγειόσπερμα Potamogeton pectinatus και Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata, ενώ η ομάδα ΙΙIb κυριαρχείται από το Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata που συνοδεύεται από το χλωροφύκος Ulva intestinalis. O έλεγχος των διαφορών των ομάδων βλάστησης, με βάση τη διακύμανση των περιβαλλοντικών τους παραμέτρων πραγματοποιήθηκε με τον έλεγχο Mann - Whitney U. Στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές υπάρχουν μεταξύ της ομάδας ΙΙb με τις ομάδες Ι και ΙΙIb, όσον αφορά το βάθος και μεταξύ της ομάδας ΙΙb και ΙΙΙa, όσον αφορά την αναλογία διαφάνεια/βάθος και τη συγκέντρωση του ολικού φωσφόρου. Τα αποτελέσματα της ιεραρχικής ομαδοποίησης (Cluster analysis) σε σύνολο 36 δειγματοληπτικών επιφανειών, με βάση την αφθονία των υδρόβιων μακροασπονδύλων ανέδειξαν δύο ομάδες βενθικής πανίδας σε επίπεδο ομοιότητας περίπου 50% (Bray curtis similarity 50%) που αντιστοιχούν στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες. Η ομάδα που αντιστοιχεί στο Κοτύχι κυριαρχείται από την οικογένεια Chironomidae και η ομάδα που αντιστοιχεί στον Πρόκοπο κυριαρχείται από την οικογένεια Οstracoda. O έλεγχος Mann - Whitney U έδειξε ότι οι δύο λιμνοθάλασσες διαφέρουν με βάση τις αβιοτικές παραμέτρους σε επίπεδο σημαντικότητας p<0,001 στο βάθος, την αναλογία διαφάνεια/βάθος, τη συγκέντρωση του ολικού φωσφόρου, χλωροφύλλης –α και ολικών αιωρούμενων στερεών. Ο Πρόκοπος παρουσίασε μεγαλύτερο βάθος (0,87m) από το Κοτύχι (0,56m) και μεγαλύτερη διακύμανση των παραπάνω παραμέτρων. Γενικά, τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης κύριων συνιστωσών (PCA) και της ανάλυσης ANOSIM, που αφορούν τις περιβαλλοντικές παραμέτρους έδειξαν ότι η διακύμανση των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων παρουσίασε εποχικό και χωρικό πρότυπο και στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες με τη μεγαλύτερη διακύμανση τους να παρατηρείται στον Πρόκοπo. Κατά τη διάρκεια της θερινής περιόδου ειδικά στον Πρόκοπο καταγράφηκαν πολύ χαμηλές τιμές διαλυμένου οξυγόνου (χαμηλότερη τιμή: 0,34 mg/l), ακραίες τιμές αλατότητας (μέγιστη τιμή: 38,43 psu) και αυξημένες τιμές pH (μέγιστη τιμή: 9,95). Αυτή η εποχική διακύμανση των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων προκαλεί έντονο φυσικό στρες στους υδρόβιους οργανισμούς επηρεάζοντας την αφθονία και εξάπλωση τους. Οι κυριότερες συσχετίσεις των αβιοτικών παραμέτρων που προέκυψαν από την ανάλυση Spearman είναι η θετική συσχέτιση του ολικού φώσφορου με τη χλωροφύλλη – α, τα ολικά αιωρούμενα στερεά και τη σταθερά απορρόφησης – α, η αρνητική συσχέτιση της αναλογίας διαφάνειας/βάθος με τον ολικό φώσφορο και τη χλωροφύλλη – α και του διαλυμένου οξυγόνου στο υπόστρωμα με τη συγκέντρωση φωσφορικών ιόντων, ολικού αζώτου, ολικού άνθρακα και οργανικού άνθρακα στο ίζημα. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης πλεονασμού (RDA), τo pH, η συγκέντρωση των ολικών αιωρούμενων στερεών της χλωροφύλλης - α, το βάθος, η θερμοκρασία και η σταθερά απορρόφησης Κ φαίνεται να παίζουν τον πιο σημαντικό ρόλο στην εξάπλωση & αφθονία των μακροφύτων. Όσον αφορά την εξάπλωση και αφθονία των υδρόβιων μακροασπονδύλων, σύμφωνα με την ανάλυση πλεονασμού (RDA), πιο σημαντικό ρόλο φαίνεται να παίζουν το βάθος, η συγκέντρωση των ολικών αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων, η θερμοκρασία και το pH. Γενικά, στις δύο λιμνοθάλασσες καταγράφηκε χαμηλός ειδών μακροφύτων και μακροαπονδύλων, όπως και σε άλλες λιμνοθάλασσες της Ελλάδας (Reizopoulou and Nicolaidou 2004, Kevrekidis 2004, Mogias and Kevrekidis 2005). Ο χαμηλότερος αριθμός ειδών και ατόμων μακροασπονδύλων παρατηρήθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια της θερινής περιόδου. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν επίσης ότι ο αριθμός ειδών, η ποικιλότητα και η αφθονία, των βενθικών μακροασπονδύλων σχετίζεται ισχυρά με την υδρόβια βλάστηση και το βαθμό απομόνωσης από τη θάλασσα. Ο αριθμός ειδών και ατόμων μακροασπονδύλων παρουσιάστηκε αυξημένος στον τύπο ενδιαιτήματος, όπου κυριαρχούν τα αγγειόσπερμα, ενώ παρουσιάστηκε μειωμένος σε γυμνό υπόστρωμα. Επίσης, ο αριθμός ειδών και ατόμων μακροασπονδύλων εμφανίζεται μειωμένος με την αύξηση της απόστασης από τη θάλασσα. Τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης πλεονασμού (RDA) έδειξαν ότι τα μαλάκια παρουσιάζουν καλύτερη συσχέτιση με το αγγειόσπερμο Zostera noltii και τα συνοδά του είδη, ενώ τα καρκινοείδη παρουσιάζουν καλύτερη συσχέτιση με τα αγγειόσπερμα Ruppia cirrhosa, Potamogeton pectinatus και Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata και τα συνοδά τους είδη. Τα Miscellanea δείχνουν καλύτερη συσχέτιση με τα ευκαιριακά είδη υδροβίων μακροφύτων. Το Gammarus insensibilis παρουσίασε συνεμφάνιση με το χλωροφύκος Chaetomorpha linum, το οποίο αποτελεί μέρος της διατροφής του (Sheader & Sheader 1987, Bamber et al. 1992). Στην παρούσα εργασία συζητούνται περαιτέρω η οικολογική ποιότητα των δύο λιμνοθαλασσών και οι χωρικές και χρονικές διακυμάνσεις των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων καθώς και οι επιδράσεις τους στη δομή και λειτουργία των βιοκοινωνιών των μακροφύτων και μακροασπονδύλων. / Aquatic macrophytes and benthic macroinvertebrates were studied seasonally in two coastal lagoons (Kotychi and Prokopos) located in Western Greece, in order to investigate spatial and temporal trends. Kotychi lagoon presents a better communication with the sea, while Prokopos has a high degree of confinement. Both ecosystems receive seasonally freshwater input by streams. The submerged aquatic macrophytes constituted a major component of the ecosystems studied. In total were found 22 taxa of aquatic macrophytes (angiosperms and macroalgae), 16 taxa for Kotychi (2 Rhodophyta, 8 Chlorophyta, 5 Magnoliophyta, 1 Streptophyta) and 14 taxa for Prokopos (1 Rhodophyta, 5 Chlorophyta, 5 Magnoliophyta, 3 Streptophyta). Ruppia cirrhosa, and Potamogeton pectinatus were dominant in both lagoons. Kotychi lagoon was also dominated by Cladophora glomerata and Prokopos by Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata, while the biomass of aquatic species peaked during summer period. The total number of macroinvertebrates found in the lagoons was 28 taxa for Kotychi and 19 for Prokopos. Chironomidae (Miscellanea) and Lekanesphaera monodi (Crustacea) were dominant in both lagoons, while Kotychi was also dominated by Monocorophium insidiosum (Crustacea), and Prokopos by Ostracoda (Crustacea). Benthic diversity (Η’) ranged from 1.3 to 2.6 in Kotychi and from 0.7 to 2.5 in Prokopos. Cluster analysis (Bray Curtis similarity) distinguished 5 vegetation groups based on 72 sampling plots. Group I, was dominated by Zostera noltii, groups IIa and IIb were both dominated by Ruppia cirrhosa, but they present different abundance in companion opportunistic species. Group IIIa was dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus and Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata and group IIIb by Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata and Ulva intestinalis. Mann - Whitney U – test showed that means of environmental variables such as depth, total P and the ratio transparency/depth differed significantly among groups IIb, IIIa and IIIb. Cluster analysis (Bray Curtis similarity) distinguished two groups of macroinvertebrates, based on 36 sampling plots. Group I represents Kotychi lagoon by Chironomidae and group II represents Prokopos lagoon II dominated by Ostracoda. Mann - Whitney U – test showed that means of environmental variables such as depth, the ratio transparency/depth, total P, chl-a and TSM differed significantly between the two lagoons. Prokopos (0,87m) is a deeper lagoon than Kotychi (0,56m) and presented higher values of the ratio transparency/depth, total P, chl-a and TSM. Generally, PCA and ANOSIM analysis showed that there is a seasonal and spatial fluctuation of environmental variables in the two lagoons. Prokopos showed widest range of the environmental variables among seasons. In Prokopos lagoon during summer period recorded very low values of D.O. (lowest value: 0,34 mg/l), high salinity (max. value: 38,43 psu) and pH (max. value: 9,95). The high seasonal fluctuations of environmental variables create a natural stress to aquatic organisms affecting their abundance. The results of Spearman analysis showed that total P was positively correlated with chl-a, TSM and attenuation coefficient K and the ratio transparency/depth was negatively correlated with total P and chl-a. Also, sediment’s D.O. was negatively correlated with orthophosphates, total nitrogen, total and organic carbon in the sediment. The results of RDA analysis showed that pH, TSM, chl-a, depth, attenuation coefficient K and temperature play the most important role in the abundance and distribution of aquatic macrophytes. Depth, TSM, temperature and pH influence the distribution and abundance of benthic mavroinvertebrates. Generally, both lagoon showed low number of species of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates, similarly with other Greek lagoons (Reizopoulou and Nicolaidou 2004, Kevrekidis 2004, Mogias and Kevrekidis 2005). The lowest number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates was recorded during the summer period. Moreover, results showed that species richness, diversity, and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates were strongly related to aquatic vegetation and degree of confinement. The number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates increased in the habitat where angiosperms were the dominated macrophytes. On the other hand, the number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates presented lower values in bare substrates. Also, the number of species and individuals of macroinvertebrates presented a reduction at the sampling stations which have a high distance from the sea, in both lagoons. RDA analysis showed that Mollusca prefer as a habitat the angiosperm Zostera noltii and its companion species. Crustacea showed better relation with angiosperms Ruppia cirrhosa, Potamogeton pectinatus and Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata and their companion species. Miscellanea showed better relation with the opportunistic species of aquatic macrophytes. Gammarus insensibilis presented co-occurrence with Chaetomorpha linum, which is a part of its diet, as referred also, in Sheader & Sheader (1987) and Bamber et al. (1992). In the current study the ecological evaluation of the two coastal lagoons, the spatial and temporal fluctuations of environmental variables and their influence to the structure and function of biotic communities are further discussed.

O aporte de sedimento fino é um dos principais agentes causadores de impactos a ecossistemas aquáticos. Este trabalho teve por finalidade avaliar por experimentalmente o efeito do sedimento fino sobre a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em um riacho subtropical. O local escolhido foi o rio Forqueta no distrito de Barra do Ouro pertencente ao município de Maquiné, RS. Foi adicionado por tratamento cerca 3138 cm3 de sedimento fino, separado em duas frações: areia fina (0 mm a 0,250mm) e areia grossa (0,25 mm a 1mm), em dois níveis, com e sem sedimento. Os dados foram analisados através por meio de uma Análise de Variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores para abundância total, riqueza e riqueza rarefeita, além de uma Análise de Variância Multivariada (MANOVA) para abundância relativa e composição de espécies e de uma Análise de Correspondência Canônica (pCCA), esta última, para avaliar o quanto eventos de perturbações influenciam a fauna aquática. A interação entre a velocidade do fluxo e os fatores envolvendo sedimentos também foram avaliados. O sedimento fino afetou negativamente a abundância total, a riqueza e a composição de espécies, mas não a riqueza rarefeita e a abundância relativa.O fluxo foi um importante fator para a distribuição da fauna avaliada, sendo a abundância, riqueza e a riqueza rarefeita maior em áreas com maior fluxo. Houve interação do fluxo com a areia fina, aumentando seu efeito sobre a abundância total e riqueza rarefeita em locais com maior velocidade de fluxo. A pCCA mostrou que eventos pontuais e de curta duração de acréscimo de sedimento fino não são danosos à fauna aquática. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o sedimento fino afeta de forma negativa a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em riachos, e este efeito negativo se dá por diversas formas, tais como redução do hábitat, perda da qualidade do alimento, estresse fisiológico e por outros. A relação da fauna com a velocidade pode ser atribuída às preferênciasecológicas dos grupos encontrados. Por alguns resultados divergirem de estudos prévios, o efeito do sedimento fino sobre a fauna aquática deve ser mais bem estudado. / One of the main forms by which aquatic ecosystems are impacted is the input of fine sediment. The objective of our study was to determinate by one experiment the effect of fine sediment on benthic macroinvertebrates in subtropical streams. The study area was the Forqueta River in Barra do Ouro district of Maquiné city, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It’s was added 3138 cm3 of sediment, in two fractions: fine sand (0mm – 0.25mm) and coarse sand (0.25mm – 1mm) into the river with two levels (with or without sediment) . The data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA two-way) for abundance, richness and rarefied richness, the last one intended to compare species richness based on an equivalent number of individuals. Using Multivaried Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) we examined the effect of fine sediment on relative abundance and composition of species. Sediment was used as one factor in four levels. A Partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis (pCCA) was used to examine the effect of the disturbance event on communities. The interaction between the flow and the factors of the sediment was examined. There was a negative effect of fine sediment on abundance, richness and species composition, but the effect was null on relative abundance and rarefaction of species richness. The flow was important for distribution of individuals colleted. The abundance, species richness and rarefied richness were highest on places with fastest flows. The flow increased the effect of fine sand on abundance and rarefied richness. The pCCA showed that disturbance events of small frequency consisting of input of terrestrial sediment have no negative effects on benthic macroinvertebrate. The relationship between flow and benthic macroinvertebrates can be attributed to the ecological preferences of species. These results showed that fine sediment impact is harmful for benthic macroinvertebrates in streams, particularly in termsof abundance. This negative effect may be a consequence of loss of habitat, reduced food quality, physiological stress and others forms. Because some results differ from other studies, the effect of the fine sediment on the benthic macroinvertebrates needs to be better studied.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The objective of this project was to investigate the impact of different pesticides used in the ricefield on the density and diversity of benthic organisms. In the experiment, two collects of soil were made to identify and quantify benthic organisms, one in the 28th and other in the 84th days after the entry of water in the ricefield. We used a cylindrical collector of PVC (Curer) with 0.10 m in diameter (0.01 m2) at a depth of 0.10 m. Samples were collected in the irrigated plots that received the following treatments: TO - Imazethapyr + Imazapic (ONLY ®), TB - Bispyribac-sodium (NOMINEE 400SC), TQ - Quinclorac (FACET PM), TF - Fipronil (STANDACK) and TC - control. The number of replicates for each treatment was 12 samples per day. The collected material was stored in plastic bags and taken to the laboratory, where it was washed in sieves of 0.25 mm and re-packed in plastic bottles and then immediately stained (Rose-Bengal), and fixed with absolute ethanol. After fixing, the organisms were separated and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, using specialized bibliographies. Throughout the period of ricefield, data on the following parameters of irrigation water were recorded: dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, conductivity and persistence of pesticides used. To verify differences in the physical-chemical, between treatments, we used a TWO-WAY-ANOVA (treatment and time) and a PCA. An ANOVA one criterion was used to verify differences in taxa between treatments and a MANOVA was used to examine differences in fauna composition between treatments and trophic guilds. There were no differences among abiotic data and the treatment, but differences were found in the time of cultivation. Concerning the persistence of pesticides, the herbicide quinclorac was the most persistent, detected up to the 84th day. The lower persistence of the herbicide ONLY® was detected until the 21st day. In the first sample a total of 1971 animals was collected from all treatments, separated into four phyla: Arthropoda (Insecta, Arachnida and Crustacea), Mollusca (Gastropoda), Anellida (Oligochaeta and Hirudinea) and Nematoda. In the second group of samples, 2295 individuals were identified among all treatments. The same phyla were present, but the diversity of insects was higher than in the previous collection. The MANOVA showed differences between the fauna composition of the treatments evaluated, and between collections, as well as among the fauna composition of the same trophic guild in the different treatments. Based on these results we conclude that the pesticides did not affect the physical and chemical parameters of water, however, these products can cause stress on the benthic community at the beginning of culture for a period of approximately one month after the entry of water in the plots. This effect is reduced over time so that the benthic community tends to restructure after the period of greatest activity of pesticides in water. / O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o impacto da utilização de diferentes agroquímicos, empregados na lavoura de arroz irrigada por inundação, sobre a densidade e riqueza de organismos bentônicos. No experimento, foram realizadas duas amostragens de solo para identificar e quantificar organismos bentônicos, uma no 28º e outra no 84º dia após a entrada de água na lavoura. Utilizou-se um coletor cilíndrico de PVC (Corer) com 0,10 m de diâmetro (0,01 m2) na profundidade de 0,10 m. As amostragens foram realizadas em parcelas que receberam os seguintes tratamentos: TO -imazethapyr + imazapic (ONLY®); TB - bispyribac-sodium (NOMINEE 400SC); TQ - quinclorac (FACET PM); TF - fipronil (STANDACK) e TC - controle. O número de réplicas para cada tratamento foi de 12 amostras por dia amostral. O material coletado foi armazenado em sacos plásticos e levado para o laboratório, onde foi lavado em peneiras de 0,25mm, reacondicionado em frascos plásticos e logo em seguida corado (Rosa-de-Bengala) e fixado com álcool etílico absoluto. Após a fixação os organismos foram triados e identificados até o menor nível taxonômico possível, utilizando-se bibliografias especializadas. Durante todo o período da cultura do arroz foram registrados os dados dos seguintes parâmetros da água de irrigação: Oxigênio dissolvido, pH, temperatura, alcalinidade, dureza, turbidez, condutividade e persistência dos pesticidas utilizados. Para verificar diferenças quanto aos fatores físico-químicos, entre os tratamentos, utilizou-se uma ANOVA de dois critérios (tratamento e tempo) e uma PCA. Uma ANOVA de um critério foi utilizada para verificar diferenças dos táxons entre os tratamentos e uma MANOVA foi empregada para analisar diferenças na composição da fauna entre os tratamentos e guildas tróficas. Não se observou diferenças nos dados abióticos em relação aos tratamentos, mas sim em relação ao tempo de cultivo. Com relação à persistência dos pesticidas, o herbicida Quinclorac foi o mais persistente, detectado até o 84º dia. A menor persistência foi do herbicida Only, detectado até o 21º dia. Na primeira amostragem foram coletados um total de 1971 organismos entre todos os tratamentos, pertencentes a quatro filos: Arthropoda (Insecta, Arachnida e Crustacea), Mollusca (Gastropoda), Anellida (Hirudinea e Oligochaeta) e Nematoda. Na segunda coleta foram identificados 2295 organismos entre todos os tratamentos. Os mesmos filos estiveram presentes, porém a riqueza de insetos foi maior que na coleta anterior. A Manova mostrou haver diferenças entre as composições da fauna dos tratamentos avaliados, e entre as coletas, bem como na composição da fauna, de uma mesma guilda trófica, nos diferentes tratamentos. Com base nestes resultados é possível concluir que os pesticidas utilizados não afetaram os parâmetros físico-químicos da água, entretanto, esses produtos podem causar estresse na comunidade bentônica no início da cultura, por um período de aproximadamente um mês após a entrada de água nas parcelas. Este efeito é reduzido com o passar do tempo, de maneira que a comunidade bentônica tende a se reestruturar após o período de maior ação dos pesticidas na água.

O aporte de sedimento fino é um dos principais agentes causadores de impactos a ecossistemas aquáticos. Este trabalho teve por finalidade avaliar por experimentalmente o efeito do sedimento fino sobre a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em um riacho subtropical. O local escolhido foi o rio Forqueta no distrito de Barra do Ouro pertencente ao município de Maquiné, RS. Foi adicionado por tratamento cerca 3138 cm3 de sedimento fino, separado em duas frações: areia fina (0 mm a 0,250mm) e areia grossa (0,25 mm a 1mm), em dois níveis, com e sem sedimento. Os dados foram analisados através por meio de uma Análise de Variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores para abundância total, riqueza e riqueza rarefeita, além de uma Análise de Variância Multivariada (MANOVA) para abundância relativa e composição de espécies e de uma Análise de Correspondência Canônica (pCCA), esta última, para avaliar o quanto eventos de perturbações influenciam a fauna aquática. A interação entre a velocidade do fluxo e os fatores envolvendo sedimentos também foram avaliados. O sedimento fino afetou negativamente a abundância total, a riqueza e a composição de espécies, mas não a riqueza rarefeita e a abundância relativa.O fluxo foi um importante fator para a distribuição da fauna avaliada, sendo a abundância, riqueza e a riqueza rarefeita maior em áreas com maior fluxo. Houve interação do fluxo com a areia fina, aumentando seu efeito sobre a abundância total e riqueza rarefeita em locais com maior velocidade de fluxo. A pCCA mostrou que eventos pontuais e de curta duração de acréscimo de sedimento fino não são danosos à fauna aquática. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o sedimento fino afeta de forma negativa a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em riachos, e este efeito negativo se dá por diversas formas, tais como redução do hábitat, perda da qualidade do alimento, estresse fisiológico e por outros. A relação da fauna com a velocidade pode ser atribuída às preferênciasecológicas dos grupos encontrados. Por alguns resultados divergirem de estudos prévios, o efeito do sedimento fino sobre a fauna aquática deve ser mais bem estudado. / One of the main forms by which aquatic ecosystems are impacted is the input of fine sediment. The objective of our study was to determinate by one experiment the effect of fine sediment on benthic macroinvertebrates in subtropical streams. The study area was the Forqueta River in Barra do Ouro district of Maquiné city, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It’s was added 3138 cm3 of sediment, in two fractions: fine sand (0mm – 0.25mm) and coarse sand (0.25mm – 1mm) into the river with two levels (with or without sediment) . The data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA two-way) for abundance, richness and rarefied richness, the last one intended to compare species richness based on an equivalent number of individuals. Using Multivaried Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) we examined the effect of fine sediment on relative abundance and composition of species. Sediment was used as one factor in four levels. A Partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis (pCCA) was used to examine the effect of the disturbance event on communities. The interaction between the flow and the factors of the sediment was examined. There was a negative effect of fine sediment on abundance, richness and species composition, but the effect was null on relative abundance and rarefaction of species richness. The flow was important for distribution of individuals colleted. The abundance, species richness and rarefied richness were highest on places with fastest flows. The flow increased the effect of fine sand on abundance and rarefied richness. The pCCA showed that disturbance events of small frequency consisting of input of terrestrial sediment have no negative effects on benthic macroinvertebrate. The relationship between flow and benthic macroinvertebrates can be attributed to the ecological preferences of species. These results showed that fine sediment impact is harmful for benthic macroinvertebrates in streams, particularly in termsof abundance. This negative effect may be a consequence of loss of habitat, reduced food quality, physiological stress and others forms. Because some results differ from other studies, the effect of the fine sediment on the benthic macroinvertebrates needs to be better studied.

Devido à importância dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos como bioindicadores da qualidade ambiental e às vantagens de seu emprego como tal, estes organismos foram utilizados para avaliar a possível existência de impacto antropogênico às nascentes localizadas no Parque Estadual do Jaraguá (São Paulo, SP). Para isso, selecionaram-se quatro nascentes, em cada uma das quais foram nas quais foram coletadas amostras de água em cada nascente para a análise de coliformes fecais e das concentrações de nitrogênio e fósforo totais. A coleta de macroinvertebrados bentônicos foi realizada, com o auxílio de um delimitador Surber (área de 0,04m2, malha de 500 ?m), em poções e corredeiras da cada nascente. Este trabalho divide-se em dois capítulos. O primeiro capítulo trata da estrutura da comunidade de invertebrados bentônicos nas nascentes do Parque Estadual do Jaraguá e mostra uma diferenciação entre poções e corredeiras, sendo que as famílias Cyclopidae, Talitridae, Leptoceridae, Psychodidae e Stratiomyidae foram exclusivas de poções, enquanto Perlidae e Simuliidae foram exclusivas de corredeiras, sendo que abundância relativa de Chironomidae foi elevada em ambos os habitats. No segundo capítulo, foram testadas onze métricas para a análise da qualidade ambiental das nascentes do Parque Estadual do Jaraguá (São Paulo, SP), das quais apenas quatro (diversidade de Shannon-Wiener, dominância, EPT/Total e IBFM) mostraram-se úteis para a diferenciação das nascentes não impactadas e impactadas. / Due to the importance of benthic macroinvertebrates to assess water quality and the advantages of their utilization as bioindicators, these organisms were employed to assess the possible antropogenic impact in four streams located in Jaraguá State Park (São Paulo, SP). In each stream the benthic macroinvertebrates were collected in 5 pools and 5 riffles with a Surber sampler (0,04m2, 500 ?m mesh size). This study is divided in two chapters. The first compares the benthic macroinvertebrate community structure between pools and riffles. The families Cyclopidae, Talitridae, Leptoceridae, Psychodidae and Stratiomyidae were present exclusively in pools, while Perlidae and Simuliidae were exclusive of riffles. In both habitats, Chironomidae relative abundance was high. In the second chapter, eleven metrics were tested for the analysis of environmental quality of streams. Four of them (Shannon-Wiener diversity, dominance, EPT/Total, and IBMF) showed differences related to the degree of impact anthropogenic on streams and were used to compose a multimetric index

O aporte de sedimento fino é um dos principais agentes causadores de impactos a ecossistemas aquáticos. Este trabalho teve por finalidade avaliar por experimentalmente o efeito do sedimento fino sobre a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em um riacho subtropical. O local escolhido foi o rio Forqueta no distrito de Barra do Ouro pertencente ao município de Maquiné, RS. Foi adicionado por tratamento cerca 3138 cm3 de sedimento fino, separado em duas frações: areia fina (0 mm a 0,250mm) e areia grossa (0,25 mm a 1mm), em dois níveis, com e sem sedimento. Os dados foram analisados através por meio de uma Análise de Variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores para abundância total, riqueza e riqueza rarefeita, além de uma Análise de Variância Multivariada (MANOVA) para abundância relativa e composição de espécies e de uma Análise de Correspondência Canônica (pCCA), esta última, para avaliar o quanto eventos de perturbações influenciam a fauna aquática. A interação entre a velocidade do fluxo e os fatores envolvendo sedimentos também foram avaliados. O sedimento fino afetou negativamente a abundância total, a riqueza e a composição de espécies, mas não a riqueza rarefeita e a abundância relativa.O fluxo foi um importante fator para a distribuição da fauna avaliada, sendo a abundância, riqueza e a riqueza rarefeita maior em áreas com maior fluxo. Houve interação do fluxo com a areia fina, aumentando seu efeito sobre a abundância total e riqueza rarefeita em locais com maior velocidade de fluxo. A pCCA mostrou que eventos pontuais e de curta duração de acréscimo de sedimento fino não são danosos à fauna aquática. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o sedimento fino afeta de forma negativa a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em riachos, e este efeito negativo se dá por diversas formas, tais como redução do hábitat, perda da qualidade do alimento, estresse fisiológico e por outros. A relação da fauna com a velocidade pode ser atribuída às preferênciasecológicas dos grupos encontrados. Por alguns resultados divergirem de estudos prévios, o efeito do sedimento fino sobre a fauna aquática deve ser mais bem estudado. / One of the main forms by which aquatic ecosystems are impacted is the input of fine sediment. The objective of our study was to determinate by one experiment the effect of fine sediment on benthic macroinvertebrates in subtropical streams. The study area was the Forqueta River in Barra do Ouro district of Maquiné city, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It’s was added 3138 cm3 of sediment, in two fractions: fine sand (0mm – 0.25mm) and coarse sand (0.25mm – 1mm) into the river with two levels (with or without sediment) . The data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA two-way) for abundance, richness and rarefied richness, the last one intended to compare species richness based on an equivalent number of individuals. Using Multivaried Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) we examined the effect of fine sediment on relative abundance and composition of species. Sediment was used as one factor in four levels. A Partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis (pCCA) was used to examine the effect of the disturbance event on communities. The interaction between the flow and the factors of the sediment was examined. There was a negative effect of fine sediment on abundance, richness and species composition, but the effect was null on relative abundance and rarefaction of species richness. The flow was important for distribution of individuals colleted. The abundance, species richness and rarefied richness were highest on places with fastest flows. The flow increased the effect of fine sand on abundance and rarefied richness. The pCCA showed that disturbance events of small frequency consisting of input of terrestrial sediment have no negative effects on benthic macroinvertebrate. The relationship between flow and benthic macroinvertebrates can be attributed to the ecological preferences of species. These results showed that fine sediment impact is harmful for benthic macroinvertebrates in streams, particularly in termsof abundance. This negative effect may be a consequence of loss of habitat, reduced food quality, physiological stress and others forms. Because some results differ from other studies, the effect of the fine sediment on the benthic macroinvertebrates needs to be better studied.

Lagoas costeiras, são corpos de água doce numerosos ao longo da costa brasileira, destacam-se principalmente como habitats para organismos aquáticos. São no entanto acossistemas sujeitos a grandes impactos antrópicos. No presente trabalho foram estudadas quatro lagoas costeiras da Área de Proteção Ambiental Parque das Dunas, em Salvador, Bahia, em dois períodos sazonais, chuvoso e seco, nos quais as lagoas foram comparadas. A comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos foi utilizada como bioindicadora da qualidade ambiental. Dentre os organismos bentônicos, as larvas da família Chironomidae foram as mais frequentes e abundantes, sendo também estudada a dieta das mesmas com o objetivo de conhecer o papel desses organismos na estrutura e dinâmica trófica destas comunidades, através da observação de itens alimentares presentes no conteúdo de seus tubos digestivos. Os resultados da obtidos evidenciaram que as lagoas Vitória, Junco e Camarão tiveram águas com pH ácido, relativamente bem oxigenadas e de condutividade elétrica moderada em ambos os períodos amostrados. A riqueza de táxons foi moderada nas lagoas Vitória e Junco, variando de 13 a 21 táxons, e baixa nas lagoas do Camarão e Negra variando entre 8 e 14 táxons. Em relação à similaridade na composição das comunidades, as lagoas Vitória e do Camarão foram as mais semelhantes (50%), e a lagoa Negra a mais dissimilar (20%). Os indicadores utilizados evidenciaram que todas as lagoas estão perturbadas e necessitando ações de manejo, porém a Lagoa Negra deve ser priorizada quanto a ações de restauração. Em relação à ecologia trófica das larvas da família Chironomidae, os resultados evidenciaram o consumo de diversos itens alimentares como: algas, pequenos invertebrados, matéria orgânica amorfa e detrito particulado inorgânico. De acordo com o modo de alimentação e os itens consumidos, os diferentes táxons foram classificados em quatro grupos tróficos funcionais distintos: os Coletores - catadores detritívoros, o qual abrangeu a maioria dos gêneros de quironomídeos registrados nas lagoas; os Coletores- catadores herbívoros e os Predadores-onívoros, o qual abrangeu todos os gêneros de Tanypodinae e os Fragmentadores. Pode-se concluir que a onivoria é a provável estratégia que permite a coexistência de organismos de diferentes táxons aumentando assim a riqueza das larvas de Chironomidae nas lagoas costeiras avaliadas. / Coastal lakes are numerous freshwater bodies along Brazilian coast, being principally as habitats for the aquatic biota. They are nevertheless subject to great anthropogenic impacts. In the present work four coastal lakes located in the Protection Area of Parque das Dunas, in Salvador, Bahia, in two contrasting seasonal periods, the dry and the rainy periods, in which the lakes were compared. The benthic macro-invertebrates community was used as bio-indicator of environmental quality. Among the benthic organisms the dipteran larvae of the Chironomidae family were the most frequent and abundant. Their diet was also studied aiming to know the role of these organisms in the structure and trophic-dynamics of theses community by the analysis of the food items in their digestive tube. The results obtained have shown that lakes Vitória, Junco and Camarão had acidic, relatively well oxygenated and of moderate electrical conductivity waters in both periods sampled. The richness of taxa was moderate in lakes Vitória and Junco, varying from13 to 21 taxa, and low in lakes Camarão and Negra, varying between 8 and 14 taxa. Regarding the similarity among communities composition, lakes Vitória and Camarão were the most similar (50%), and Lake Negra the most different (20%). The indicators used evidenced that all lakes are under disturbances and require management actions, however, Lake Negra should be the priority for restauration actions. In relation to the trophic ecology of the Chironomidae larvae, the results evidenced the consumption of many food items as: algae, small invertebrates, decomposing organic matter, and particulate inorganic detritus. According to their feeding modes and consumed items the different taxa were classified in four distinct functional trophic groups: Collector-gatherer-detritivores, that comprised most chironomid taxa recorded in the coastal lakes; the Collector-gatherer-herbivores, the Predator-omnivores comprising all genera of the sub-family Tanypodinae and the Shredders. We concluded that probably omnivory is the strategy allowing the co-existence of organisms from many different taxa, being responsible for the richness of Chironomidae in the benthic communities of the studied coastal lakes.

Abstract In this thesis, I studied the patterns in the assemblage composition as well as the biogeography and ecology of spring macroinvertebrates and bryophytes in Finland. My main objectives were to assess the importance environmental variables to macroinvertebrate and bryophyte assemblage composition in springs at the level of multiple spatial scales. In addition, I assessed the importance of springs in the boreal mire landscape, and sought the ecological and environmental determinants of a key species in boreal springs. In a large-scale study, I also examined the concordance between macroinvertebrates and bryophytes across boreal ecoregions, and assessed how macroinvertebrate assemblage variation corresponds to terrestrially-based ecoregions. Locally, spring macroinvertebrate assemblage structure displays high variation between different kinds of mesohabitats within springs, highlighting the importance of careful sampling of all habitat types in spring surveys. Helocrenes and other aquatic-terrestrial ecotone habitats harbour the highest species diversity and most spring-dependent species among spring habitat types. Further, spring-influenced mire patches were shown to have distinct cranefly assemblages in the mire landscape and to harbour higher cranefly diversity than mire types with lower trophic status, emphasising the importance of springs for mire biodiversity. Regionally, a red-listed spring-dependent caddisfly species appeared to be a surrogate for a high spring conservation value, indicating high overall species diversity and the occurrence of additional red-listed species. On a large geographical scale, intersecting the boreal ecoregions, a pattern of gradual change of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage composition from south to north was detected, largely corresponding to terrestrially-derived ecoregions. However, the physical attributes of springs also need to be taken into account in bioassessment studies. Macroinvertebrate assemblage variation also correlated with physical habitat-scale variables, but not with changes in water chemistry. In contrast, spring bryophyte assemblages showed a distinct response to variation in water chemistry, but not to variation in physical habitat characteristics. Bryophytes and insect assemblages were concordant with each other on the large geographical scale, although the concordance was rather weak. Because of their different kind of responses to the physical and chemical variables, insects and bryophytes of springs are poor surrogates for each other in boreal springs.