Στην παρούσα ερευνητική εργασία μελετήθηκε η σύσταση σε λιπαρά οξέα των λιπιδίων (ολικών, φωσφολιπιδίων, γλυκολιπιδίων και σφιγγολιπιδίων, ουδετέρων) των μικροφυκών Nannochloropsis oculata και Chlorella sp. και μεικτών καλλιεργειών των ανωτέρω στελεχών καθώς επίσης και τροχοζώων του είδους Brachionus plicatilis καλλιεργούμενων σε βιοαντιδραστήρες μεγάλης κλίμακας υπό διαφορετικές συνθήκες αύξησης. Η καλλιέργεια των μικροφυκών πραγματοποιήθηκε σε βιοαντιδραστήρες βιομηχανικής κλίμακας 300 L, ο φωτισμός ήταν συνεχής και η θερμοκρασία παρέμενε σταθερή στους 28±3 οC κατά την περίοδο της άνοιξης και στους 22±3 οC κατά την περίοδο του φθινοπώρου και του χειμώνα. Το Chlorella sp., συνέθεσε λιπίδια πλούσια σε α-λινολενικό και παλμιτικό οξύ, ενώ στα λιπίδια του Nannochloropsis oculata τα υπερέχοντα λιπαρά οξέα ήταν τα οξέα παλμιτικό, εικοσιπεντανοϊκό (EPA) και παλμιτελαϊκό. Μετά από κλασμάτωση των λιπιδίων του Chlorella sp. βρέθηκε ότι το κλάσμα των ουδέτερων λιπιδίων (NL) ήταν το σημαντικότερο ποσοτικά, σε όλες τις φάσεις αύξησης. Στις πρώτες φάσεις αύξησης τα φωσφολιπίδια (P) υπερείχαν των γλυκο- και σφιγγο- λιπιδίων (G+S) ενώ καθώς η καλλιέργεια εξελισσόταν τα ποσοστά των P μειωνόταν προς όφελος των G+S. Τέλος, στη μεικτή καλλιέργεια όπου επικρατές στέλεχος ήταν το Nannochloropsis oculata τα λιπαρά οξέα με τα υψηλότερα ποσοστά ήταν τα οξέα παλμιτικό, παλμιτελαϊκό και EPA. Μεταξύ των λιπιδιακών κλασμάτων η αναλογία των NL ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερη, ακολουθούσε εκείνη των G+S και τέλος των P. Τα τροχόζωα καλλιεργήθηκαν σε βιοαντιδραστήρες βιομηχανικής κλίμακας 2,500 L. Για τη διατροφή τους χρησιμοποιήθηκαν καλλιέργειες μικροφυκών (Nannochloropsis oculata, Chlorella sp.), ζύμη αρτοποιίας και διάφορα εμπλουτιστικά περιέχοντα σε υψηλά ποσοστά EPA και εικοσιδυεξανοϊκό (DHA). Η ανάλυση των λιπιδίων των τροχοζώων έδειξε ότι η σύσταση τους σε λιπαρά οξέα εξαρτάται από την τροφή την οποία καταναλώνουν. Διατροφή με καλλιέργειες μικροφυκών είχε ως αποτέλεσμα τη σύνθεση λιπιδίων που περιείχαν σε σημαντικά ποσοστά EPA. Μεταξύ των λιπιδιακών κλασμάτων, η αναλογία των NL ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερη, ακολουθούσε των P και τέλος των G+S. Με τη χρήση εμπλουτιστικών τα λιπίδια των τροχοζώων που συσσωρεύτηκαν ήταν πλούσια σε EPA και DHA.Το λιπιδιακό κλάσμα με τα υψηλότερα ποσοστά ήταν το κλάσμα των NL, ακολουθούσε το κλάσμα των P ενώ αυτό των G+S εμφανίστηκε σε σημαντικά χαμηλότερα ποσοστά. / In this MSc thesis, fatty acids composition of lipids (total, phospholipids, glyco- and sphingolipids, neutral) synthesized by Nannochloropsis oculata, Chlorella sp. and mixed cultures of the above mentioned microalgae as well as by the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, cultivated in industrial scale bioreactors under several growth conditions, were studied. Microalgae were cultivated in industrial scale bioreactors 300 L, under full sunlight and artificial light during night-time and at a constant temperature, 28±3 οC at sprint and 22 ±3 οC at autumn and winter. In Chlorella sp. the most abundant fatty acids were α- linolenic and palmitic acids, whereas in Nannochloropsis oculata palmitic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and palmitoleic acids were predominant. Neutral lipids (NL) fraction was found in higher proportions. Among polar lipids Phospholipids (P) fraction was higher at the initial growth steps while Glyco- plus Sphingolipids (G+S) fraction predominates as growth proceeded. In the mixed culture, where Nannochloropsis oculata was the dominant strain palmitic, palmitoleic and EPA were the major fatty acids. NL was the major fraction followed by G+S and P. Rotifers were cultivated in 2,500 L tanks. Rotifers fed with microalgae’s culture (Nannochloropsis oculata, Chlorella sp.), baker’s yeast and artificial diets with high level of EPA and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). Rotifers fatty acid composition depended on the fatty acid composition of the feed. Rotifers fed microalgae cultures were rich in EPA, while when artificial diets were used, lipids rich in EPA and DHA were accumulated. Among lipid fractions, the proportion of NL was the highest, followed by P and G+S.

Significant differences occurred in the density of tardigrades, rotifers, and nematodes and the diversity of tardigrades between collecting sites located upwind and downwind from a coal-burning power plant in Missouri. The oak tree species and lichen genera also varied in the two areas. Tardigrade and rotifer densities were greater in upwind sites, whereas nematode density was higher in downwind samples. One tardigrade species (Ramazzottius sp.) was found only at the upwind sites, and one species (Echiniscus sp.) was only in the downwind samples. In contrast, three species (Macrobiotus sp., Minibiotus sp., and Milnesium tardigradum) were found both upwind and downwind but in different densities in the two areas. The study presents baseline data for long-term monitoring of the effects of environmental factors on nematode and rotifer densities as well as tardigrade density and diversity.

As algae-derived biofuel is a promising renewable energy source, it is well-established that micro-algae have the potential to make a significant contribution to transportation fuel demand. Although it has many advantages including high areal productivity, there are many negative factors. One of these factors is the predation of algae by amoebas, protozoans, ciliates and rotifers, particularly in open pond systems. For example, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, is able to eat as much as 12,000 algae cells per hour and can be responsible for an entire pond crash within days. Thus, these higher organisms need to be controlled in order to satisfy large-scale algae crop and biofuel production demand. One method of predation control involves the introduction of a toxic chemical to an algal culture that the predator has a higher sensitivity to with respect to algae. Ideally, predation could be minimized or eliminated without a substantial effect on the algal culture growth. Chlorella kessleri was used as the algal culture and Brachionus calyciflorus as the source of predation. Research was conducted in five stages. First, chlorine dissipation tests were carried out using spring water, distilled water, Bolds Basal Medium (BBM), and three different dry weights of algal suspension in order to analyze the dissipation rate of the residual chlorine. The results showed that chlorine in distilled water and spring water rarely dissipated while chlorine concentration in algal suspension rapidly decreased by a maximum of 90% within the second hour. Second, acute chlorine toxicity tests were conducted in order to find the 24-hr LC50 of B. calyciflorus. The 24-hr LC50 of the test animal was 0.198 mg Cl/L. Third, chlorine toxicity tests were conducted in order to find the LC50 of Chlorella kessleri. The 24-hr LC50 of C. kessleri was 0.321 mg Cl/L. Based on these results, the test animal was more sensitive to chlorine than the test algae; therefore chlorine may be used to avoid algae pond crashes by B. calyciflorus. Fourth, C. kessleri and B. calyciflorus were combined into one test to determine how long it would take to observe an algal culture crash. The result demonstrated that the higher the population of predators in algal suspension, the faster it crashed. Finally, chlorine, C. kessleri, and B. calyciflorus were combined into one test to determine what chlorine concentration and dosing interval was needed to significantly reduce predation without significantly reducing algae growth. The results of the fifth experiment showed that the effective intermittent chlorine concentration was between 0.45 and 0.60 mg Cl/L, and a short interval of chlorine dosing was effective in inhibiting rotifers in algal suspension. Even though the rotifers in algal suspension were inhibited by 0.45 to 0.60 mg Cl/L, algae growth was greatly inhibited by chlorine. In this respect, future work is needed to reduce the effect on algae by chlorine or alternative chemicals.

La lutte contre l'eutrophisation des grands lacs péri-alpins a permis une réduction des concentrations internes en phosphore, pour des réponses écologiques parfois mitigées. Dans le Léman, les concentrations en P ont été divisées par dix en trente ans pourtant la biomasse algale et la production primaire restent aussi élevées qu'au maximum de l'eutrophisation, malgré une augmentation de la transparence des eaux. Donc, bien que la concentration en phosphore soit une variable de forçage majeure des communautés planctoniques, il apparait nécessaire de considérer le rôle d'autres variables de forçage qui interagissent avec la concentration interne en nutriments pour comprendre les réponses écologiques des lacs aux mesures de reoligotrophisation. Les communautés planctoniques peuvent être impactées par les pratiques de la gestion appliquées d'autres compartiments du réseau trophique tels que les populations piscicoles. A l'effet de ces facteurs locaux s'ajoutent à l'impact du réchauffement climatique, un phénomène planétaire participant au changement global qui se manifeste à partir du début des années 1980, et dont l'impact est de mieux en mieux mis en évidence dans les lacs.Peu de lacs ayant fait ou font l'objet de suivis de routine, l'observation des effets de ces divers forçages anthropiques et la compréhension de leurs interactions se heurtent au faible nombre de base de données disponibles. En outre les données collectées ne permettent pas de remonter assez loin dans le temps pour couvrir entièrement la période au cours de laquelle les perturbations anthropiques se sont accrues. Elles ne permettent pas non plus d'étudier les conditions environnementales précédant cette période. La paléolimnologie à haute résolution (échelle annuelle et saisonnière) appliqué aux périodes récentes (dernier siècle) est une démarche alternative proposée pour palier cette absence de données instrumentales.Ce travail de thèse vise à comprendre comment les modifications des concentrations en nutriments, la gestion piscicole d'une espèce zooplantonophage, le corégone, et le changement climatique contribuent à modifier la structure et la diversité des communautés planctoniques de diatomées et de rotifères des grands lacs péri-alpins français depuis la fin du XIXe siècle.Les communautés planctoniques choisies ont chacune un fort potentiel bio-indicateur et une très grande importance dans la structure et le fonctionnement des écosystèmes lacustres. Les trois perturbations majeures et simultanées survenant lors de la période d'étude se présentent avec des intensités différentes dans les trois lacs. L'évolution temporelle de certains paramètres physico-chimiques au sein de ces lacs est déjà en partie connue grâce à un suivi de limnologie mis en place depuis plusieurs dizaines d'années.Les acquis de la thèse sont de divers natures. (i) développement méthodologique concernant la reconstruction paléolimnologique des communautés de rotifères à partir des banques d'œufs archivées dans les sédiments, (ii) reconstruction des les réponses écologiques des compartiments diatomiques et rotifèriens au cours du dernier siècle, (iii) de comparer ces trajectoires entre lacs afin de discriminer les réponses à des perturbations locales, de celles à des perturbations plus globales et (iv) d'améliorer notre compréhension des interactions entres toutes ces perturbations. / During the XXth century, lacustrine ecosystems have undergone deep changes due to increased human activities on lakes and their watershed. Although significant restoration efforts have been undertaken since the 1980's, their efficiency can be limited. For instance, although phosphorous concentrations of Lake Geneva have been cut by 10 in the last 30 years (for a total cost of four billlions euros), the algal biomass and the primary production remain as high as during the eutrophication maximum, even if water transparency increased. So, the counter-intuitive response of lakes to restoration measures emphasizes that although phosphorous concentration is a major driver of phytoplankton, there is a need to consider the interaction with other environmental drivers, such as climate or top-down controls. Another fence however to the understanding of lake recent response to restoration measures is the lack of long-term monitoring data.The objective of this Ph-D work is to investigate how three human perturbations, i.e. changes in nutrient concentrations, fisheries management practices and climate change, can explain the response of the planktonic communities of three peri-alpine lakes (Lakes Geneva, Annecy and Bourget), using a high-resolution paleolimnological approach conducted on recent time periods. More specifically, the objectives of this PhD are three-fold:(i) To perform the methodological development of the use of rotifer egg banks archived in sediment for paleolimnological reconstructions(ii) To perform methodological development of paleolimnolgical reconstruction of diatom sesaon variability(iii) To delineate ecological responses of diatom and rotifer communities facing anthropogenic perturbations over the last century(iv) To scale the impact of local versus global perturbations over these ecological trajectories

Submitted by Marilene Donadel (marilene.donadel@unioeste.br) on 2017-08-24T20:30:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcos_Mendonca_2012.pdf: 684954 bytes, checksum: d5ae05408d1d7627c59e9d1588f8a7f4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-24T20:30:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcos_Mendonca_2012.pdf: 684954 bytes, checksum: d5ae05408d1d7627c59e9d1588f8a7f4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-10-29 / The lagoons are important lentic systems considered breeding and food sites for the growth stages of development of many fish species. The interrelationships among these communities in lentic marginal environments present as a complex dynamic that may be considered in determining structure, especially in terms of distribution and abundance of organisms in these communities. Among these interrelationships, the predator-prey interaction between organisms and zooplankton zooplanktivorous is one of the most important aspects in ecology. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of larval H. edentatus and relate the densities of zooplankton groups (cladocerans rotifers and copepods), specifically aims to: i) analyze monthly occurrences per period (day and night) and strata (surface and bottom) larvae of H. edentatus and zooplankton, ii) Relate the abundances of zooplankton with the larvae and iii) Relate the abundances of zooplankton with different stages of larval development. Samples were collected from October 2010 to March 2011 in the Xambrê lagoon in surface and bottom layers of the pond, at times 04h, 08h, 16h and 20h. Was registered the highest density of larvae in November and stage of development with higher density was flexion, being registered largest catches of larvae in the deep pond. Among the groups of zooplankton rotifers had higher abundance and positive relationship with the occurrence of larvae stage of pre-bending. According to the results, we can observe a sharp vertical migration behavior for larvae of H. edentatus especially for the later stages of development, which already possess greater swimming capacity. The opposite trends recorded (especially in January) indicate a possible larval predation pressure on zooplankton, especially the less advanced stages of rotifers and most advanced on cladocerans and copepods. / As lagoas marginais são importantes sistemas lênticos consideradas áreas de reprodução locais de crescimento e alimentação para os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento de muitas espécies de peixes. As inter-relações entre as comunidades presentes em ambientes lênticos marginais se apresentam como uma complexa dinâmica que podem ser consideradas determinantes na estruturação, especialmente em termos de distribuição e abundância dos organismos dessas comunidades. Dentre essas inter-relações, a interação predador-presa entre os organismos zooplanctônico e organismos zooplanctófago é um dos aspectos mais importantes na ecologia. Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar as ocorrências larvais de H. edentatus e relacionar com as densidades dos grupos de zooplâncton (rotíferos cladóceros e copépodos), Especificamente pretende-se: i) Analisar as ocorrências mensais, por período (diurno e noturno) e estratos (superfície e fundo) de larvas de H. edentatus e do zooplâncton; ii) Relacionar as abundâncias de zooplâncton com as de larvas e iii) Relacionar as abundâncias de zooplâncton com os diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento larval. As amostragens foram feitas de outubro de 2010 a março de 2011 na lagoa Xambrê, nos estratos superfície e fundo da lagoa, nos horários 04h, 08h, 16h e 20h. Foi registrado maior densidade de larvas no mês de novembro e o estágio de desenvolvimento com maior densidade foi de flexão. Sendo registrados maiores capturas de larvas no fundo da lagoa. Entre os grupos de zooplâncton os rotíferos apresentaram maior abundância e relação positiva com as ocorrências de larvas em estágio de pré-flexão. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se observar um nítido comportamento de migração vertical para as larvas de H. edentatus especialmente para os estágios mais avançados de desenvolvimento, os quais já possuem uma maior capacidade natatória. As tendências opostas registradas (especialmente no mês de janeiro) indicam haver uma possível pressão de predação de larvas sobre o zooplâncton, principalmente dos estágios menos avançados sobre os rotíferos e mais avançados sobre os cladóceros e copépodos.

The aim of this master thesis was test, comapre and observe the best density of rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) for growth and survival of zander (Sander lucioperca) larvae stage in the recirculation aquatic systém (RAS). The secondary experiment tests initial feeding of zander by dint of rotifers and consequently by mix of rotifers and artemia. Main experiment observe effect of different density of rotifers on survive and growth of zander. Other observe parameters such as Fulton´s coeficient, total lenght of fish, weight of fish, etc. Fish was divided into 4 groups with different density of feeding and the control group without feeding. Rotifers has been used in density of 2, 6, 10 and 20 pieces per larva. The best growth in "D" group has been compensate by lower surviving. On the other hand the best ratio of survive has been observe in "C" group, which showed lower growth. The optimal rate of growth and survive has been declared in "B" group, which were feed with dose of 6 pieces rotifers for larva. In the second experiment were observe body changes of zander after initial feeding by rotifers folowed with feeding mix of rotifers and artemia. There were observe successful fulfillment of gas bladder and deformation of fish body and spinal after 40 days of keeping larvae in RAS. In the end of experiment there were also observe defirmations body - for example missing lower jaw, upper jaw or both of them. Spinal deformities occured in the form of scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis and zig zag distortion. The experiment has shown that unsuccessfully filled gas bladder is closely related to the formation of deformitiy in the zander. Another negative factor that affects the filling of the gas bladder is grease on the surface of the water level, so I recommend installing the grease trap in the fill phase of the gas bladder.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:30:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5863.pdf: 7083877 bytes, checksum: 4178701e4246ba2359818734ccaf16cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-07 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Reservoirs are ecologically complex and heterogenous environments subject to impacts caused by increased human activities in its hydrographic basin, causing among other disorders, the eutrophication. The phytoplanktonic and zooplanktonic communities can be used as bioindicators for responding quickly to changes that occur in water bodies. The aim this study was to analyze the phytoplanktonic and zooplanktonic communities in Guarapiranga reservoir in relation to different ecological parameters searching to correlate them to hydrodynamic factors and eutrophication. Intensive studies were performed with sampling surveys in both horizontal and vertical axis. Physical and chemical characteristics and also the trophic status of the reservoir were evaluated, and the phytoplanktonic and zooplanktonic communities were studied in relation to species richness, population densities, biomass, secondary production, diversity, uniformity and dominance. The Guarapiranga reservoir is a heterogeneous water body with a small oligotrophic portion, some mesotrophic portions and a larger part eutrophic with high richness of planktonic organisms. The results from two diel cycles characterized the system studied in this period as polymitic, with thermal stratifications interspersed by periods of partial circulation. The air temperature and wind speed were the most important meteorological factors that altered the thermal structure of the reservoir. The phytoplankton was dominated by the cyanobacterium Aphanocapsa delicatissima West and West and the zooplankton by microzooplankton (rotifers and Cyclopoida nauplii). The most eutrophic reservoir compartments were Parelheiros, Embu-Mirim and Guavirutuba. The rotifer Conochlius unicornis Rousselet and the cladoceran Bosminopsis deitersi Richard were indicators of Embu-Guaçu oligo/mesotrophic compartment. The high biomass of Filinia longiseta Ehrenberg in Parelheiros indicated tolerance of this species to extremely eutrophic conditions. The Guarapiranga reservoir is a system with high secondary productivity when compared to other environments of different trophic degree, having as dominant groups the Cyclopoida and rotifers. It was found that Guarapiranga reservoir has high secondary production, but the great load of nutrients needs to be stopped in order to reverse the eutrophication process and to recover the water quality of this important water resource. / Os reservatórios são ambientes ecologicamente complexos e heterogêneos, sujeitos a impactos ocasionados pelo aumento das atividades antrópicas em seu entorno, causando entre outros distúrbios a eutrofização. As comunidades fito e zooplanctônicas podem ser utilizadas como ferramentas de avaliação dos impactos por responderem rapidamente às alterações que ocorrem nos corpos d água. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as comunidades fito e zooplanctônica no reservatório de Guarapiranga em relação a diferentes parâmetros ecológicos buscando correlacioná-las aos fatores hidrodinâmica e eutrofização. Foram feitos estudos intensivos com amostragem em varredura tanto no eixo horizontal como vertical, avaliando as características físicas, químicas e estado trófico do reservatório, bem como as comunidades fito e zooplanctônicas em relação à riqueza de espécies, densidade, biomassa, produção secundária, diversidade, uniformidade e dominância. O reservatório de Guarapiranga é um corpo d água heterogêneo com pequena porção oligotrófica, algumas porções mesotróficas e na maior parte eutrófico, com elevada riqueza de organismos planctônicos. Os resultados da variação nictemeral caracterizaram o sistema neste período estudado como polimítico, com estratificações térmicas intercaladas por períodos de circulação parcial. A temperatura do ar e velocidade do vento foram os fatores meteorológicos mais importantes que alteraram a estrutura térmica do reservatório. O fitoplâncton foi dominado pela cianobactéria Aphanocapsa delicatissima West e West e o zooplâncton pelo microzooplâncton (rotíferos e náuplios de Cyclopoida). As porções mais eutrofizadas foram Parelheiros, Embu-Mirim e Guavirutuba. As espécies Conochlius unicornis Rousselet e Bosminopsis deitersi Richard foram indicadoras do compartimento oligo/mesotrófico Embu-Guaçu. A elevada biomassa de Filinia longiseta Ehrenberg em Parelheiros indicou tolerância da espécie a condições extremamente eutróficas. O reservatório de Guarapiranga é um sistema com elevada produtividade secundária quando comparado a outros ambientes de diferentes graus de trofia, tendo como grupos dominantes Cyclopoida e Rotifera. Concluiu-se que o reservatório de Guarapiranga tem elevada produção secundária, mas o grande aporte de nutrientes precisa ser interrompido para reverter o processo de eutrofização e levar à recuperação da qualidade da água deste importante recurso hídrico.

Dans les zones portuaires un dragage régulier des sédiments est indispensable afin de maintenir une profondeur satisfaisante des voies de navigation. Dans ce travail, nous avons cherché à étudier la faisabilité d'un traitement de stabilisation en mélangeant 5% et 20% les résidus de bauxite (Bauxaline®, Bauxsol et Bauxaline® neutralisé) avec les sédiments marins de dragage pollués. L'efficacité de cette méthode de traitement a été évaluée en mesurant la concentration en éléments traces lixiviés et la toxicité des lixiviats des sédiments. L’application d’amendements de 20% résidus de bauxite a permis une réduction significative la concentration des éléments traces cationiques de 40 à 80%, et la toxicité des lixiviats. Quel que soit l’amendement, une faible efficacité de la stabilisation a été observée pour les éléments anioniques (As, Mo) / Marine sediments concentrate various pollutants and subsequent sedimentation of harbors and ports require periodic dredging to maintain satisfactory depth of waterways. Direct land deposition of contaminated marine dredged sediments pose risk to the environment due to possible leaching of trace elements. In this context, we aimed to study the feasibility of trace elements stabilization by mixing 5% and 20% of bauxite residues (bauxaline®, bauxsol and neutralized bauxaline®) with composted dredged marine sediment. The treatment efficiency was evaluated by monitoring the leached trace elements concentration and toxicity of sediment leachates. 20% amendment application successfully stabilized cationic pollutants (Cu, Cd, Zn) up to 40-80%, and decreased the toxicity of sediment leachates. Whereas, anionic pollutants (As, Mo) were less immobilized require further investigation

Le rôle de la méiofaune sur le fonctionnement des biofilms lotiques a été examiné par l'étude de son effet potentiel sur la capacité de consommation de l'azote des biofilms, au cours de quatre expérimentations. Les deux premières (Chapitres 2 et 3) concernent les biofilms épilithiques (phototrophes) tandis que les deux autres ont porté sur les biofilms (hétérotrophes) de la zone hyporhéique. Les biofilms sont soumis (1) à différents niveaux de densités (méiofaune) et à un enrichissement en nutriments ou (2) à différents niveaux de diversité (biofilm/méiofaune/macrofaune). Une partie des microcosmes présentant chaque niveau de diversité a été exposée à l'effet d'un herbicide, le diuron. Dans l'ensemble, la méiofaune associée aux biofilms des microcosmes était largement dominée par les rotifères. Les résultats basés sur les biofilms phototrophes montrent que les rotifères peuvent répondre à court terme, à un enrichissement en N-NO3 par une augmentation significative de leur densité et biomasse. De plus, le taux de consommation de N-NO3 est apparu significativement plus élevé dans les microcosmes dont les densités de méiofaune étaient les plus élevées. Cet effet positif de la méiofaune sur la consommation de N- NO3 par les biofilms a été retrouvé dans l'étude basée sur le biofilm hyporhéique pour les microcosmes non soumis aux effets du diuron. Dans l'ensemble, ce travail met donc en évidence le rôle significatif que peut avoir la méiofaune dans les processus de consommation de l'azote par les biofilms lotiques. De plus, les résultats suggèrent fortement que les invertébrés interagissent avec les micro-organismes impliqués dans les processus de réduction des concentrations en azote, dans le biofilm phototrophe comme dans le biofilm hyporhéique. Enfin, l'exposition à l'herbicide a engendré une modification significative du taux de consommation de N-NO3 dans les microcosmes hyporhéiques. Cependant, la comparaison du taux de consommation moyen de N-NO3 entre les traitements exposés à l'herbicide et ceux non exposés, a montré que la présence des invertébrés (méiofaune + macrobenthos) a significativement réduit l'effet du diuron sur ces processus. Cette étude met en exergue le rôle potentiellement important des interactions micro- organismes - invertébrés dans (1) le cycle de l'azote des biofilms et donc, dans les fonctions relatives à leur contribution aux processus " d'auto-épuration " des cours d'eau, et (2), dans la capacité de résistance des écosystèmes hyporhéiques face aux perturbations chimiques. / The role of meiofauna on the functioning of riverine biofilms was examined by studying their potential effect on nitrogen consumption capacity of biofilms in four experiments (Chapters 2 and 3: epilithic phototrophic biofilms; Chapters 4 and 5: heterotrophic biofilms of hyporheic zone). Biofilms are subjected to (1) different levels of densities (meiofauna) and nutrient enrichment or (2) different levels of diversity (biofilm/meiofauna/macrofauna). A part of the microcosms of each level of diversity was exposed to the effect of an herbicide, diuron. Overall, biofilm-associated meiofauna in microcosms was dominated by rotifers. Results in phototrophic biofilms showed that the response of rotifers to short-term nutrient enrichment was significant increases in their density and biomass. In addition, N-NO3 uptake rates appeared significantly higher in microcosms with highest meiofauna densities. This positive effect of meiofauna on biofilm N-NO3 uptake was also found in hyporheic biofilm microcosms, but not under the effect of diuron. Therefore, this thesis highlights that meiofauna can have a significant role in nitrogen consumption processes by lotic biofilms. In addition, the results strongly suggest that invertebrates interact with microorganisms involved in the reduction processes of nitrogen concentrations in the phototrophic biofilm as well as the hyporheic biofilm. Finally, the herbicide exposure resulted in a significant modification of N-NO3 uptake rate in hyporheic microcosms. However, the comparison of the average N- NO3 uptake rate between treatments exposed to herbicide and those unexposed, showed that the presence of invertebrates (meiofauna + macrofauna) significantly reduced the effect of diuron on these processes. This study highlights the potentially important role of microorganism-invertebrate interactions (1) in the nitrogen cycle of biofilms and thus functions related to their contribution to the "self-purification" process in streams, and (2) in resilient capacity of the hyporheic ecosystem to chemical perturbations.

Trotz der Schlüsselstellung heterotropher Protisten als Bindeglied zwischen dem mikrobiellen und dem klassischen Nahrungsnetz ist noch wenig über ihre biochemische Zusammensetzung und ihren Nährwert bekannt. In der vorliegenden Doktorarbeit wurde untersucht ob die biochemische Zusammensetzung von Protisten (1) von deren Nahrungsgrundlage (Alge oder Bakterien) und Ernährungsweise (Autotrophie, Mixotrophie oder Heterotrophie) abhängt und (2) ihre Nahrungsqualität für räuberisches Rotatorien (Keratella quadrata) bedingt. Die Fettsäure-, Sterol- und Aminosäurezusammensetzung vier heterotropher Protisten spiegelte generell die ihrer Nahrung wider. Es trat jedoch eine Akkumulation dieser biochemischen Substanzen in den Protisten auf. Auch die Ernährungsweise eines Flagellaten (Ochromonas sp.) beeinflusste stark dessen biochemische Zusammensetzung, insbesondere die Konzentrationen an mehrfach ungesättigten Fettsäuren (PUFAs). Bei der Untersuchung des Nährwertes vier heterotropher Protisten für K. quadrata wurden signifikante Korrelationen zwischen verschiedenen PUFAs, drei Sterolen und einer Aminosäure (Leucin) der Protisten und der Eiproduktion der Rotatorien festgestellt. Auch die experimentelle Supplementierung eines Flagellaten mit einer PUFA (Docosahexaensäure, DHA) erhöhte seinen Nährwert für die Rotatorien signifikant. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen die Fähigkeit heterotropher Protisten, die biochemische Zusammensetzung organischer Materie schon auf einer unteren Ebene des aquatischen Nahrungsnetzes zu verändern, nämlich beim Übergang zwischen Algen/Bakterien und dem Mesozooplankton. Hier können biochemische Änderungen weitreichende Folgen für den Stoff- und Energiefluß des gesamten Nahrungsnetzes nach sich ziehen. / Heterotrophic protists are an important link between the microbial and the classical food web. However, little is known about their biochemical composition and nutritional quality as prey. In this thesis, I analysed (1) whether the biochemical composition of the protists depends on their dietary resources (bacterial or algal food) or trophic mode (autotrophy, mixotrophy or heterotrophy), and (2) whether the biochemical composition of protists determines their nutritional quality as prey for a rotifer species (Keratella quadrata). The fatty acid, sterol, and amino acid composition of four heterotrophic protists generally resembled the dietary composition, but the protists accumulated these compounds. Moreover, the trophic mode strongly affected the composition of a flagellate (Ochromonas sp.), especially that of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). When investigating the nutritional quality of four protist species for K. quadrata, several PUFAs, three sterols (desmosterol, ergosterol, stigmastanol), and one amino acid (leucine) of the protists were significantly correlated with the rotifer’s egg production. Moreover, the nutritional quality of a heterotrophic flagellate for the rotifer was significantly enhanced by artificially supplementing the flagellate with a PUFA (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). The thesis highlights the ability of heterotrophic protists to modify the biochemical composition of organic matter at an early stage in aquatic food webs, i.e. at the interface between algae/bacteria and mesozooplankton. Biochemical modifications at this stage may profoundly affect matter and energy transfer through the entire food web.