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Choice of macroinvertebrate metrics to evaluate stream conditions in Atlantic Forest, Brazil

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Abstract

The development of biomonitoring programs based on the macroinvertebrate community requires the understanding of species distribution patterns, as well as of the responses of the community to anthropogenic stressors. In this study, 49 metrics were tested as potential means of assessing the condition of 29 first- and second-order streams located in areas of differing types of land use in São Paulo State, Brazil. Of the sampled streams, 15 were in well-preserved regions in the Atlantic Forest, 5 were among sugarcane cultivations, 5 were in areas of pasture, and 4 were among eucalyptus plantations. The metrics were assessed against the following criteria: (1) predictable response to the impact of human activity; (2) highest taxonomic resolution, and (3) operational and theoretical simplicity. We found that 18 metrics were correlated with the environmental and spatial predictors used, and seven of these satisfied the selection criteria and are thus candidates for inclusion in a multimetric system to assess low-order streams in São Paulo State. These metrics are family richness; Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) richness; proportion of Megaloptera and Hirudinea; proportion of EPT; Shannon diversity index for genus; and adapted Biological Monitoring Work Party biotic index.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratório de Entomologia Aquática. FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

    Marcia Thais Suriano & Claudio G. Froehlich

  2. Departamento de Hidrobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

    Alaide A. Fonseca-Gessner

  3. Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, 79825-070, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

    Fabio O. Roque

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  1. Marcia Thais Suriano
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  2. Alaide A. Fonseca-Gessner
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  3. Fabio O. Roque
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  4. Claudio G. Froehlich
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Correspondence to Marcia Thais Suriano.

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Suriano, M.T., Fonseca-Gessner, A.A., Roque, F.O. et al. Choice of macroinvertebrate metrics to evaluate stream conditions in Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Environ Monit Assess 175, 87–101 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1495-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1495-3

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