Influência das plantações de Eucalyptus nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em nascentes tropicais

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened environments in the world and land use and occupation by human populations is an important factor in the degradation of these environments. Springs are naturally sensitive to impacts mainly due to their small size. They have great biodiversity composed mainly of benthic macroinvertebrates The aim of this study was to verify the influence of vegetation around springs on the community of benthic macroinvertebrates. 10 springs, 5 in eucalyptus plantation areas and 5 in native forest, were sampled. The organisms were colected and identified until family and the environmental variables were assessed. The richness and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in springs differed significantly between native vegetation and eucalypto. Eucalyptus springs presented the biggest values of specific conductivity (SPC), conductivity (C), dissolved total solids (TDS) and salt (SAL). On the other hand, springs in forest areas presented the biggest values of canopy (Cob_veg) and oxy-reducing potential (ORP). These results suggest that springs in eucalyptus areas are affected by monoculture with decreasing water quality, richness and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates. In addition, we emphasize the importance of native vegetation around water courses to maintain the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Finally, we suggest the caution management of surrounding vegetation of springs prioritizing the use of native vegetation as an effective tool for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.