Macroinvertebrates functional feeding groups as indices of biological assessment in a tropical aquatic ecosystem: implications for ecosystem functions
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Date
2010
Authors
Uwadiae, R. E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New York Science Journal
Abstract
The composition and abundance of functional feeding groups of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities
were investigated along the stretch of Epe lagoon in south-west Nigeria, between September, 2004 and August, 2006.
The hypothesis being tested was that functional feeding groups of benthic macroinvertebrates can be used as surrogate
for biological assessment. Quantitative benthic samples were collected monthly at 8 sites. Total dissolved solids of the
overlying water, total organic, sand and mud contents of sediment were assessed. The amount of dissolved solids
recorded in this study ranged between 18 and 15,200mg/L. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in total dissolved
solids at the study stations. The total dissolved solids at stations 1 to 3 were similar and significantly lower (P<0.05)
than those at stations 4 to 8.The study area was predominantly sandy (range = 54.4 to 93.6%) intermixed with varying
proportions of mud (range = 1.01 to 44.6%). A comparatively higher proportion of mud in sediment was recorded in
station 3. Total organic content ranged between 1.01 and 10.45%. In terms of relative abundance, collector-filterers and
shredders were the predominant groups at most sites. They contributed 77 and 15% respectively to the total benthic
macroinvertebrate population. Predators had low abundance in all the study sites and were absent in sites 6 and 8.
Correlation between Total organic content and density of collector filterers at the study sites was significant (P < 0.01).
Although there was a marked variation in the density of the observed functional feeding groups in the stations used for
this study and sequential downstream changes in species composition, most functional feeding groups (apart from
predators) were represented down the whole length of the study stretch. The implications of the observed pattern of
variation in the density of functional feeding groups, for water quality assessment and ecosystem functions are
discussed.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Feeding functional groups , Tropical ecosystem , Water quality assessment , Biological assessment , Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES
Citation
Uwadiae, R.E. (2010). Macroinvertebrates functional feeding groups as indices of biological assessment in a tropical aquatic ecosystem: implications for ecosystem functions. New York Science Journal, Vol.3(8): 6-15pp.