Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
https://actalb.org/article/doi/10.1590/S2179-975X7121
Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
Original Article

Exploring the impacts of non-native leaf litter on invertebrate community and leaf decomposition in a Atlantic Forest stream

Explorando o impacto da presença de detritos exóticos na comunidade de invertebrados aquáticos e no processo de decomposição foliar em um riacho na Mata Atlântica

Jéssica Andriotti; Mauricio Mello Petrucio; Aurea Luiza Lemes da Silva

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Abstract

Abstract:: Aim: In this study, we examined the effects of non-native leaf litter on the functioning of an Atlantic Forest stream ecosystem.

Methods: Were tested two predictions: (i) Leaf litter from the native trees with high nutritional quality will have higher decomposer’s activity and faster litter decomposition; (ii) Given the presence of anti-grazing defenses, we also hypothesized that non-native leaf litter would be colonized by fewer invertebrates and that native species would be more species-rich. For this, in a forest stream (Florianópolis, SC, Brazil) we conduct the experiment to understand the decomposition and biological colonization of leaf litter among two non-native (Eucalyptus sp. and Pinus radiata D. Don) and two native trees (Ficus eximia Schott and Alchornea triplinervia (Spreng) Mull. Arg).

Results: Our predictions were partially corroborated. The percentage of dry mass remaining was lower for the native leaf litter. The invertebrate abundance and richness, and functional feeding groups vary between native and non-native leaf litter. Invertebrate abundance was higher in non-native Eucalyptus detritus, largely due to the high larval abundance of Chironomidae (Diptera).

Conclusions: Our results indicate that the presence of non-native riparian species can modify leaf decomposition and aquatic invertebrate communities in subtropical streams, with potential consequences for ecosystem functioning.

Keywords

aquatic assemblages, detritus, exotic species, leaf breakdown, lotic ecosystem

Resumo

Resumo:: Objetivo: Neste estudo, analisamos os efeitos da presença de detritos foliares de espécies não-nativas no funcionamento de um ecossistema de riacho presente na Mata Atlântica.

Métodos: Testamos duas predições (i) os detritos foliares de espécies nativas, provavelmente com maior qualidade nutricional, irão decompor de forma mais rápida se comparado aos detritos foliares das espécies não nativas (ii) devido a presença de defesas químicas nos detritos foliares de espécies vegetais não-nativas, estes serão menos colonizados e apresentarão uma menor riqueza taxonômica em comparação com os detritos foliares de espécies nativas. Para isso, em um riacho inserido em uma área de Mata Atlântica (Florianópolis, SC, Brasil) conduzimos um experimento para comparar a decomposição e colonização biológica de detritos foliares entre duas espécies vegetais não nativas (Eucalyptus sp. e Pinus radiata D. Don) e duas espécies vegetais nativas (Ficus eximia Schott e Alchornea triplinervia (Spreng) Mull. Arg).

Resultados: Especificamente, as nossas hipóteses foram parcialmente corroboradas. A porcentagem de massa seca remanescente foi menor para a serapilheira nativa. A abundância e riqueza de invertebrados e grupos funcionais de alimentação variam entre serrapilheira nativa e não nativa. A abundância de invertebrados foi maior em detritos de Eucalyptus sp, em grande parte devido à grande abundância de Chironomidae (Dípteros).

Conclusões: Os nossos resultados indicam que, a presença de espécies vegetais não nativas na zona ripária podem modificar a decomposição foliar e as comunidades de invertebrados aquáticos em riachos subtropicais, com potenciais consequências para o funcionamento do ecossistema.
 

Palavras-chave

assembleias aquáticas, detritos foliares, espécies exóticas, decomposição foliar, ecossistemas lótico

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Submitted date:
11/15/2021

Accepted date:
05/25/2022

Publication date:
06/08/2022

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