Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
https://actalb.org/article/doi/10.1590/S2179-975X8422
Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
Original Article

Rapid Assessment Protocol for sandstone headwater streams: a versatile and effective environmental assessment tool

Protocolo de Avaliação Rápida para riachos que drenam por formações areníticas: uma ferramenta de avaliação versátil e efetiva

Vivian de Mello Cionek; Gustavo Henrique Zaia Alves; Patricia Almeida Sacramento; Antonio Carlos Beaumord; Evanilde Benedito

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S2179-975X8422 Acta Limnol. Bras. (Online), vol.36, e20, 2024
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Abstract

Aim: In this study we validated a tool to assess and monitor streams ecosystems to subsidize future research, governmental surveillance and citizen science activities. Our primary objective was to (i) provide improvements and adaptations of the Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) proposed by Cionek et al. (2011) and provide a new RAP, and then (ii) evaluate the association among the RAP scores and limnological parameters.

Methods: The RAP was adapted to streams draining through a sandstone geological formation, and the final validation process was conducted in 30 streams. We used linear models and correlation analysis to understand the association of the RAP scores with in-stream limnological and physical parameters (n=30) and nutrient concentrations in the water (n=9), respectively. Two parameters have been adjusted according to our professional’s judgment which have provided feedback since 2011.

Results: The RAP scores explained 29% of the variability of in-stream limnological and physical characteristics of the streams. Streams with higher RAP scores were those with higher dissolved oxygen and higher depths. Streams with lower RAP scores were those with higher widths, conductivity, and turbidity. Streams with higher orthophosphate and ammonium loads were those with the predominance of slow and shallow flow regimes, while streams with higher nitrate concentration were those with straight channels. Limnological and physical indicators showed the same tendency of ecosystems quality (degradation or preservation), and yet are complementary because they evaluate distinct features of the system.

Conclusions: The RAP adapted for the Arenito Caiuá streams provide a good interpretation on the physical habitat features of streams and can be used both as a single diagnostic and monitoring environmental tool or a complementary tool along with limnological and biotic parameters.

Keywords

sand bottom, physical habitat assessment, RAP, wadable stream, Atlantic Forest

Resumo

Objetivo: Neste estudo validamos uma ferramenta para avaliar e monitorar riachos para subsidiar pesquisas, monitoramento para gestão e ciência cidadã. Nosso principal objetivo foi (i) proporcionar melhorias e adaptações do Protocolo de Avaliação Rápida (PAR) proposto por Cionek et al. (2011), criando uma nova versão do PAR e então (ii) avaliar a associação entre os escores do PAR e parâmetros limnológicos.

Métodos: O PAR foi adaptado para riachos que drenam por formação geológica arenítica, e o processo de validação final foi realizado em 30 riachos. Utilizamos modelos lineares e análise de correlação para entender a associação dos escores de PAR com parâmetros limnológicos e físicos no riacho (n=30) e concentrações de nutrientes na água (n=9), respectivamente. Dois parâmetros foram ajustados de acordo com o julgamento de nossos profissionais, que fornecem feedback de aplicação desde 2011.

Resultados: As pontuações do PAR explicaram 29% da variabilidade das características limnológicas e físicas dos riachos. Os riachos com pontuações mais altas foram aqueles com maior oxigênio dissolvido e profundidade. Os riachos com pontuações mais baixas foram aqueles com maiores larguras, condutividade e turbidez. Os riachos com maiores cargas de ortofosfato e amônio foram aqueles com predominância de regimes de fluxo lento e raso, enquanto os riachos com maior concentração de nitrato foram aqueles com canais retilíneos. Os indicadores limnológicos e físicos apresentam a mesma tendência de indicação de qualidade dos ecossistemas (degradação ou preservação), mas são complementares porque avaliam características distintas do sistema.

Conclusões: O PAR adaptado para os riachos do Arenito Caiuá fornece uma boa interpretação sobre as características físicas do habitat dos riachos e pode ser usado tanto como uma ferramenta única de diagnóstico e monitoramento ambiental ou como uma ferramenta complementar juntamente com parâmetros limnológicos e bióticos.

Palavras-chave

substrato arenoso, avaliação física do habitat, PAR, riachos de pequena ordem, Mata Atlântica

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Submitted date:
20/12/2022

Accepted date:
07/05/2024

Publication date:
08/07/2024

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