<strong>Evaluation of sampling methods for periphytic fauna in macrophytes at the Espinhaço Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve, Minas Gerais State, Brazil</strong> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.377

Abstract

The methods “Jar”, “Manual Removal” and “modified Ekman`s Dredge” were evaluated for sampling periphyton fauna associated to aquatic macrophytes. Sixty three samples were collected from five lentic and three lotic water bodies at Espinhaço Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve (Minas Gerais, Brazil). ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests were performed for Protista, Rotifera and Crustacea richness, whilst Protista, Rotifera, Crustacea, Gastrotricha, Tardigrada and Nematoda, abundance were evaluate by percentage. Amongst the three methods, Dregde is less indicated for different water bodies systems when there is interested in analyzing various microinvertebrate groups. The Protista and Rotifera are both 80% of the total invertebrate community abundance and richness. In evaluated ecosystems, for Protista analysis all methods are relevant; on the other hand, Crustacea analysis demands Jar methods. The Manual Removal and Dregde methods are appropriated to Rotifera analysis. The abundance of Gastrotricha and Tardigrada demonstrated better results for Jar method, and Nematoda for Dregde method. The three methods are appropriated for periphytic fauna sampling in both water body systems, nevertheless is important to be aware that for each fauna community in a specified ecosystem there is a specific method for best performance.