We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Nematodes as indicators of environmental changes in a river with different levels of anthropogenic impact
Summary
Researchers investigated whether nematode parasite communities in Geophagus brasiliensis fish could serve as bioindicators of environmental change in a river with varying pollution levels in Brazil. Changes in parasite diversity and abundance at three sampling points tracked environmental degradation, supporting nematodes as sensitive ecological health indicators.
Considering that changes in the biodiversity of parasite communities can be used as indicators of ecosystem health, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of Geophagus brasiliensis parasites as bioindicators of environmental changes. We established three sample points in the Iguaçu River, each presenting different degrees of environmental impact. Out of the 69 G. brasiliensis specimens analyzed, 32 (46.3%) were parasitized by at least one parasite. We collected a total of 56 specimens of endoparasites belonging to the phylum Nematoda. Fishes collected in point 3 presented a significantly higher abundance of nematode species (moderately degraded) (Kruskal-Wallis2;69 = 8.62; p = 0.01) and species compositions between points were significantly different (F = 6.95, p = 0.002). No significant difference in relative condition factor (Kn) among the points (F2;66 = 2.54; p = 0.08) or correlation in Kn and abundance of nematodes (rs = 0.1; p = 0.4) were indicated. The results presented in this study indicate that the parasitic community of G. brasiliensis is characterized by low diversity in polluted locations, which explains the absence of certain parasite species and the occurrence of nematode species with varied responses to the pollution gradient.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Seasonal patterns of infestation by monogenean parasites of fish and their relationship with water parameters in two rivers with different disturbance gradients in southeastern Brazil
This study examined how seasonal changes in water chemistry and host fish condition affected infection rates of monogenean parasites in two Brazilian rivers with different levels of human disturbance. Environmental pollution, including contaminants that affect host immunity, can alter parasite dynamics in freshwater fish populations.
Assessing land-use impacts on a 5th-order tropical river using multiple environmental indicators
Researchers combined multiple environmental indicators to assess the health of a tropical river system in Brazil affected by land-use change from agriculture and urbanization. Rivers in degraded landscapes also carry higher microplastic loads, and multi-indicator approaches provide a more complete picture of ecosystem health.
Survey of parasitic fauna of some fishes from Osun river, Osun state, southwestern, Nigeria
This survey documented the parasitic fauna of fish in the Osun River, Nigeria, examining parasite prevalence and distribution across nine fish species. The study provides baseline ecological health data for a freshwater system subject to increasing pollution pressures.
Nematode functional traits and community structure change from river to the terrestrial border in Segara Anakan Mangrove, Indonesia
This study examined the spatial distribution of nematode functional traits and community structure across a mangrove ecosystem in Indonesia, from river to terrestrial border. Nematode communities are sensitive biological indicators of environmental health, including the effects of microplastic contamination in marine sediments.
Effect of environmental factors on blood counts of Gambusia affinis caught at Brantas River watershed, Indonesia
Researchers assessed the ecosystem health of the Brantas River in Indonesia by combining six water quality parameters with hematological biomarker analysis of Gambusia affinis fish collected from 10 sampling sites, examining how environmental contamination levels relate to fish blood count profiles as indicators of aquatic health.