Estoque e variação de isótopos estáveis de carbono e de nitrogênio em perifíton, material particulado e algas em gradiente de impacto antropogênico no sistema hidrográfico de Guapi-Macacu, RJ.

Abstract

We investigate if isotopic composition of streams system components can respond to anthropogenic alterations in a river landscape. In recent years environmental managers have sought biomonitoring tools that reflect ecosystem functioning as well as correlating sensitively with impacts. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen relate to food webs and nutrient cycling as well as to potential sources of pollution. In this study we tested if the stable isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) of periphyton, fine particulate organic matter and filamentous algae responded to anthropogenic impacts in the Hydrologic Basin of Guapi-Macacu, close to Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil. The anthropogenic impacts were riparian deforestation, agriculture, pasture and urban occupation. We quantified these using satellite imagery and measurement of water chemistry. The δ13C values of periphyton, FPOM and algae did not respond to anthropogenic alteration. δ15N values of periphyton and of filamentous algae increased with landscape alteration. This is probably because these compnents assimilate enriched anthropogenic inputs such as sewage and fertilizers. δ15N of periphyton was very sensitive to small changes in landuse and was linearly related to percent alteration. We suggest that it can be a powerful tool for monitoring and restoration programs of this region.