Zooplankton functional diversity in subtropical reservoirs of distinct trophic states (São Paulo state, Brazil).

Studies on functional traits of aquatic communities are useful for understanding the ecosystem dynamics as well as the diversity of ecological niches. Here, we characterize zooplankton functional groups and which limnological factors are responsible to changes in traits. Water samples were collected to evaluate limnological parameters and vertical hauls with plankton net (68 µm) were performed to characterize the community in seven reservoirs (Itupararanga, Atibainha, Salto Grande, Rio Grande, Igaratá, Barra Bonita, and Broa, São Paulo state, Brazil). Each species identified was classified according to a trophic group, reproduction mode, body length, habitat, and feeding habitats. Our results showed a predominance of pelagic suspensory herbivores with cilia (31%) followed by pelagic herbivore suspension filter feeders (17%) and raptorial omnivores (15.38%). The other individuals were categorized as pelagic herbivore suspension with oral device (12.3%), littoral herbivores suspensive with cilia (12.3%), pelagic-sucking herbivores (9.2%), and littoral grazing herbivores (3%). The dominance of herbivores may be influenced by the availability of nutrients, influencing their food sources. The abundance of omnivores engaged in predatory behavior can be attributed to disponible prey, thereby exerting significant repercussions on the organization of biological communities.

Seasonal and plurennial changes of POPs repository in freshwater zooplankton: A 10-year study in the large deep subalpine Lake Maggiore (Italy).

Determining the concentration of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) such as total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTtot) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the zooplankton is essential for evaluating the level of toxicity in the environment and the risk to ecosystem health. The extent to which POPs persist in the environment and affect human health depends on accumulation in the different components of the zooplankton community such as particle feeders and/or predators and their subsequent consumption by fish, which varies seasonally. We analyzed ten-years (2011-2020) of seasonal data on POPs in the crustacean zooplankton community of Lake Maggiore (Italy). The concentration of total DDTs, as sum of all congeners ranged between 23.5 and 156.9 ng/g dry weight, while sumPCB14 ranged from 24.4 and 133.6 ng/g dry weight. We traced particle feeders' vs predatory taxa within the zooplankton community using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic values. POPs concentration was significantly related to the nitrogen isotopic values. The zooplankton biomass increase in Spring was important, both through this being a period of increased metabolism and activity of planktivorous fish and also as it was the period when the zooplankton repository of POPs was at a maximum. DDTtot stocked in zooplankton ≥450 µm was up to 275 ng/m2, while sumPCB14 was 285 ng/m2 in 2013. A decrease of DDTtot stocked in the zooplankton repository characterized the last five years examined, when mean annual values (14.8-56.9 ng/m2) were less than half those of the previous period (50.7-128.6 ng/m2).

Warmer water, high light intensity, lithium and microplastics: Dangerous environmental combinations to zooplankton and Global Health?

Nowadays there is a high concern about the combined effects of global warming and emerging environmental contaminants with significant increasing trends of use, such as lithium (Li) and microplastics (MPs), both on wildlife and human health. Therefore, the effects of high light intensity (26,000 lx) or warmer water temperature (25 °C) on the long-term toxicity of Li and mixtures of Li and MPs (Li-MPs mixtures) were investigated using model populations of the freshwater zooplankton species Daphnia magna. Three 21-day bioassays were done in the laboratory at the following water temperatures and light intensities: (i) 20 °C/10830 lx; (ii) 20 °C/26000 lx (high light intensity); (iii) 25 °C/10830 lx (warmer temperature). Based on the 21-day EC50s on reproduction, high light intensity increased the reproductive toxicity of Li and Li-MPs mixtures by ~1.3 fold; warmer temperature increased the toxicity of Li by ~1.2 fold, and the toxicity of Li-MPs mixtures by ~1.4 fold based on the concentration of Li, and by ~2 fold based on the concentrations of MPs. At high light intensity, Li (0.04 mg/L) and Li-MPs mixtures (0.04 Li + 0.09 MPs mg/L) reduced the population fitness by 32 % and 41 %, respectively. Warmer temperature, Li (0.05 mg/L) and Li-MPs mixtures (0.05 Li + 0.09 MPs mg/L) reduced it by 63 % and 71 %, respectively. At warmer temperature or high light intensity, higher concentrations of Li and Li-MPs mixtures lead to population extinction. Based on the population growth rate and using data of bioassays with MPs alone done simultaneously, Li and MPs interactions were antagonistic or synergistic depending on the scenario. High light intensity and chemical stress generally acted synergistically. Warmer temperature and chemical stress always acted synergistically. These findings highlight the threats of long-term exposure to Li and Li-MPs mixtures to freshwater zooplankton and Global Health in a warmer world.

Long-term effects of lithium and lithium-microplastic mixtures on the model species Daphnia magna: Toxicological interactions and implications to 'One Health'.

Environmental contamination with lithium (Li) and microplastics (MP) has been steadily increasing and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Many freshwater ecosystems, which are crucial to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, are particularly vulnerable to Li and MP contamination, and other pressures. The long-term effects of Li, either alone or combined with MP (Li-MP mixtures), were investigated using the freshwater zooplankton micro-crustacean Daphnia magna as model species. In the laboratory, D. magna females were exposed for 21 days to water concentrations of Li (0.02, 0.04, 0.08 mg/L) or Li-MP mixtures (0.02 Li + 0.04 MP, 0.04 Li + 0.09 MP mg/L, 0.08 Li + 0.19 MP mg/L). In the range of concentrations tested, Li and Li-MP mixtures caused parental mortality, and decreased the somatic growth (up to 20% and 40% reduction, respectively) and the reproductive success (up to 93% and 90% reduction, respectively). The 21-day EC50s of Li and Li-MP mixtures on D. magna reproduction were 0.039 mg/L and 0.039 Li + 0.086 MP mg/L, respectively. Under exposure to the highest concentration of Li (0.08 mg/L) and Li-MP mixtures (0.08 Li + 0.19 MP mg/L), the mean of D. magna population growth rate was reduced by 67% and 58%, respectively. Based on the population growth rate and using data from a bioassay testing the same concentrations of MP alone and carried simultaneously, the toxicological interaction between Li and MP was antagonism under exposure to the lowest and the highest concentrations of Li-MP mixtures, and synergism under exposure to the medium concentration of Li-MP mixtures. These findings highlight the need of further investigating the combined effects of contaminants, and the threat of long-term environmental contamination with Li and MP to freshwater zooplankton, biodiversity, ecosystem services and 'One Health'.

Morpho-Functional Traits Reveal Differences in Size Fractionated Phytoplankton Communities but Do Not Significantly Affect Zooplankton Grazing.

The recent emergence of approaches based on functional traits allows a more comprehensive evaluation of the role of functions and interactions within communities. As phytoplankton size and shape are the major determinants of its edibility to herbivores, alteration or loss of some morpho-functional phytoplankton traits should affect zooplankton grazing, fitness and population dynamics. Here, we investigated the response of altered phytoplankton morpho-functional trait distribution to grazing by zooplankton with contrasting food size preferences and feeding behaviors. To test this, we performed feeding trials in laboratory microcosms with size-fractionated freshwater phytoplankton (3 size classes, >30 µm; 5-30 µm and <5 µm) and two different consumer types: the cladoceran Daphnia longispina, (generalist unselective filter feeder) and the calanoid copepod Eudiaptomus sp. (selective feeder). We observed no significant changes in traits and composition between the controls and grazed phytoplankton communities. However, community composition and structure varied widely between the small and large size fractions, demonstrating the key role of size in structuring natural phytoplankton communities. Our findings also highlight the necessity to combine taxonomy and trait-based morpho-functional approaches when studying ecological dynamics in phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions.

First record of the freshwater copepod Mesocyclops paranaensis Dussart & Frutos, 1986 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae) from Colombia / Primer registro del copépodo de aguadulce Mesocyclops paranaensis Dussart& Frutos, 1986 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae) de Colombia

Abstract The Neotropical free-living freshwater cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops paranaensis Dussart & Frutos, 1986 was found in a small temporal pond in La Guajira, northern Colombia. Hitherto, it has been reported from Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. This is the first record of this species in Colombia, its northernmost finding in South America, and the fourth locality in which this species has been recorded from. Mesocyclops paranaensis can be distinguished from its closest congeners by a unique combination of the characters of the female, including: 1) leg 4 intercoxal sclerite with two large, acute projections; 2) P3, P4 intercoxal sclerite caudal surface lightly pilose; 3) seminal receptacle with narrow lateral arms and weakly convex anterior margin; 4) second antennary endopodite with seven setae, and insertion of antennary exopodal seta with adjacent spinules; 5)frontal surface of P1 basipodite ornamented with long spinules; 6) posterior margin of anal somite with continuous row of spinules; and 7) inner margin of caudal ramus hirsute. The Colombian population shows some subtle morphological differences with respect to previous reports.

Resumen El copépodo ciclopoide de agua dulce Mesocyclops paranaensis Dussart & Frutos, 1986 fue encontrado en un pequeño estanque temporal al norte de La Guajira. Hasta ahora, esta especie había sido registrada en Paraguay, Argentina y Brasil. Este es el primer registro de esta especie sudamericana en Colombia, su registro más septentrional en América del Sur, y la cuarta localidad en la que se registra. Mesocyclops paranaensis se puede distinguir de sus congéneres más cercanos por una combinación única de caracteres que incluyen: 1) esclerito intercoxal de la pata 4 con dos grandes proyecciones puntiagudas, 2) esclerito intercoxal de la pata 3 y pata 4 ligeramente piloso, 3) receptáculo seminal con brazos laterales estrechos y margen anterior débilmente convexo, 4)segundo segmento endopodal de la antena con siete setas, inserción de la seta exopodal de la antena con espínulas, 5) superficie frontal del basipodito de la pata 1 ornamentada con largas espínulas, 6) posterior margen del somita anal de la hembra con hileras continuas de espínulas y 7) margen interno de la rama caudal pilosa. Se proporciona una breve descripción de esta especie e ilustraciones de la población colombiana y se compara con su congénere más cercano. Los especímenes de Colombia muestran algunas diferencias morfológicas con respecto a los reportes previos acerca de esta especie.

In situ genotoxicity assessment in freshwater zooplankton and sediments from different dams, ponds, and temporary rivers in Tunisia.

Tunisia water resources are limited. The country currently has 29 large dams, more than 1000 hill lakes, and 220 small dams which are essential for economic and social development given their contribution to irrigation, drinking water consumption, flooding protection, production of electrical energy, groundwater recharge, and industrial uses. Given the scarcity of these resources, it is crucial to be able to ensure the quality of freshwater environments, particularly those intended for human consumption. In this study, we meant to assess the health status of various freshwater ecosystems in different regions of Tunisia (north and center west) in order to detect genotoxic components in sediments and their potential effect on zooplankton (cladocerans). Sediment and cladoceran species were collected from dams, ponds, and temporary rivers in Tunisia. For each collection site, micronucleus (MN) assay was performed, in triplicates, using a pool of ten specimens of the same cladoceran species. MN occurrence in cladocerans varied from one site to another and MN frequencies varied between 0.67 and 22‰, suggesting the presence of genotoxic substances in certain sites. Sediment genotoxicity and mutagenicity were assessed using the SOS Chromotest and the Ames test. Sediment results showed that genotoxicity varies from one site to another displaying a quantitative and a qualitative variation of pollutant among the sites. These results suggest an urgent need for continuous monitoring of freshwater environments in Tunisia, particularly those intended for drinking water.

Microplastics Reduce Short-Term Effects of Environmental Contaminants. Part I: Effects of Bisphenol A on Freshwater Zooplankton Are Lower in Presence of Polyamide Particles.

Abstract: Microplastics can have direct physical effects on organisms in freshwater systems, and are considered as vectors for absorbed environmental pollutants. It is still under discussion if microplastics are relevant pollutant vectors for uptake into aquatic organisms in comparison to further uptake pathways, e.g., via water or sediment particles. We analyzed how the presence of microplastics (polyamide particles, PA) modifies acute effects of the environmental pollutant bisphenol A (BPA) on freshwater zooplankton (Daphnia magna). Daphnids were exposed to PA particles and BPA alone, before combining them in the next step with one concentration of PA and varying concentrations of BPA. The PA particles themselves did not induce negative effects, while the effects of BPA alone followed a typical dose-dependent manner. Sorption of BPA to PA particles prior to exposure led to a reduction of BPA in the aqueous phase. The combination of BPA and PA led to decreased immobilization, although PA particles loaded with BPA were ingested by the daphnids. Calculations based on physiochemistry and equilibrium assumptions indicated lower BPA body burden of daphnids in the presence of PA particles. These results confirm model-based studies, and show that investigated microplastic concentrations are negligible for the overall pollutant uptake of daphnids with water as additional uptake pathway.

Effect of copper contaminated food on the life cycle and secondary production of Daphnia laevis.

In aquatic environments, copper (Cu) plays important physiological roles in planktonic food chain, such as electron transfer in photosynthesis and constituting proteins that transport oxygen in some arthropods, while at higher concentrations it is toxic on these organisms and higher trophic levels. The combined effects of natural (e.g. volcanic activity) and anthropogenic sources (e.g. mining waste) contribute to the increase in copper pollution in different ecosystems and regions around the world. In the present study, we evaluated the bioaccumulation and effect of Cu on Raphidocelis subcapitata (freshwater algae), and the influence of Cu-contaminated food (algae) on Daphnia laevis (tropical cladoceran). The amount of copper accumulated in microalgae and cladoceran was quantified, and life-history parameters of D. laevis such as growth, reproduction and longevity were measured. The cell density of Cu exposed R. subcapitata declined, and cladoceran fed with contaminated food had lower longevity, production of eggs and neonates, and reduced secondary production. A concentration dependent increase in Cu accumulation was observed in the microalgae, while the opposite occurred in the animal, indicating a cellular metal regulatory mechanism in the latter. However, this regulation seems not to be sufficient to avoid metal induced damages in the cladoceran such as decreased longevity and reproduction. We conclude that diet is an important metal exposure route to this cladoceran, and the assessment of chronic contamination during the complete life cycle of cladoceran provides results that are similar to those observed in natural environments, especially when native organisms are investigated.

First record of the freshwater copepod Eucyclops titicacae Kiefer, 1957, new rank (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) in Colombia

The freshwater cyclopoid copepod Eucyclops titicacae Kiefer, 1957, new rank, was previously known as a subspecies of E. neumani (Pesta, 1927). Hitherto, it was recorded only from Lake Titicaca in Peru and Lake Valencia in Venezuela. This species is here recorded from Laguna Navío Quebrado, La Guajira, northern Colombia. This is the first record of E. titicacae in Colombia and the third locality in which this species has been reported from. We provide comparative data on the morphology of this copepod. The Colombian specimens have the combination of diagnostic features of E. neumani titicacae as reported in both the original description and subsequent taxonomical accounts, including: 1) spinules on caudal rami not reaching halfway the outer margin; 2) caudal rami length/width ratio= 6.0; 3) length/width ratio of third endopodal segment of fourth leg=1.66; 4) inner spine of fifth leg being shorter than the two adjacent setae. The consistent morphologic differences and the isolation of E. neumani titicacae with respect to E. neumani neumani, each related to a different biogeographic subregion in South America, support the notion that these are two separate species, E. neumani and E. titicacae. Considering this interesting addition, the number of species of Eucyclops known from Colombia increases to 8; a key for the identification of these species is also provided.

El copépodo ciclopoide de agua dulce Eucyclops titicacae Kiefer, 1957, nuevo rango, se conocía previamente como una subespecie de E. neumani (Pesta, 1927). Se había registrado solamente en los lagos Titicaca en Perú y Valencia en Venezuela. Esta especie se registra ahora en la Laguna Navío Quebrado, La Guajira, norte de Colombia. Este es el primer reporte de E. titicacae en Colombia y la tercera localidad en cual esta especie ha sido reportada. Se ofrece información comparativa sobre la morfología de este copépodo. Los especímenes de Colombia tiene la combinación de caracteres diagnósticos de E. neumani titicacae como se presentaron en la descripción original y en trabajos taxonómicos subsecuentes, incluyendo: 1) las espínulas de la rama caudal no alcanzan la mitad del margen externo, 2) la relación largo/ancho de la rama caudal = 6.0, 3) la relación longitud/ancho del tercer segmento endopodal de la cuarta pata = 1.66, 4) la espina interna de la quinta pata es más corta que las dos setas adyacentes. Las consistentes diferencias morfológicas y el aislamiento de E. neumani titicacae con respecto a E. neumani neumani, que se distribuyen en subregiones biogeográficas distintas en América del Sur, apoyan la idea de que se tratan de dos especies separadas, E. neumani y E. titicacae. Considerando esta interesante adición, el número de especies de Eucyclops conocidas para Colombia se incrementa a 8; se proporciona una clave para la identificación de estas especies.

A new species of Metacyclops Kiefer, 1927 (Copepoda, Cyclopidae, Cyclopinae) from the Chihuahuan desert, northern Mexico.

A new species of the freshwater cyclopoid copepod genus Metacyclops Kiefer, 1927 is described from a single pond in northern Mexico, within the binational area known as the Chihuahuan Desert. This species belongs to a group of Metacyclops species with a 3443 spine formula of swimming legs. It is morphologically similar to Metacyclops lusitanus Lindberg, 1961 but differs from this and other congeners by having a unique combination of characters, including a caudal rami length/width proportion of 3.5-3.8, a innermost terminal seta slightly longer than the outermost terminal seta, intercoxal sclerites of legs 1-4 naked, a strong apical spine of the second endopodal segment of leg 1 and one row of 6-8 small spinules at the insertion of this spine. The finding of this species represents also the first record of the genus in Mexico and the third in North America, where only two other species, Metacyclops gracilis (Lilljeborg, 1853)and Metacyclops cushae Reid, 1991 have been hitherto reported. This is also the first continental record of a species of Metacyclops from an arid environment in the Americas. This species appears to be endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert, thus emphasizing the high endemicity of this area.

Illustrated record of the freshwater copepod Leptodiaptomus dodsoni (Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from central Mexico with comments on the distribution of the genus / Registro ilustrado del copépodo dulceacuícola Leptodiaptomus dodsoni (Calanoida, Diaptomidae) del centro de México con comentarios acerca de la distribución del género

The freshwater planktonic calanoid copepod Leptodiaptomus dodsoni Elías-Gutiérrez, Suárez-Morales & Romano, 1999, a rare species known only from western Mexico, is here recorded from the State of Aguascalientes, central Mexico. This species has a uniquely large, sinuous spine on segment 13 of the right male antennule, reaching the distal margin of segment 15. There are subtle differences between these two known populations; the morphological range of the species is complemented with data from the new specimens. This is the first record of L. dodsoni after its original description; it is probably restricted to a latitudinal fringe in central Mexico. Of the 22 nominal species of Leptodiaptomus currently recognized, up to 7 are known from the Neotropical region and some appear to be true endemics. Apparently, this primarily Nearctic genus radiated in North America and some species reached the Neotropical region where they diversified. A key for the identification of the species of the genus known from the Neotropical region is also provided.

El copépodo calanoide planctónico de aguas continentales Leptodiaptomus dodsoni Elías-Gutiérrez, Suárez-Morales & Romano, 1999, una rara especie conocida sólo en la zona occidental de México, se registra aquí para el estado de Aguascalientes, en el centro de México. Esta especie tiene una espina sinuosa distintivamente larga en el segmento 13 de la anténula derecha del macho, la espina alcanza el margen distal del segmento 15. Existen differencias sutiles entre estas dos poblaciones; se complementa el espectro morfológico de la epecie con datos de los nuevos especímenes. Este es el primer registro de L. dodsoni después de su descripción original; probablemente está restringida a una franja latitudinal del centro de Mexico. De las 22 especies nominales de Leptodiaptomus reconocidas, 7 se conocen en la zona Neotropical y algunas parecen ser verdaderos endémicos. Aparentemente, este género primariamente Neártico radió en América del Norte y estas especies alcanzaron la región Neotropical donde se diversificaron. Se presenta una clave para la identificación de las especies del género conocidas en la región Neotropical.