Metal Toxicity Can Affect Dragonfly Nymphs and Ostracods Predation Rates and Food Selectivity: Ecological Implications on Food Webs

Autor(es)

dos Santos Lima, Julio Cesar ^[1] ; Moreira, Raquel Aparecida ^[2] ; Neto, Antonio Jose Gazonato ^[3] ; de Padua Andrade, Douglas ^[3] ; Freitas, Emanuela Cristina ^[2] ; Daam, Michiel Adriaan ^[4] ; Rocha, Odete ^[5]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Engn Sch, Post Grad Program Sci Environm Engn, Ave Trabalhador Sao Carlense 400, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Engn Sch Sao Carlos, NEEA, CRHEA, SHS, Ave Trabalhador Sao Carlense 400, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Post Grad Program Ecol & Nat Resources, Rodovia Washington Luis Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Nova Lisboa, Fac Sci & Technol, Dept Environm Sci & Engn, CENSE, P-2829516 Quinta Da Torre, Caparica - Portugal

^[5] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Ecol & Evolutionary Biol, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION; v. 232, n. 7 JUL 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

Predation is known to play a prominent role in maintaining ecosystem structure and functioning. Despite metals being known to potentially affect predation in aquatic ecosystems, few studies have been conducted, so far, with the aim of evaluating this interplay. In the present study, the effects of four metal salts (copper, cadmium, mercury, and manganese) on the feeding rates and food preference of the dragonfly Tramea cophisa and of the ostracod Chlamydotheca sp. were studied by performing laboratory ecotoxicity tests. Food preference was evaluated by offering four prey species to dragonfly nymphs and three to adult large ostracods. In general, the food preference of both predator species after being exposed to metal salts was not altered, compared with controls, but the feeding rate of T. cophisa decreased in comparison with controls, after exposure to each metal salt, except manganese. Contrastingly, predation rates of Chlamydotheca sp. increased after metal salt exposure. This difference in response can be explained by differences in life-history traits of these two organisms. Both species individuals preferred soft-bodied prey (Oligochaeta, Chironomidae) over water-dwelling crustaceans that are likely to be more difficult to prey upon. Tests evaluating the effects of metals and other chemicals on predation behavior may lead to a better understanding of biotic interactions that can be restricted by chemical stress, improving our understanding of possible food web disruptions underlying chemical stress. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 17/24126-4 - Efeitos dos pesticidas fipronil e 2,4-d isoladamente e em mistura, sobre espécies nativas da biota aquática neotropical
• Beneficiário: Raquel Aparecida Moreira
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado