The influence of fish cage culture on delta13C and delta15N of filter-feeding Bivalvia (Mollusca) / A influência dos tanques rede sobre o delta13C e delta15N de uma espécie filtradora Bivalvia (Mollusca)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Oreochromis niloticus cage culture promoted variations in the 13C and 15N in Corbicula fluminea (Mollusca; Bivalvia) and in the sediment of an aquatic food web. Samples were taken before and after net cage installation in the Rosana Reservoir (Paranapanema River, PR-SP). Samples of specimens of the bivalve filterer C. fluminea and samples of sediment were collected using a modified Petersen grab. All samples were dried in an oven (60 °C) for 72 hours, macerated to obtain homogenous fine powders and sent for carbon (delta13C) and nitrogen (delta15N) isotopic value analysis in a mass spectrometer. There were significant differences in the delta13C and delta15N values of the invertebrate C. fluminea between the beginning and the end of the experiment. There were no differences between the delta13C and delta15N values of sediment. These results indicate that the installation of fish cage culture promoted impacts in the isotopic composition of the aquatic food web organisms, which could exert influence over the native species and the ecosystem.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do cultivo de Oreochromis niloticus em tanques rede sobre os valores de 13C e 15N em tecidos Corbicula fluminea (Mollusca; Bivalvia) e no sedimento da cadeia alimentar aquática. As amostragens foram realizadas em períodos prévios e posteriores a instalação de tanques redes no reservatório de Rosana (Rio Paranapanema, PR-SP). As amostras de espécimes de bivalves filtradores exóticos e as de sedimento foram coletadas utilizando uma versão modificada do pegador tipo Petersen. Todas as amostras foram secas em estufa (60 °C) durante 72 horas, maceradas até obtenção de pó fino e homogêneo e enviadas para determinação do carbono (delta13C) e do nitrogênio (delta15N) em espectrofotômetro de massa. Houve diferenças significativas nos valores delta13C e delta15N do invertebrado C. fluminea entre o início e o fim do experimento. Entretanto, não foram evidenciadas diferenças nos valores delta13C e delta15N presente no sedimento. Estes resultados demonstram que a instalação dos tanques rede promoveram impactos na composição isotópica do invertebrado, que podem influenciar as espécies nativas e o ecossistema.

Carbon sources and trophic position of the main species of fishes of Baía River, Paraná River floodplain, Brazil

In order to verify the carbon source and trophic position of the main species of fishes, of the Paraná River floodplain, we analysed the proportion of stable carbon (delta13C) and nitrogen (delta15N) isotopes in muscle of fishes sampled in the rainy season. We analyzed adult individuals of Loricariichthys platymetopon, Schizodon borellii, Leporinus lacustris, Auchenipterus osteomystax, Iheringichthys labrosus, Leporinus friderici, and Serrasalmus marginatus. These data were compared with the results obtained by the analyzing stomach contents. The primary producers found in the Baía River were the C3 plants (riparian vegetation, macrophytes, periphyton, and phytoplankton) and the C4 plants (macrophytes). The results of the contribution analysis revealed that the carbon used by the species was derived from C3 plants. According to the trophic position estimates (diet and delta15N), the species primarily consumed Loricariichthys platymetopon, Schizodon borellii, Leporinus lacustris, and Leporinus friderici and, secondarily Auchenipterus osteomystax, Iheringichthys labrosus, and Serrasalmus marginatus. There was no significant difference between the two methods utilized