Fatores que influenciam a variação espacial e temporal nas fontes autotróficas de energia e nível trófico do Paracheirodon axelrodi (Osteichthyes, Characidae) num sistema interfluvial do médio rio Negro

Factors that influence the spatial and seasonal variations in the autotrophic energy sources and trophic level of the cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) were investigated in an interfluvial region of the middle Negro River. A secondary objective involved investigating mercury biomagnification in the cardinal food chain and the potential mechanisms controlling this process. Stomach content analyses were performed to determine the cardinal diet in these habitats. Carbon stable isotopes (δ 13 C) were utilized to trace organic carbon between the plants (tree/shrub leaves, aquatic emergent and submersed herbaceous plants and epiphytic and floating metaphytic algae), aquatic invertebrates and the cardinals. Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ 15 N) were used to indicate the trophic level of the cardinal in relation to the aquatic invertebrates and plants. A mass balance mixing model called IsoSource was used to determine the relative contributions of autotrophic energy sources for the aquatic invertebrates and fish. Total mercury concentrations and δ 15 N values of the plants, invertebrates and fish were used to examine trophic levels and mercury biomagnification along the food chain. Cardinals were collected in three streams and three interfluvial swamps during a period of 12 months. Water samples were collected at all sampling points to measure total suspended sediments (TSS), chlorophyll concentrations and δ 13 C and δ 15 N values of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM). Water physical-chemical parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH and water temperature were measured at all sampling points. Daily changes in water level and water temperature were recorded with Leveloggers (hydrostatic sensors) installed in two interfluvial swamps. Local precipitation was measured with rain gauges installed in the same areas as the Leveloggers. Daily primary productivity rates of epiphytic and floating metaphytic algae, tree and shrub leaf-fall, emergent herbaceous plants and phytoplankton were estimated and extrapolated over the ...