Abstract

MARTINEZ-CUESTA, Lidis Maria  and  MOSQUERA-MURILLO, Zuleyma. Spatial variation of the periphyton algae community in streams of the San Juan River basin, Chocó-Colombia. Rev. acad. colomb. cienc. exact. fis. nat. [online]. 2022, vol.46, n.178, pp.192-205.  Epub Sep 10, 2023. ISSN 0370-3908.  https://doi.org/10.18257/raccefyn.1593.

The periphyton is one of the most important communities present in rivers because it plays a fundamental role in their dynamics in relation to the energy flow, nutrient cycles, and primary productivity. Here we analyzed the spatial variation of the periphyton algae community present in streams located in the middle basin of the San Juan River, Chocó-Colombia, as well as its relationship with the physicochemical variables. The field phase was developed between April and August 2015 in five streams where we collected the periphyton algae adhered to submerged stones using 8 cm2 quadrants for a scraping area of 200 cm2; simultaneously some physical and chemical variables of the water were measured. We registered a total density of 2,797.28 org/cm2 distributed in 106 morphospecies belonging to 17 orders, six classes, and five divisions. Bacillariophyta was the most representative division in terms of density and specific richness followed by the Charophyta division. The streams presented significant differences in diversity and richness (p < 0.05), but not in density and dominance (p > 0.05). The grouping analysis revealed a low similarity in the composition of the periphyton algae community between streams. The physical and chemical variables were found within normal ranges for this type of environment and were significantly correlated with the periphyton algae community present in the ecosystems. This study constitutes a baseline for the knowledge of the periphyton algae communities present in lotic environments in the San Juan area (Chocó) confronted with anthropic impacts in its water sources.

Keywords : Composition; Streams; Spatial; Periphyton algae; San Juan River.

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