Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar como a diversidade, dominância e raridade da comunidade fitoplanctônica são influenciadas por diferentes condições ambientais locais em lagos urbanos. Nós esperamos que a riqueza será influenciada negativamente em lagos com maiores concentrações de nutrientes e maior turbidez, enquanto a abundância será influenciada positivamente. Assim, haverá uma maior dominância de poucas espécies e menor raridade em lagos com essas condições, sendo esperado o contrário em lagos com menores concentrações de nutrientes e menor turbidez. Métodos As amostras do fitoplâncton e das variáveis abióticas foram coletadas em quatorze lagos distribuídos no município de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil, durante um período chuvoso. Resultados Foi possível identificar uma heterogeneidade ambiental entre os lagos. Nós identificamos uma separação dos lagos em função da riqueza e densidade fitoplanctônica, especialmente devido à contribuição de algas verdes, desmídias e cianobactérias. A maioria dos lagos apresentou altos valores de diversidade e equitabilidade, com predominância de táxons raros e poucas espécies dominantes. As principais variáveis que estiveram relacionadas com o fitoplâncton, foram a temperatura da água, oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez e as concentrações de nutrientes. Conclusões Portanto, o estudo da diversidade, dominância e raridade baseada na riqueza e abundância fitoplanctônica e a sua relação com as diferentes condições ambientais locais pode ser um importante modelo na avaliação da qualidade da água em lagos urbanos. urbanos positivamente Assim Goiânia Goiás Brasil chuvoso verdes cianobactérias equitabilidade dominantes dissolvido Portanto

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate how phytoplankton community diversity, dominance, and rarity are influenced by different local environmental conditions in urban lakes. We expect that richness will be negatively influenced in lakes with higher nutrient concentrations and high turbidity, while abundance will be positively influenced. Thus, lakes with these conditions will have greater dominance of a few species and lower rarity, and the opposite in lakes with lower nutrient concentrations and less turbidity. Methods Phytoplankton and abiotic variables samples were collected in fourteen lakes distributed in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, during a rainy period. Results It was possible to identify an environmental heterogeneity among the lakes. We identified a separation of the lakes according to phytoplankton richness and density, especially due to the contribution of green algae, desmids, and cyanobacteria. Most lakes showed high diversity and evenness values, with a predominance of rare taxa and few dominant species. The main variables associated with phytoplankton were water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient concentrations. Conclusions Therefore, the study of species diversity, dominance, and rarity based on phytoplankton richness and abundance and their relationship with different local environmental conditions can be an important model for assessing water quality in urban lakes. turbidity Thus Goiânia Goiás Brazil period density algae desmids cyanobacteria values temperature oxygen Therefore

RESUMEN Se estudió la remoción del fitoplancton mediante pretratamiento con ozono en una planta piloto que capta agua de un embalse subtropical del noroeste argentino. Se analizó la variación estacional de las abundancias por grupos algales a la entrada y salida de la planta en el período 2019-2020, y la eficiencia de remoción del tratamiento en función de dos categorías de tamaños (MDL máxima dimensión lineal) y biovolumen en especies seleccionadas. La abundancia de algas al ingreso mostró diferencias estacionales con predominio de diatomeas en invierno, Criptofíceas, Clorofíceas, Dinofíceas y Trebouxiofíceas en primavera y Cianobacterias en verano. El flujo de salida de algas también fue mayor en invierno, con predominio de diatomeas, y de cianobacterias en otoño y verano. El tratamiento produjo una reducción significativa de la densidad de algas (media del 26,94%), que aumentó aún más en algunos grupos particulares: Zygnematophyceae (68,21%), Euglenophyceae (59,80%), Cianobacterias (57,87%), Cryptophyceae (53,84%), Dinophyceae (38,59%) y Chlorophyceae (28,66%). En el seguimiento se registraron un total de 326 spp, aunque sólo 126 spp tuvieron una frecuencia de aparición en al menos el 10% de los muestreos, en su mayoría con bajas densidades. La eliminación de microalgas en la planta piloto no mostró correlaciones significativas con las dimensiones celulares de las especies seleccionadas. Las medias de la clase III de MDL =31,62 ±8,79 μm y biovolumen =4019,69 ±2711,49 μm3 tuvieron las mayores eliminaciones por tratamiento (72,97% y 72,74%, respectivamente), aunque no fueron estadísticamente diferentes de las clases restantes. Conclusión: la capacidad de eliminación de algas por el proceso de ozonización de la planta piloto produjo una reducción significativa de la densidad algal, especialmente de Cianobacterias, Zygnematoficeae, Euglenophyceae y Cryptophyceae, que en todos los casos superó el 50%.

ABSTRACT Phytoplankton removal by ozone pretreatment was studied in a pilot plant that collects water from a subtropical reservoir in northwestern Argentina. The seasonal variation of abundances by algal groups at the inlet and outlet of the plant in the period 20192020, and the removal efficiency of the treatment were analyzed as a function of two size categories (MDL maximum linear dimension) and biovolume in selected species. At the inflow, algal abundance showed seasonal differences with predominance of diatoms in winter, Cryptophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Dinophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae in spring and Cyanobacteria in summer. Algae outflow was also higher in winter, with a predominance of diatoms, and of cyanobacteria in au tumn and summer. The treatment produced a significant reduction in algal density (mean 26.94%), which increased even more in some particular groups: Zygnemato phyceae (68.21%), Euglenophyceae (59.80%), Cyanobacteria (57.87%), Cryptophyceae (53.84%), Dinophyceae (38.59%) and Chlorophyceae (28.66%). A total of 326 spp were recorded in the monitoring, although only 126 spp had a frequency of occurrence in at least 10% of the samplings, mostly with low densities. Microalgae removal in the pilot plant showed no significant correlations with cell dimensions for selected species. Class III averages of MLD =31.62 ±8.79 μm and biovolume =4019.69 ±2711.49 μm3 had the highest removals per treatment (72.97% and 72.74%, respec tively), although they were not statistically different from the remaining classes. Conclusion: the algae removal capacity by the ozonation process of the pilot plant produced a significant reduction in algal density, especially of Cyanobacteria, Zygnematoficeae, Euglenophyceae and Cryptophyceae, which in all cases exceeded 50%.

Resumen Introducción: La restauración de ecosistemas facilita la sucesión ecológica. Cuando un arrecife de coral experimenta una perturbación, la comunidad de organismos sésiles bentónicos puede seguir una trayectoria de sucesión que favorezca la dominancia del coral o un cambio de estado a un ecosistema dominado por algas. Objetivo: Comprender mejor el impacto de los trasplantes de coral en la sucesión de la comunidad bentónica sésil. Métodos: Para medir y monitorear la cobertura de coral (cm2) de Pocillopora spp. y la composición de la comunidad bentónica asociada se establecieron parches de arrecifes de coral experimentales y de control en el sitio de restauración de coral en Golfo Dulce, Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. Treinta colonias de Pocillopora spp., se trasplantaron a los clavos en el sustrato en el parche experimental. El parche de coral de control contenía clavos sin colonias trasplantadas. Ambos tratamientos fueron fotografiados mensualmente durante un periodo de ocho meses. Los cambios en la cobertura de coral y otros organismos bentónicos sésiles se midieron a partir de las imágenes y se compararon a lo largo del tiempo entre los parches experimentales y de control. Resultados: Los trasplantes de coral experimentaron eventos de blanqueamiento de agosto a septiembre de 2019 y de enero a febrero de 2020. El primer evento de blanqueamiento puede haber sido el resultado de la sedimentación y el segundo puede deberse a las altas temperaturas. Al final del experimento, el 83 % de las colonias habían sobrevivido. Las colonias vivas crecieron significativamente después del trasplante; > 67 % de su área de cobertura inicial después de ocho meses. En el parche experimental, las áreas de Pocillopora spp., algas coralinas costrosas (ACC) y cianobacterias aumentaron mientras que el tapete de algas disminuyó. El aumento en la cobertura de coral y ACC, y la disminución en tapetes de algas en el parche experimental podría deberse a los herbívoros atraídos por los trasplantes. El aumento de cianobacterias en el parche experimental podría ser el resultado de temperaturas más altas y puede haber sido un factor en la muerte de las colonias. Conclusiones: El trasplante de las colonias de Pocillopora spp. en Golfo Dulce cambiaron la trayectoria de sucesión temprana de la comunidad bentónica sésil para favorecer la dominancia del coral en el parche experimental. Estos resultados pueden ser útiles para informar las expectativas de futuros esfuerzos de restauración.

Abstract Introduction: Ecosystem restoration facilitates ecological succession. When a coral reef experiences a disturbance, the community of sessile benthic organisms can follow a successional trajectory that favors the dominance of coral or a change of state to an ecosystem dominated by algae. Objective: To better understand the impact of coral transplants on succession of the sessile benthic community. Methods: To measure and monitor the coral cover (cm2) of Pocillopora spp., and the composition of the associated benthic community, experimental and control coral reef patches were established at the coral restoration site in Golfo Dulce, South Pacific Costa Rica. Thirty Pocillopora spp. colonies were attached to nails on the substrate in an experimental patch. The control coral patch contained nails with non-transplanted colonies. Both treatments were photographed monthly during a period of eight months. Changes in the coverage of coral and other sessile benthic organisms were measured from the images and compared over time between the experimental and control patches. Results: The coral transplants experienced bleaching events in August through September 2019 and January through February 2020. The first bleaching event possibly due to sedimentation, and the second to high temperatures. By the end of the experiment, 83 % of the colonies had survived. The live colonies grew significantly following transplantation; > 67 % of their initial coverage area after eight months. In the experimental patch, the areas of Pocillopora spp., coralline crustose algae (CCA), and cyanobacteria increased while the area of algal turf decreased. The increase in coral coverage and CCA, and decrease in algal turf in the experimental patch could be due to herbivores attracted to transplants. The increase in cyanobacteria in the experimental patch could be the result of higher temperatures and may have been a factor in the death of colonies. Conclusions: The transplantation of Pocillopora spp. colonies in Golfo Dulce changed the early successional trajectory of the sessile benthic community to favor the dominance of coral dominance in the experimental patch. These results may be useful in informing expectations for future restoration efforts.

Resumen Antecedentes: La Planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) Cerro de la Estrella descarga aguas tratadas en diferentes sitios de la Ciudad de México por medio de tubos o vertederos, en donde se desarrollan de manera diferencial, algunas microalgas en función de las condiciones ambientales. Objetivo: Conocer la composición y distribución de la ficoflora asociada a un vertedero proveniente de la PTAR Cerro de la Estrella, sobre un canal de la zona chinampera de Xochimilco, Ciudad de México y su relación con algunas variables físicas y químicas. Métodos: Se establecieron seis puntos de muestreo en un área cercana a un vertedero de agua residual, las muestras de algas se recolectaron con red de arrastre y con botella van Dorn. Se analizaron parámetros físicos y químicos del agua (temperatura, pH, conductividad, nitritos, nitratos y ortofosfatos). El material ficológico se revisó en un microscopio óptico. Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal para conocer la relación entre riqueza y abundancia de especies versus los parámetros físicos y químicos medidos. Resultados: Se identificó un total de 88 especies pertenecientes a siete Phylum, siendo Bacillariophyta el más diverso con 35 especies, seguido de las Chlorophyta con 26; las Euglenozoa, Cyanobacteria y Miozoa tuvieron 16, 6 y 3 especies respectivamente; mientras que los Phylum Cryptista y Ochrophyta solo presentaron una especie. Los taxa más frecuentes fueron Chlorella sp., Desmodesmus protuberans, Stephanocyclus meneghinianus y Gomphonema sp., encontrándose en los seis puntos muestreados; por su parte los más abundantes fueron Aulacoseira granulata var. angustissima con 1120 cél/mL, S. meneghinianus y Aulacoseira granulata con 960 y 625 cél/mL respectivamente; asimismo Microcystis aeruginosa con 490 cél/mL. Conclusiones: Se observaron 25 nuevos registros para la zona de estudio. Dominaron las especies de los Phylum Bacillariophyta y Chlorophyta. Se registró M. aeruginosa, especie causante de florecimientos algales nocivos, pero pequeñas cantidades. Se observó distribución diferencial de las especies, a pesar de la estabilidad física y química a lo largo de los puntos muestreados.

Abstract Background: The Cerro de la Estrella Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR) discharges treated water at different sites in Mexico City through pipes or spillways, where some microalgae develop differentially depending on environmental conditions. Objective: To know the composition and distribution of the phycoflora associated with a landfill from the Cerro de la Estrella WWTP, on a channel in the chinampera area of Xochimilco, Mexico City and its relationship with some physical and chemical variables. Methods: Six sampling points were established in an area close to a wastewater dump, the algae samples were collected with a trawl net and a van Dorn bottle. Physical and chemical parameters of the water (temperature, pH, conductivity, nitrites, nitrates, and orthophosphates) were analyzed. Phycological material was reviewed under an optical microscope. A linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between richness and abundance of species versus the physical and chemical parameters measured. Results: A total of 88 species belonging to seven Phylum were identified, with Bacillariophyta being the most diverse with 35 species, followed by Chlorophyta with 26; the Euglenozoa, Cyanobacteria and Miozoa had 16, 6 and 3 species respectively; while the Phylum Cryptista and Ochrophyta only presented one species. The most frequent taxa were Chlorella sp., Desmodesmus protuberans, Stephanocyclus meneghinianus and Gomphonema sp., found in the six sampled points; On the other hand, the most abundant were Aulacoseira granulata var. angustissima with 1120 cells/mL, S. meneghinianus and Aulacoseira granulata with 960 and 625 cells/mL respectively; likewise, Microcystis aeruginosa with 490 cells/mL. Conclusions: 25 new records were observed for the study area. Species of the Phylum Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta dominated. M. aeruginosa, a species that causes harmful algal blooms, was recorded, but in small quantities. Differential distribution of the species was observed, despite the physical and chemical stability throughout the sampled points.

Regarding the families, 27 families were recorded, among which the families with the highest representativeness were: Merismopediaceae (22 taxa), Oscillatoriaceae (17 taxa), Microcystaceae and Microcoleaceae (both with 13 taxa each). Among the Cyanobacteria taxa compiled from the literature (60 taxa), 63.33% occurred exclusively in continental waters; 8.33% were recorded exclusively in estuaries; and 28.33% occurred both in continental waters and in estuaries. Among the taxa referenced in the herbaria collections, only 1 species is considered exclusively marine-estuarine, the others, all of which come from samples of continental waters.

No presente estudo foram compilados 153 taxa de Cyanobacteria, dos quais, 130 taxa são infraespecíficos e 23 são genéricos. Em relação às famílias, foram registradas 27 famílias, dentre as quais, as famílias com maior representatividade são: Merismopediaceae (22 taxa), Oscillatoriaceae (17 taxa), Microcystaceae e Microcoleaceae (ambas com 13 taxa cada). Dentre os taxa de Cyanobacteria compilados da literatura (60 taxa), 63,33% ocorreram exclusivamente em águas continentais; 8,33% foram registradas exclusivamente em estuários; e, 28,33% ocorreram tanto em águas continentais quanto em estuários. Para os táxons referenciados nos acervos dos herbários, somente uma espécie é considerada exclusivamente de marinho-estuarina; as demais, são todas provenientes de amostras de águas continentais.

Abstract Anthropic activities have been causing serious impacts in aquatic environments, deteriorating the quality of the waters. Superficial springs with excess of nutrients, rich in compounds of phosphor and nitrogen, may induce blooms of algae and cyanobacteria, hard to be removed in the treatment of water. Such microscopic particles, e.g. Microcystis spp., are named biocolloids. This work propose to apply the mathematical modelling by the extended colloidal XDLVO theory (Extended Derjarguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) for coagulation and gravel upflow filtration (GUF) and sand downflow rapid filtration (SDRF) to the technology of double filtration applied to study water containing Microcystis spp. The XDLVO theory has been shown to be efficient at evaluating the behavior of the colloidal particles as a function of the separation distance, making apparent how the intermolecular and surface forces act: acid-base interaction (AB), Lifshitz-Vander Walls (vdW), double electric layer (DEL) and Born repulsion forces. Such forces that act in this colloidal system formed by Microcystis spp. were analyzed in terms of their mutual interaction and their interaction with porous environments in double filtration at the stable thermodynamic situations (pre-coagulation) and at unstabilized by the chemical coagulation. The raw water energetic barrier of repulsion and after the sand downflow rapid filtration gave an average decreasing of about 90% in absolute values.

Abstract: Aim This study aims to evaluate temporal patterns of extreme events related to precipitation on a global scale, identifying their main impacts and if there are climatic zones more susceptible to these phenomena using a scientometric approach. Methods A systematic review was conducted on scientific papers published between 1991 and July 2020, obtained from the Scopus and Thomson ISI Web of Science databases. Keywords related to precipitation extreme events and their effects on planktonic communities and freshwater ecosystems' water quality were used in the search. Results The analysis revealed a significant increase in publications, particularly from 2014 onwards, following the release of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS). These reports highlighted the increasing frequency of these climatic events and their potential for causing damage to humanity. In this review, we focused on extreme weather events related to precipitation such as droughts, rains, and floods. These events, due to their sudden volumetric changes, lead to immediate physical and chemical alterations in the water column. The main impacts of these extreme events on aquatic ecosystems include increased nutrient concentrations (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen), contamination by micropollutants, cyanobacteria blooms, and loss of biodiversity. Conclusions The scientometric analysis indicates that extreme weather events associated with precipitation have a detrimental effect on water quality and aquatic biodiversity, exacerbating the eutrophication process in freshwater systems.

Resumo: Objetivo Encontrar padrões temporais dos eventos extremos relacionados a precipitação em escala global, assim identificar os principais impactos e se há zonas climáticas suscetíveis a esses fenômenos em uma abordagem cienciométrica. Métodos Realizamos uma revisão sistemática investigando trabalhos científicos publicados entre 1991 até julho de 2020 nas bases de dados Scopus e Thomson ISI Web of Science. Buscamos por palavras-chave relacionadas a eventos extremos de precipitação e efeitos sobre a comunidade planctônica e a qualidade da água de ecossistemas aquáticos continentais. Resultados Observamos um aumento expressivo de publicações, especialmente a partir de 2014 após a publicação de relatórios do Painel Intergovernamental sobre Mudanças Climáticas (IPCC) e Sociedade Americana de Meteorologia (AMS), apontando a tendência de crescimento de frequência desses eventos climáticos e o potencial de danos a humanidade. Nesta revisão escolhemos os eventos climáticos extremos relacionados à precipitação (secas, chuvas e inundações), que promovem uma variação volumétrica abrupta que imediatamente causa alterações físicas e químicas na coluna d'água. Como principais impactos desses eventos extremos nos ecossistemas aquáticos encontramos aumento da concentração de nutrientes (principalmente fósforo e nitrogênio), contaminação por micropoluentes, florações de cianobactérias e perda de biodiversidade. Conclusões A análise cienciométrica revelou que eventos climáticos extremos relacionados à precipitação geram impactos negativos na qualidade da água e na biodiversidade aquática, intensificando o processo de eutrofização em sistemas aquáticos continentais.

Abstract The steady-state is a situation of little variability of species dominance and total biomass over time. Maintenance of cyanobacteria are often observed in tropical and eutrophic ecosystems and can cause imbalances in aquatic ecosystem. Bayeasian networks allow the construction of simpls models that summarizes a large amount of variables and can predict the probability of occurrence of a given event. Studies considering Bayeasian networks built from environmental data to predict the occurrence of steady-state in aquatic ecosystems are scarce. This study aims to propose a Bayeasian network model to assess the occurrence, composition and duration of cyanobacteria steady-state in a tropical and eutrophic ecosystem. It was hypothesized long lasting steady-state events, composed by filamentous cyanobacteria species and directly influenced by eutrophication and drought. Our model showed steady-state lasting between 3 and 17 weeks with the monodominance or co-dominance of filamentous species, mainly Raphidiopsis raciborskii and Planktothrix agardhii. These evens occurred frequently under drought and high turbidity, however higher nutrients concentrations did not increase the probability steady-state occurrence or longer duration. The proposed model appears as a tool to assess the effects of future warming on steady-state occurrence and it can be a useful to more traditional process-based models for reservoirs.

ABSTRACT In the present study, 153 cyanobacteria taxa were compiled, of which 130 taxa are infraspecific and 23 are generic. Regarding the families, 27 families were recorded, among which the families with the highest representativeness were: Merismopediaceae (22 taxa), Oscillatoriaceae (17 taxa), Microcystaceae and Microcoleaceae (both with 13 taxa each). Among the Cyanobacteria taxa compiled from the literature (60 taxa), 63.33% occurred exclusively in continental waters; 8.33% were recorded exclusively in estuaries; and 28.33% occurred both in continental waters and in estuaries. Among the taxa referenced in the herbaria collections, only 1 species is considered exclusively marine-estuarine, the others, all of which come from samples of continental waters.

RESUMO No presente estudo foram compilados 153 taxa de Cyanobacteria, dos quais, 130 taxa são infraespecíficos e 23 são genéricos. Em relação às famílias, foram registradas 27 famílias, dentre as quais, as famílias com maior representatividade são: Merismopediaceae (22 taxa), Oscillatoriaceae (17 taxa), Microcystaceae e Microcoleaceae (ambas com 13 taxa cada). Dentre os taxa de Cyanobacteria compilados da literatura (60 taxa), 63,33% ocorreram exclusivamente em águas continentais; 8,33% foram registradas exclusivamente em estuários; e, 28,33% ocorreram tanto em águas continentais quanto em estuários. Para os táxons referenciados nos acervos dos herbários, somente uma espécie é considerada exclusivamente de marinho-estuarina; as demais, são todas provenientes de amostras de águas continentais.

Resumen: Las tecnologías “ómicas” son herramientas novedosas que facilitan el estudio de las comunidades microbianas de distintos ecosistemas, particularmente de la costra biológica del suelo, también llamada biocostra. Entre estas tecnologías se encuentran la genómica, transcriptómica, proteómica, metabolómica y metagenómica, que son utilizadas para analizar la diversidad y las funciones que llevan a cabo los microorganismos a través del estudio de sus biomoléculas y vías metabólicas. Entre los microorganismos que habitan la biocostra destacan las cianobacterias, las cuales son un grupo de bacterias fototróficas encargadas de realizar procesos importantes en el suelo, tal como la fijación de nitrógeno atmosférico, carbono orgánico, síntesis de clorofila y ficobilinas, así como la producción de exopolisacáridos para mejorar la estabilidad y fertilidad del suelo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de la presente revisión es el de explorar la diversidad y la función que desempeñan estas comunidades microbianas en la biocostra, particularmente las cianobacterias, destacando los estudios realizados mediante el uso de las tecnologías ómicas. El conocimiento generado en los últimos años a través de las tecnologías ómicas ha demostrado la limitada cobertura que presentan las técnicas moleculares tradicionales, resultando en una subestimación de la diversidad real de las comunidades microbianas. Además, se ha mejorado la comprensión de los procesos ecológicos desarrollados por los microorganismos en beneficio de la biocostra, así como las capacidades funcionales individuales y colectivas, las cuales servirán como línea base para proponer estrategias importantes que solucionen la problemática de la degradación de los suelos.

Summary: The "omics" technologies are novel tools that facilitate the study of microbial communities in different ecosystems, particularly the biological soil crust, also called biocrust. These technologies include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics, which are used to analyze the diversity and functions carried out by microorganisms through the study of their biomolecules and metabolic pathways. Among the microorganisms that inhabit the biocrust are the cyanobacteria, which are a group of phototrophic bacteria responsible for important processes in the soil, such as the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, organic carbon, chlorophyll and phycobilin synthesis, as well as the production of exopolysaccharides to improve soil stability and fertility. Therefore, the objective of this review is to explore the diversity and role that these microbial communities play in the biocrust, particularly cyanobacteria, highlighting studies conducted using omics technologies. The knowledge generated in recent years through omics technologies has demonstrated the limited coverage of traditional molecular techniques, resulting in an underestimation of the real diversity of microbial communities. In addition, there has been an improvement in the understanding of the ecological processes developed by the microorganisms for the benefit of the biocrust, as well as the individual and collective functional capacities, which will serve as a baseline to propose important strategies to solve the problem of soil degradation.

Resumen Introducción: El embalse Cerrón Grande de 135 km2 es el humedal más grande de El Salvador, reconocido como “Humedal de Importancia Internacional” por la Convención Ramsar. Además, es uno de los ecosistemas más contaminados a nivel nacional, enfrentando serios problemas, entre ellos, las proliferaciones de cianobacterias. Objetivo: Evaluar las relaciones entre los factores ambientales y la distribución espacial y temporal de las cianobacterias en el embalse a lo largo de un año hidrológico. Métodos: Extrajimos agua con cianobacterias de seis sitios fijos, desde octubre 2018 hasta septiembre 2019. Resultados: Identificamos 16 géneros, el más abundante Microcystis sp. Además, Dolichospermum sp.; Microcistis sp. alcanzaron 1.5 x 106 células/ml en junio 2019, principalmente en el sector noroeste, que es poco profundo y cercano a las zonas de confluencia de afluentes altamente contaminados que llegan al embalse. El sector sureste más profundo tenía bajas concentraciones de estos organismos. Los factores ambientales mayormente relacionados con dicho comportamiento fueron: fósforo, la conductividad eléctrica y el valor de Secchi, como se esperaba de un cuerpo eutrófico. Conclusiones: La variación en la concentración celular de cianobacterias en este embalse está altamente influenciada por la lluvia, la mezcla de agua y el contenido de nutrientes.

Abstract Introduction: The 135 km2 Cerrón Grande reservoir is the largest wetland in El Salvador, recognized as “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention. It is also one of the most polluted ecosystems nationwide, facing serious problems, among them, a proliferation of cyanobacteria. Objective: To assess the relationships among environmental factors and the spatial and temporary distribution of cyanobacteria in the reservoir throughout a hydrological year. Methods: We extracted water with cyanobacteria from six fixed sites, from October 2018 through September 2019. Results: We identified 16 genera, the most abundant Microcystis sp. And Dolichospermum sp.; Microcystis sp. reached 1.5 x 106 cells/ml in June 2019, mainly in the north-west sector, which is shallow and close to the confluence zones where highly polluted tributaries reach the reservoir. The deeper south-east sector had low concentrations of these organisms. The environmental factors mostly related to this behavior were: phosphorus, electrical conductivity and Secchi value, as expected from a eutrophic body. Conclusions: Variation in the cellular concentration of cyanobacteria in this reservoir is highly influenced by rain, water mixing and nutrient content.

RESUMEN El microfitobentos es una comunidad que agrupa a los microorganismos fotosintéticos bentónicos. En Venezuela y el resto de los países del mar Caribe, este grupo ha sido escasamente estudiado, por lo que se desconoce su diversidad. Así, se propuso describir las variaciones espaciales y temporales de su composición y abundancia en la zona costera central de Venezuela. Los muestreos fueron realizados mensualmente desde junio 2014 hasta marzo 2015, en estaciones aleatorias con profundidades inferiores a 20 m. Los datos de riqueza y abundancia fueron procesados mediante pruebas de hipótesis multivariadas (Anosim - SIMPER - nMDS). Se identificaron 327 especies, dominadas por diatomeas y dinoflagelados, sin variaciones espaciales y temporales notables. En términos de abundancia, el grupo más representativo fue el de las diatomeas (68 %), seguido por las cianobacterias (28 %). El microfitobentos presentó una variabilidad temporal en la que se alcanzaron densidades mayores entre julio y agosto, mientras que el resto de los meses presentaron abundancias similares. En términos generales, se obtuvo abundancia estándar de acuerdo con lo encontrado en otras áreas del mundo, con diferencias notables entre el microfitobentos de los sustratos evaluados y una riqueza específica alta que se mantiene constante durante todo el año.

ABSTRACT Microphytobenthos is a community that groups benthic photosynthetic microorganisms. In Venezuela and the other countries in the Caribbean Sea, this group has been scarcely studied, so its diversity is unknown. This study aims to describe the spatial and temporal variations of its composition and abundance in the central coastal zone of Venezuela. Samplings were conducted monthly from June 2014 to March 2015, in random stations at depths less than 20 m. Richness and abundance data were processed through multivariate hypothesis tests (Anosim - SIMPER - nMDS). A total of 327 species were identified, with a dominance of diatoms and dinoflagellates, without significant spatial and temporal variations. In terms of abundance, the most representative group was diatoms (68 %), followed by cyanobacteria (28 %). The microfitobenthos presented a temporal variability in which the highest densities were reached between July and August, while the rest of the months presented similar abundances. Thus, standard abundances were obtained in all the samples according to that found in other areas of the world, with notable differences between the microphytobenthos of the evaluated substrates, and a high and constant specific richness throughout the year.

RESUMEN La expansión de la frontera agrícola ocasiona pérdidas de biodiversidad y de recursos genéticos nativos, afectando la sustentabilidad del ecosistema. Se considera que la presencia y la diversidad de cianobacterias son bioindicadores sensibles al cambio en el uso de los suelos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar las comunidades de cianobacterias presentes en suelos del noreste de la provincia de Córdoba, comparando suelos con pasturas implantadas y en condiciones prístinas. Se tomaron muestras de suelo en tres localidades, en ambientes con distintos niveles de salinidad: leve, moderado y salino. Las muestras se cultivaron en medio Watanabe, en condiciones controladas para favorecer el crecimiento de las cianobacterias. Se lograron identificar las especies de cianobacterias presentes en cada sitio, observando una dominancia de fijadoras de nitrógeno heterocistadas en los suelos con mayor salinidad. A su vez, en los tres montes de cada sitio se observó mayor riqueza de especies. Las más sensibles al cambio en el uso del suelo fueron Oscillatoria limosa y Phormidium constricta. Las cianobacterias constituyen una futura línea de investigación relacionada a la restauración y recuperación productiva de ambientes salinos, dentro de una propuesta que contribuya a favorecer la biodiversidad del suelo.

SUMMARY The expansion of the agricultural frontier causes losses of biodiversity and native genetic resources, affecting the sustainability of the ecosystem. The presence and diversity of cyanobacteria are considered to be bioindicators sensitive to land use change. The objective of this work was to characterize the communities of cyanobacteria present in the soils in the northeast of the province of Córdoba, comparing soils with implanted pastures and in pristine conditions. Soil samples were taken in three locations, in environments with different levels of salinity: mild, modérate and saline. The samples were cultured in Watanabe medium, under controlled conditions to promote the growth of cyanobacteria. An Olympus BX 50 optical microscope was used for taxonomic identification. It was possible to identify the species of cyanobacteria present at each site, observing a dominance of heterocyst nitrogen fixators in soils with higher salinity. In turn, in the three native forests present at each site, greater species richness was observed. The most sensitive to the change in land use being OscHlator¡a Hmosa and Phormidium constricta. Cyanobacteria constitute a future line of research related to the restoration and productive recovery of saline environments, under the focus of sustaining biodiversity.

RESUMO Um problema emergente para a segurança hídrica consiste nas consequências da eutrofização sobre a qualidade das águas. Metodologias de regressão convencionais não têm sido suficientes para explicar satisfatoriamente a complexidade da relação entre as variáveis hidrológicas e limnológicas desse processo. Nessa perspectiva, esta pesquisa buscou identificar preditores para variáveis indicadoras de eutrofização (cianobactérias, clorofila a, nitrogênio, fósforo e medição em disco de Secchi), por meio das relações destas entre si e entre 17 variáveis fisiográficas e climáticas das bacias hidrográficas de 155 reservatórios do semiárido brasileiro. Aplicou-se um método de aprendizado de máquina com o algoritmo classification and regression trees para árvores de decisão. Os resultados revelaram que os indicadores de eutrofização estão intrinsecamente relacionados entre si, de maneira especial as concentrações de clorofila a com os demais. A variabilidade da vazão afluente repercutiu no aumento da concentração de cianobactérias; a redução do volume de água armazenado gerou aumento da concentração de nitrogênio e fósforo; e a densidade de drenagem gerou aumento da concentração de nitrogênio. As concentrações de nitrogênio superiores a 5 mg.L−1 apresentaram consequências representativas sobre a clorofila a, a qual esteve fortemente associada às cianobactérias. O volume de água armazenado, a precipitação e a vazão afluente aos reservatórios também foram preditores da transparência das águas. Apesar de os índices de performance do modelo apontarem para margens de erro amplas para os conjuntos de dados com elevados coeficientes de variação, a aplicação de árvores de decisão pode auxiliar no entendimento de processos ocorridos e no planejamento de ações estratégicas para a governança hídrica.

ABSTRACT An emerging issue for water security is the consequences of eutrophication on water quality. Conventional regression methodologies have not been sufficient to satisfactorily explain the complexity of the relationship between the hydrological and limnological variables of this process. In this sense, this research aimed to identify predictors for eutrophication variables (cyanobacteria, chlorophyll-a, nitrogen, phosphorus, and Secchi disk measurement), through their relationships with each other and between 17 physiographic and climatic variables of the watersheds of 155 reservoirs in the Brazilian semiarid region. A machine learning method was applied with the classification and regression trees algorithm for decision trees. The results revealed that the eutrophication indicators are intrinsically related to each other, especially the concentrations of chlorophyll-a with the others. The variability of the inflow resulted in an increase in the concentration of cyanobacteria; the reduction in the volume of stored water generated an increase in the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus; and, the drainage density generated an increase in the concentration of nitrogen. Nitrogen concentrations greater than 5 mg.L−1 had significant consequences on chlorophyll-a, which was strongly associated with cyanobacteria. The volume of stored water, precipitation and the inflow to the reservoirs were also predictors of water transparency. Although the model’s performance indexes indicate wide margins of error for datasets with high coefficients of variation, decision trees can help in understanding the processes that have taken place and in planning strategic actions for water governance.

El objetivo del estudio fue contribuir al conocimiento de la composición y estructura de la taxocenosis conformada por cianobacterias, clorofitas y euglenofitas de estos ambientes extremos, en relación a variables abióticas (conductividad eléctrica, salinidad y pH del agua, altura sobre el nivel del mar y superficie lacustre). En 2005, se efectuó un muestreo interdisciplinario de veintiséis puntos de colecta en tres provincias del noroeste argentino (NOA). Los datos abióticos y bióticos registrados en campo y en laboratorio se hicieron según protocolos convencionales. De acuerdo a los resultados, la mayoría de los ejemplares identificados en Catamarca (coincidente con Jujuy y Salta) fueron cosmopolitas y afines con la salinidad, destacándose, en general, las cianobacterias y Chroococcus turgidus dentro de este grupo; en segundo lugar, estuvieron las algas verdes y, en el caso de las euglenofitas, no fueron registradas en dicha provincia. La taxocenosis estuvo constituida tanto por especies propias del fitoplancton como de otros hábitats. Los valores bajos a intermedios de diversidad (0,01-2,85) estarían vinculados al predominio de especies raras y de unas pocas dominantes. La biomasa mostró sensibilidad a las condiciones ambientales, en general disminuyó con el aumento de la salinidad, varió entre 24.007-60.396.324 mg/ml de C. La aplicación del Análisis de Componentes Principales, tanto para variables abióticas como bióticas, fueron de utilidad porque aportaron datos complementarios sobre la ocasionar floraciones y potencialÂmente tóxicas, como Chroococcus turgidus, Microcystis flos-aquae y Nodularia spumigena conducen a sugerir un control periódico de estos cuerpos de agua.

The aim this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the composition and structure of taxocenosis formed by cyanobacteria, chlorophytes and euglenophytes of these extreme environments in relation to abiotic variables (water electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, height above sea level and lake surface). In 2005, an interdisciplinary sampling was carried out covering twenty-six collection sites in three provinces from Argentinean Northwest. Abiotic and biotic data were recorded in the field and in the laboratory following conventional protocols. According to the results, most of the specimens in the province of Catamarca (coinciding with Jujuy and Salta) were cosmopolitan and related to salinity, with Cyanobacteria and Chroococcus turgidus standing out in general within this group; green algae were in second place, while euglenophytes were not recorded in this province. Taxocenosis was made up of phytoplankton species and those coming from other habitats. The low to intermediate values ​​of diversity (0.01-2.85) would be linked to the dominance of rare species and presence of a few taxa with high numbers of individuals. Biomass showed sensitivity to environmental conditions, highlighting in general a decrease of this variable with the increase in salinity, whose records varied between 24,007- 60,396,324 mg/ml of C. The application of the Principal Components Analysis for abiotic and biotic variables was a useful tool because it provided complementary information on the distribution of the selected sites. Finally, the quantification of cyanobacterial species potentially toxic and capable of producing blooms, such as Chroococcus turgidus, Microcystis flos-aquae and Nodularia spumigena lead to suggest a periodic control of these water bodies.