Distribution and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates along a current velocity gradient

Authors

  • Francinne Aparecida de Freitas Viana Pimentel Departamento de Meio Ambiente, Prefeitura de Pinheiral, Pinheiral, RJ, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1550-9317
  • Tainá Maria Miranda Souza-Martins Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1285-7031
  • Ivyn Karla Lima-de-Sousa Laboratório Integrado - Simulídeos e Oncocercose & Entomologia Médica e Forense, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5756-805X
  • Tatiana Docile Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8964-5662
  • Ronaldo Figueiró Laboratório de Meio Ambiente e Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0762-1312

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47385/cadunifoa.v21.n56.6267

Keywords:

Aquatic insects, Diptera, Shannon-Wiener diversity, Lotic environment

Abstract

Macroinvertebrates play essential ecological roles in energy flow and nutrient cycling. Their distribution and diversity in rivers are influenced by current velocity. The abundance of these organisms in fast-flowing or still water areas varies according to physiological and morphological adaptations. Furthermore, many groups depend on the current for respiration or feeding. This study aims to investigate the influence of environmental factors, such as current velocity and stream depth, on the composition and distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Sampling was conducted at two sites in the upper part of Itatiaia National Park in June 2016. At each site, simple random samples were collected from five 30x30 cm quadrants. For each site, abiotic microhabitat variables such as depth and current velocity were determined, measured with a ruler using the “Head Rod” method. The collected material was stored in vials containing 70% ethyl alcohol and subsequently sorted and identified. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used. A total of 398 specimens were collected, distributed among the orders Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Diptera, and Odonata. Diptera was the most abundant order, with 340 individuals. The geometric regression method indicated that current velocity correlated positively with diversity (98.61%), while depth had a negative influence (79.82%). Many studies indicate a tendency for benthic organisms in lotic environments to occupy depths closer to the water’s surface. Therefore, we can observe that these animals prefer shallow waters, suggesting that stronger currents and shallower depths may determine their diversity and distribution.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Francinne Aparecida de Freitas Viana Pimentel, Departamento de Meio Ambiente, Prefeitura de Pinheiral, Pinheiral, RJ, Brasil.

She has experience in the field of General Biology, with an emphasis on Biotechnology. She has carried out scientific initiation projects in the area of ​​Ecosystem Ecology and is currently the Director of Environment at the Pinheiral City Hall.

Tainá Maria Miranda Souza-Martins, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences (Zoology) at the National Museum - UFRJ, where she investigates the spatial distribution of immature blackflies (Insecta, Diptera, Simuliidae) in low-altitude areas of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Holds a Master's degree from the Postgraduate Program in Environmental Science and Technology at the State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ-ZO (2022). Completed a Specialization in Environmental Sciences at the Souza Marques Technical Educational Foundation - FTESM (2020). Graduated in Biological Sciences (Bachelor's degree) from the State University Center of the West Zone - UEZO (2018). Also holds a Technical degree in Chemistry from the Rezende Rammel Technical School - ETRR (2011). Has experience in environmental monitoring and ecology of aquatic insects with an emphasis on the Simuliidae family.

Ivyn Karla Lima-de-Sousa, Laboratório Integrado - Simulídeos e Oncocercose & Entomologia Médica e Forense, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

She holds a first degree in Biotechnology from the State University Center of the West Zone (2015), and a second degree in Biological Sciences (Licentiate) from Cruzeiro do Sul University (2021), a Master's degree in Biological Sciences - Zoology from the Postgraduate Program of the National Museum - UFRJ (2019), and a PhD in Biological Sciences - Zoology from the Postgraduate Program of the National Museum - UFRJ (2024). She has experience in the area of ​​Zoology and Ecology, with an emphasis on Taxonomy of recent groups in entomology, specifically aquatic insects, and an interest in environmental education and sustainability. She was a Substitute Professor at Uerj-Zo in the Faculty of Biological and Health Sciences (FCBS) from 2023.1 to 2025.2 and collaborates with the Laboratory of Environment and Health (LabMAS) at Uerj-Zo.

Tatiana Docile, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Tatiana Docile completed high school at the Instituto de Aplicação da Uerj (2006). She joined Fiocruz in 2003 through the Scientific Vocation Program for high school students. She studied Biological Sciences at the Federal Fluminense University and was a scholarship recipient of the Scientific Initiation Program at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. During this period, she participated in the organization of scientific events and presented papers at conferences. From 2008 to 2012, she was a Scientific Initiation scholarship recipient at the Center for Quantitative Methods in partnership with the Oswaldo Cruz Institute - FIOCRUZ, under the guidance of Dr. Claudia Codeço and co-guidance of Dr. Nildimar Honorio and Dr. Ronaldo Figueiró, in the biology of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. She has extensive experience in fieldwork, laboratory work, preparing technical and research reports, and teaching courses on the biology of the Aedes vector for institutions, municipalities, and schools. In 2014, she completed her Master's degree in Ecology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro under the guidance of Dr. Jorge Nessimian and co-guidance of Dr. Ronaldo Figueiró. During this period, she was a monitor and tutor for subjects in her field, taught classes and short courses, presented papers at congresses and meetings, and participated in research and extension projects. She has published articles and a book chapter, and co-supervises undergraduate students. In March, she began her PhD at the same institution, continuing her research on trophic networks with an emphasis on the study of blackflies as a keystone species in lotic environments and how the use of biological control (BTI) affects the associated fauna. As part of her international experience, she completed an internship during her undergraduate studies at the Gulbenkian Institute of Science in Portugal and made a technical visit during her doctoral studies to Imperial College London - Silwood Park Campus in England. Simultaneously, she participated in international conferences in the United Kingdom and the United States. In February 2018, she completed her doctorate and was a university professor for four years. Shortly after, she participated in a research project at the National Museum of Rio de Janeiro and was also selected through a competitive process for a substitute professorship at CAP/UERJ. In 2018, she was invited to join a research project at Fiocruz on the topic of arbovirus prevention. From 2019 to 2022, she worked at the Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance at the Polytechnic School of Fiocruz, participating in numerous research and teaching projects. Since 2021, she has been an Adjunct Professor (public servant) at the Fernando Rodrigues da Silveira Application Institute - CAP/UERJ, working in teaching, research, and extension at the institution, in addition to coordination positions and involvement in distance learning (CEDERJ) since 2025. Since 2022, she has been a permanent faculty member of the Postgraduate Program in Biology Teaching - Professional Master's Degree in Biology Teaching in the National Network (PROFBIO - UERJ). As leader of the CNPq-funded research group, Education, Ecology and Health, she develops extension projects and interdisciplinary research focused on the integration of environmental education, health education, and sustainability. Currently, she is developing innovative educational strategies that articulate sustainable natural agriculture gardens, prevention of vector-borne diseases, mainly arboviruses, climate change, and the use of educational technologies, in collaboration with national and international partners. She collaborates with researchers from the Jean Piaget University of Angola, the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and the Africarte Association, which operates in Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa. She was invited through a partnership and represented UERJ at the international event Science is Wonderful!, held in March 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. This event, part of the Marie Curie Actions program, focused on scientific outreach for children and young people and is one of the European Union's leading research funding programs, aimed at international mobility and cooperation.

Ronaldo Figueiró, Laboratório de Meio Ambiente e Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Holds a degree in Biological Sciences (Ecology) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2002), the same institution where he completed his Master's (2004) and Doctorate (2010) degrees in Ecology. Between 2013 and 2015, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Health (PPGBS/Fiocruz). He is currently the editor-in-chief of Acta Scientiae et Techniciae. He is currently an associate professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro - West Zone Campus, where he works in the area of ​​Community Ecology, with an emphasis on Diptera: Simuliidae, studying the biotic and abiotic factors associated with their distribution patterns, their bioindicator potential for water quality in rivers and streams, and in the area of ​​science education research.

References

ALBUQUERQUE FERREIRA, C.; COSTA, T.; BUFFOLO, I.; GURGEL JÚNIOR, F.; SANTOS, S.; CAMARA, A.; SOUZA-MARTINS, T.; FIGUEIRÓ, R.; LIMA-DE-SOUSA, I. K. Distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates and surface water quality in Pedra Branca State Park. Interfaces Científicas: Saúde e Ambiente, v. 9, n. 3, p. 372-388, 2024. DOI: 10.17564/2316-3798.2024v9n3p372-388. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17564/2316-3798.2024v9n3p372-388

ALLAN, J. D. Stream ecology: structure and function of running waters. London: Chapman & Hall, 1995. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0729-7

ALVES, R. G. Dinâmica espaço-temporal dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos de uma lagoa marginal de drenagem. 1998. Tese (Doutorado) – Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, 1998.

BAPTISTA, D. F. Uso de macroinvertebrados em procedimentos de biomonitoramento em ecossistemas aquáticos. Oecologia Brasiliensis, v. 12, n. 3, p. 425-441, 2008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.2008.1203.05

BAPTISTA, D. F.; DORVILLÉ, L. F. M.; BUSS, D. F.; NESSEMIAN, J. L.; SOARES, L. H. J. Distribuição de comunidades de insetos aquáticos no gradiente longitudinal de uma bacia fluvial do sudeste brasileiro. Oecologia Brasiliensis, v. 5, p. 191-207, 1998. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.1998.0501.14

BISPO, P. C. A pluviosidade como fator de alteração da entomofauna bentônica (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera) em córregos do Planalto Central do Brasil. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, Botucatu, v. 13, n. 2, p. 1-9, 2001.

BISPO, P. C.; OLIVEIRA, L. G. Distribuição espacial de insetos aquáticos (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera) em córregos de cerrado do Parque Ecológico de Goiânia. In: NESSIMIAN, J. L.; CARVALHO, A. L. (org.). Ecologia de Insetos Aquáticos. Rio de Janeiro: Computer & Publish Editoração Ltda., 1998. v. 5, p. 175-189. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.1998.0501.13

CALLISTO, M.; ESTEVES, F. A. Categorização funcional dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos em quatro ecossistemas lóticos sob influência das atividades de uma mineração de bauxita na Amazônia Central, Brasil. Oecologia Brasiliensis, Rio de Janeiro, v. 1, p. 223-234, 1998. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.1998.0501.16

CALLISTO, M.; MORETTI, M.; GOULART, M. Macroinvertebrados bentônicos como ferramenta para avaliar a saúde de riachos. Revista Brasileira de Recursos Hídricos, Porto Alegre, v. 6, n. 1, p. 71-82, 2001. DOI: 10.21168/rbrh.v6n1.p71-82 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21168/rbrh.v6n1.p71-82

CALLISTO, M.; GOULART, M. Bioindicadores de qualidade de água como ferramenta em estudos de impacto ambiental. Revista da FAPAM, Pará de Minas, v. 2, n. 1, p. 156-164, 2003.

CARVALHO, A. L.; NESSIMIAN, J. L. Odonata do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: habitats e hábitos das larvas. In: NESSIMIAN, J. L.; CARVALHO, A. L. (org.). Ecologia de Insetos Aquáticos. Rio de Janeiro: PPGE-UFRJ, 1998. p. 3-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.1998.0501.01

CARVALHO, E. M.; UIEDA, V. S. Colonização por macroinvertebrados bentônicos em substrato artificial e natural em um riacho da Serra de Itatinga, São Paulo, Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia, v. 21, n. 2, p. 287-293, 2004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81752004000200021

DAJOZ, R. As águas doces. In: DAJOZ, R. Princípios de Ecologia. 7. ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2008. cap. 24, p. 481-492.

DOCILE, T.; FIGUEIRÓ, R. Histórico e perspectivas da utilização de macroinvertebrados no monitoramento biológico dos ecossistemas aquáticos do Brasil. Acta Scientiae et Technicae, v. 1, n. 1, p. 32-34, 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17648/uezo-ast-v1i1.6

EGLER, M. Utilizando a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos na avaliação da degradação de ecossistemas de rios em áreas agrícolas. 2002. Dissertação (Mestrado em Saúde Pública) – Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, 2002.

ESTEVES, F. A. Fundamentos de Limnologia. Rio de Janeiro: Interciência, 1988.

FIGUEIRÓ, R.; NASCIMENTO, É. S. D.; GIL-AZEVEDO, L. H.; MAIA-HERZOG, M.; MONTEIRO, R. F. Local distribution of blackfly (Diptera, Simuliidae) larvae in two adjacent streams: the role of water current velocity in the diversity of blackfly larvae. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, v. 52, n. 3, p. 452-454, 2008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000300020

FIGUEIRÓ, R.; GIL-AZEVEDO, L. H. The role of Neotropical blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) as vectors of onchocerciasis: a brief overview of the ecology behind the disease. Oecologia Australis, v. 14, n. 3, p. 745-755, 2010. DOI: 10.4257/oeco.2010.1403.10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.2010.1403.10

GLEASON, J. E.; HANNER, R. H.; COTTENIE, K. Hidden diversity: DNA metabarcoding reveals hyper-diverse benthic invertebrate communities. BMC Ecology and Evolution, v. 23, p. 19, 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02118-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-023-02118-w

HAWKINS, C. P.; SEDELL, J. R. Longitudinal and seasonal change in functional organization of macroinvertebrate communities in four Oregon streams. Ecology, v. 62, n. 2, p. 387-397, 1981. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1936713

ICMBIO. Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. Disponível em: http://www.icmbio.gov.br/parnaitatiaia/. Acesso em: 13 out. 2018.

KIKUCHI, R. M.; UIEDA, V. S. Composição da comunidade de invertebrados de um ambiente lótico tropical e sua variação espaço-temporal. Oecologia Brasiliensis, v. 5, n. 1, p. 157-173, 1998. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.1998.0501.12

MALMQVIST, B.; SACKMANN, G. Changing risk of predation for a filter-feeding insect along a current velocity gradient. Oecologia, v. 108, n. 3, p. 450-458, 1996. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00333721

MALMQVIST, B.; ADLER, P. H.; KUUSELA, K.; MERRITT, R. W.; WOTTON, R. S. Blackflies in the boreal biome, key organisms in terrestrial and aquatic environments: a review. Écoscience, v. 11, n. 2, p. 187-200, 2004. DOI: 10.1080/11956860.2004.11682824. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11956860.2004.11682824

MAZZONI, A. C.; LANZER, R.; SCHÄFER, A. Tolerance of benthic macroinvertebrates to organic enrichment in highland streams of northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, v. 26, n. 2, p. 119-128, 2014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S2179-975X2014000200003

MOTTA, R. L.; UIEDA, V. S. Trophic organization and food web structure of southeastern Brazilian streams: a review. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, v. 19, n. 1, p. 15-30, 2007.

ODUM, E. P. Trends expected in stressed ecosystems. BioScience, v. 35, n. 7, p. 419-422, 1985. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1310021

QUEIROZ, J. F.; SILVA, M. S. G. M.; TRIVINHO-STRIXINO, S. Organismos bentônicos: biomonitoramento da qualidade da água. Jaguariúna: Embrapa Meio Ambiente, 2008.

RESH, V. H.; ROSENBERG, D. M. Freshwater biomonitoring and benthic macroinvertebrates. New York: Chapman & Hall, 1993.

RODRIGUES DA COSTA, T.; NASCIMENTO DOCILE, T.; DE ALBUQUERQUE FERREIRA, C.; MIRANDA SOUZA-MARTINS, T. M.; LIMA-DE-SOUSA, I. K.; GIL-AZEVEDO, L. H.; FIGUEIRÓ, R. Spatial distribution of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) immature taxocenoses from the Pedra Branca State Park, Brazil. Universitas Scientiarum, v. 29, n. 3, p. 187-205, 2024. DOI: 10.11144/Javeriana.SC292.sdob. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.SC292.sdob

SANTANA, M. S.; SANTOS, C. B.; MITSUKA, P. M. Composição de macroinvertebrados associados a macrófitas aquáticas como parâmetro para avaliação da qualidade da água de um reservatório no semiárido baiano. Biotemas, Florianópolis, v. 34, n. 3, e78598, 2021. DOI: 10.5007/2175-7925.2021.e78598. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2021.e78598

SANTOS, A. A.; ZIKAN, C. E. Descrição geral do Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. Cadernos FBDS, v. 3, p. 21-30, 2000.

SOUZA, N. F.; LEAL, J. S.; TOURINHO, L.; FARJALLA, V. F.; VALE, M. M. Bioindicator aquatic insects at risk from climate change in a biodiversity hotspot. Science of the Total Environment, v. 948, art. 174824, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174824. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174824

SZAŁKIEWICZ, E.; KAŁUŻA, T.; GRYGORUK, M. Detailed analysis of habitat suitability curves for macroinvertebrates and functional feeding groups. Scientific Reports, v. 12, art. 10757, 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15096-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-15096-8

TSZYDEL, M.; KRUK, A.; TOŃCZYK, G. The role of macroinvertebrate taxonomic resolution in bioassessment of urban streams: a case study from the city of Lodz, Poland. Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology, v. 24, n. 2, p. 459-470, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecohyd.2024.01.009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecohyd.2024.01.009

VERAS, D. S.; FERREIRA, M. F. R.; LUSTOSA, G. S.; CASTRO, E. R.; AZÊVEDO, C. A. S.; JUEN, L. Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera with bioindicator potential in streams across a mosaic of land uses. Hydrobiologia, 2026. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-026-06173-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-026-06173-4

Downloads

Published

2026-07-07

How to Cite

DE FREITAS VIANA PIMENTEL, Francinne Aparecida; MIRANDA SOUZA-MARTINS, Tainá Maria; LIMA-DE-SOUSA, Ivyn Karla; DOCILE, Tatiana; FIGUEIRÓ, Ronaldo. Distribution and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates along a current velocity gradient. Cadernos UniFOA, Volta Redonda, RJ, v. 21, n. 56, p. 1–11, 2026. DOI: 10.47385/cadunifoa.v21.n56.6267. Disponível em: https://revistas.unifoa.edu.br/cadernos/article/view/6267. Acesso em: 11 jul. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 56 (2026): Cadernos UniFOA - 20 anos

Section

Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Cadernos UniFOA

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Declaração de Transferência de Direitos Autorais - Cadernos UniFOA como autor(es) do artigo abaixo intitulado, declaro(amos) que em caso de aceitação do artigo por parte da Revista Cadernos UniFOA, concordo(amos) que os direitos autorais e ele referentes se tornarão propriedade exclusiva desta revista, vedada qualquer produção, total ou parcial, em qualquer outra parte ou meio de divulgação, impressa ou eletrônica, sem que a prévia e necessária autorização seja solicitada e, se obtida, farei(emos) constar o agradecimento à Revista Cadernos UniFOA, e os créditos correspondentes. Declaro(emos) também que este artigo é original na sua forma e conteúdo, não tendo sido publicado em outro periódico, completo ou em parte,  e certifico(amos) que não se encontra sob análise em qualquer outro veículo de comunicação científica.

O AUTOR desde já está ciente e de acordo que:

  • A obra não poderá ser comercializada e sua contribuição não gerará ônus para a FOA/UniFOA;
  • A obra será disponibilizada em formato digital no sítio eletrônico do UniFOA para pesquisas e downloads de forma gratuita;
  • Todo o conteúdo é de total responsabilidade dos autores na sua forma e originalidade;
  • Todas as imagens utilizadas (fotos, ilustrações, vetores e etc.) devem possuir autorização para uso;
  • Que a obra não se encontra sob a análise em qualquer outro veículo de comunicação científica, caso contrário o Autor deverá justificar a submissão à Editora da FOA, que analisará o pedido, podendo ser autorizado ou não.

O AUTOR está ciente e de acordo que tem por obrigação solicitar a autorização expressa dos coautores da obra/artigo, bem como dos professores orientadores antes da submissão do mesmo, se obrigando inclusive a mencioná-los no corpo da obra, sob pena de responder exclusivamente pelos danos causados.

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC