Tendências e padrões em quarenta anos de pesquisas sobre ecologia de fitoplâncton em reservatórios brasileiros

Abstract

Objective: To identify temporal and spatial trends in Brazilian publications on the subject13 of “phytoplankton ecology in Brazilian reservoirs”, in addition to pointing out knowledge14 gaps and understanding the main themes addressed in the articles.15 Methods: A search was carried out in the Web of Science database using the search terms:16 “(phytoplankt*) OR (microalga*) AND (ecolog*) AND (reservoir*) OR (hydropower)17 AND (freshwater) AND (Brazil*)” in the title, abstract or text of articles published up to18 2023.19 Results: The analysis included 254 articles published between 1983 and 2023 with a total20 of 386 reservoirs. There was a gradual increase in the number of publications, with a21 greater concentration of studies on reservoirs in São Paulo (31%), Pernambuco (12%) and22 Paraná (10%). The most frequent keywords were “cyanobacteria”, “eutrophication”,23 “zooplankton” and “functional groups”. The most studied reservoirs were Barra Bonita,24 in São Paulo, Funil, in Rio de Janeiro, and Garças and Itupararanga, both in the state of25 São Paulo. The taxonomic approach was the most used, 74%, followed by the functional26 approach, which was present in 26% of the studies, with an emphasis on Reynolds27 Functional Groups, Functional Groups Based on Morphology and Functional Traits. The28 occurrence of blooms was mentioned in 40% of the studies. Most of the species cited as29 responsible for the blooms were cyanobacteria and the dinoflagellate Ceratium furcoides.30 Conclusions: Publications on the ecology of phytoplankton in Brazilian reservoirs have31 grown over the last 40 years, but unevenly among the country's reservoirs. The most32 frequent keywords indicate the focus of studies on water quality, with an emphasis on33 cyanobacteria, eutrophication, zooplankton and functional approaches. The taxonomic34 approach remains consolidated, but the functional approach has become more popular.35 The occurrence of blooms in reservoirs has increased over the years, mainly due to36 eutrophication caused by excess nutrients. Future research should address emerging37 issues such as the relationship between the phytoplankton community and microplastic38 pollution and the influence of global warming.39