Aquatic macrophytes and trophic interactions: a scientometric analyses and research perspectives

Abstract

Aquatic macrophytes have a recognized role in ecosystem structuring and an important position in trophic cascades interactions, whose understanding is to improve water quality. In recent years, the number of studies on the role of aquatic macrophytes in trophic webs and interactions has increased, but South America has made little progress in research in the area. In this study, we investigated the main gaps and perspectives for future studies on macrophytes and trophic interactions, analyzing global publications, especially those conducted by South American researchers. We accessed publications using an international database (Thomson Reuters ISI-Web of Knowledge-(formerly Institute for Scientific Information)) from 1980 to 2015. We ranked each article by ecosystem and study approach, biological organization and interacting taxonomic groups (phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, fish and birds), countries publishing in cooperation and affiliations. The results showed that published studies (n = 242) emphasizing aquatic plants in trophic interactions increased in 35 years. Comparing the contributions of the 32 countries investigated, those from South America as first affiliation, had few publications (n = 26) and in cooperation (n = 7). The largest volume of articles indexed by the researchers dealt with the dynamics and structure of aquatic assemblages, webs and trophic interactions. Ecosystems such reservoirs and wetlands have received little attention. Large numbers of studies have encompassed community-wide aquatic approaches, including in South American studies, the interactions between macrophytes, zooplankton and phytoplankton were the second most studied interactions of all indexed articles. Knowledge about trophic cascade and interactions has been successfully enhanced in several countries with the purpose of restructuring communities and restore water quality of many ecosystems. In summary, we conclude that studies in the area of trophic interactions mediated by macrophytes may be directed in a way to attenuate international asymmetries, encouraging the increase of scientific productivity in South America.

Influence of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms on a Tropical Microcrustacean Community Based on Taxonomic and Functional Trait Diversity

“…For plankton communities, functional diversity has been associated with an increase in productivity [17]. The shifts in our microcrustacean communities should have consequences for pond ecosystem functioning because of the important role that these organisms play in linking trophic levels and in recycling nutrients [19,50,51].…”

“…We examined species traits related to the use of resource niches provided by macrophytes, and explored with the outcome for functional diversity. The aim of the study was to contribute to understanding the role of macrophytes E. crassipes in structuring microcrustacean communities, which ultimately influence ecosystem functioning through nutrient cycling in aquatic environments [17][18][19].…”

Ultrasonic control of aquatic macrophytes in reservoirs: An integrated review

“…Moreover, they significantly contribute to aquatic biodiversity, serving as habitat and refuge for a wide range of organisms, including birds, fish, and insects. They also play a crucial role in protecting stream banks from erosion and adding essential organic matter to the water, thus enhancing the overall quality of the aquatic ecosystem (Alahuhta et al, 2017;Rocha et al, 2018).…”

“…Additionally, the composition of macrophyte communities can provide information about the presence of specific pollutants, salinity, and pH conditions. Thus, macrophytes are valuable indicators for environmental monitoring and assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems (Huisman et al, 2018;Rocha et al, 2018;Sompura et al, 2024;Y. Yang & Liu, 2023).…”

Riqueza E Distribuição De Macrófitas Aquáticas No Rio Guaribas, Picos, Piauí

“…Além disso, elas oferecem proteção, alimentação e locais de nidificação para os animais vertebrados e invertebrados (Brower & Zar, 1984), reagem às mudanças na qualidade do ambiente em que vivem (Kastratović et al, 2018), absorvem metais pesados, óleos e outros compostos melhorando substancialmente a qualidade da água (Pompêo, 2008;Sood et al, 2012). E são importantes componentes funcionais em micro-escala do habitat aquático bem como em macro-escala na estruturação de ecossistemas e nas interações tróficas em cascata (Dibble, 2005;Rocha et al, 2019) pelo aumento da complexidade espacial dos habitats (Esteves, 2011).…”