Linking Morpho-hydrology and Invertebrate Ecology in Meanders and Confluences of a Large Floodplain River (Paraná River, Argentina)

BLETTLER MARTIN; AMSLER M.L.; EBERLE ELIANA; SZUPIANY RICARDO; LATOSINSKI, FRANCISCO G.; ABRIAL ELIE; OBERHOLSTER PAUL; ESPÍNOLA LUIS; RODRIGUES-CAPÍTULO A.

Simposio; ISEEP-2017 VIII. INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS; 2017

Interdisciplinary research in the fields of ecohydrology and ecogeomorphology is becoming increasingly important to understand how biological and physical processes interact with each other in river systems. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine changes in invertebrate community due to hydrological stages and inputs of suspended sediments, 2) to link local physical features (flow, sediment and morphological feature) with the ecological structure between and within meanders and confluences, and 3) to determine the existence and the origin of bed hydro-geomorphic patches. Results were discussed in the frame of prevailing ecological models and concepts. Overall results suggested that hydrodynamics was the driving force determining distribution patterns of benthic assemblages. We also found a linkage between physical features and ecology, which caused a dissimilar fauna structure between and within meanders and confluences. Several sandy-patches were recorded in confluences, supported the view of rivers as patchy discontinua, under uncertain ecological equilibrium. With further development of our findings and concepts, river management techniques can improve and river rehabilitation projects can be designed with greater confidence.