INVESTIGADORES
GOMEZ Nora
capítulos de libros
Título:
EPIPELIC BIOFILMS AS INDICATORS
Autor/es:
GOMEZ, N; SIERRA, M.V; COCHERO, J; LICURSI, M; BAUER, D.E.
Libro:
Biofilms: Formation, Development and Properties
Editorial:
Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Referencias:
Lugar: NEW YORK; Año: 2009; p. 1 - 33
Resumen:
The epipelic biofilm is a biologic complex of autotrophs (algae) and heterotrophs
(fungi, bacteria, microinvertebrates) embedded in a polysaccharide matrix that develops
on the fine sediments (silt and clay) of many aquatic ecosystem worldwide of lowland
fluvial streambeds. Biofilms play a key role in the energetic balance of the fluvial
systems, contributing to the recycling of organic matter and, therefore, to their selfdepuration.
The structure and function of a biofilm are affected by a variety of factors,
both natural and anthropogenic, that, in turn, determine the physical and chemical
conditions of the water. The characteristics of biofilms on episammic and epilithic
substrates have been widely described in the literature, but the features of epipelic
biofilms have been only scarcely documented. In this chapter, we present a review of the
use of the structural and functional parameters of epipelic biofilms in order to assess
changes in water and habitat quality as a result of human impact. Methodologies for the
sampling and analysis of biofilms are described; and selected study cases are discussed in
order to provide information about specific composition, density, biomass, biological
indices, primary production, respiration, and enzymatic activities of the epipelon in
relation to different uses of the surrounding land. The structural and functional
parameters of biofilms should be made an integral component in the routine assessment
of stream health as well as in the establishment of baseline values for both disturbed and
undisturbed systems to be incorporated into monitoring and compliance guidelines.