Environmental factors affecting the distribution of Spongillidae (Porifera) in an artificial channel, in north-western Italy
Resumen
The hydrographic network of the upper Po Valley (NW Italy) is characterized by the presence of numerous hydroelectric plants, often powered by artificial channels. These man-made water courses, which range from a few hundred meters to several kilometers in length, are used to convey water from the rivers to the electricity production plant. Power canals are usually characterized by concrete banks and bottoms, a geometric profile, and the absence of riparian vegetation so that they host peculiar invertebrate communities, often extremely well adapted to life in a completely artificial habitat. Sponges are an often little considered component of the freshwater macroinvertebrate fauna, whose functions and role within communities can be of considerable interest. These sessile, filter-feeding organisms can colonize artificial channels, but little is known about the local environmental characteristics that influence their distribution. In this study, we investigated the distribution of a freshwater sponge family Spongillidae, in a 4.5 km long artificial channel in Rocca Grimalda (Alessandria, NW Italy). A total of 863 specimens were localized and measured, and selected environmental characteristics were recorded. Results suggested that the distribution of sponges depends mainly on the lighting rather than the type of substrate or other local factors, so that this taxon is well-suited to colonizing artificial environments with good water quality conditions.
Descargas
Publicado
Número
Sección
Licencia
Los autores que publican en esta revista están de acuerdo con los siguientes términos:
- Limnetica está bajo una licencia de Creative Commons Atribución-NoComercial 4.0 Internacional.
b. Los autores pueden establecer por separado acuerdos adicionales para la distribución no exclusiva de la versión de la obra publicada en la revista (por ejemplo, situarlo en un repositorio institucional o publicarlo en un libro), con un reconocimiento de su publicación inicial en esta revista.
c. Se permite y se anima a los autores a difundir sus trabajos electrónicamente (por ejemplo, en repositorios institucionales o en su propio sitio web) antes y durante el proceso de envío, ya que puede dar lugar a intercambios productivos, así como a una citación más temprana y mayor de los trabajos publicados (Véase The Effect of Open Access) (en inglés).