THE HYPEREUTROPHICATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE BIOCOENOSIS OF AN URBAN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM AT JOÃO PESSOA-PB, BRAZIL

Abstract

In the present study we investigated the trophic state of the Lagoa do Parque Solon de Lucena and its impact on the aquatic biota. Phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthic macroinvertebrates communities we evaluated with the Carlson Trophic State Index and different limnological variables, bimonthly, from June 1995 to September 1996. The numerous and variable discharges of domestic and industrial sewage, the high degree of eutrophication, indicated by elevated rates of nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, sedimentation, fish mortality, and algal blooms, tranformed the ecosystem into a stabilization pond with limited purifying capacity. The structural invariability of the communities with the absence of species succession is reflected in the loss of the system elasticity, diversity and food web links reduction.

Keywords: Hypereutrophication, biocoenosis, limnological variables, diversity, trophic state index, Northeastern Brazil.