Identification of the Microfauna Associated with Mururé Roots (Pistia stratiotes) and Relationships with Environmental Quality

Abstract

Brazil has a great diversity of species, making it a diversified field of studies and scientific investigations in the most varied areas of teaching and research. The present study aimed to identify the composition of the microfauna associated with the roots of the mururé (Pistia stratiotes) and its importance in the environmental quality of an aquatic ecosystem in the municipality of Abaetetuba-PA. The study began with the observation and choice of the collection site, followed by the collection of mururé and its handling in appropriate tanks with adequate storage and maintenance conditions. Then, observation was carried out under an optical microscope, ending with their identification up to the taxonomic level of the genus. Thirty-one genera associated with the roots of the mururé were identified, within two large kingdoms (Animalia and Protista). The research points to the existence of a rich and diverse microfauna associated with the roots of Pistia stratiotes in the study site, revealing that the environment in question presents favorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of this plant. Although the presence of specimens of the genera Brachionus and Anuraeopsis indicates that the environment may be slightly eutrophic, the other indicators pointed to an environment free from pollution and totally favorable to the existence and development of plant and animal species.