Use of ecological niche modeling as a tool for predicting the potential distribution of Microcystis sp (cyanobacteria) in the Aguamilpa Dam, Nayarit, Mexico

  • José Luis Ibarra-Montoya Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco
  • Gabriel Rangel-Peraza Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco
  • Fernando A. González-Farias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
  • José De Anda Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco
  • Enrique Martinez-Meyer Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
  • Humberto Macias-Cuellar Chakaan Buulaan, A. C.
Keywords: Micocystis sp., cyanobacteria, ecological niche model, reservoir, MAXENT

Abstract

Ecological niche modeling is an important tool to evaluate the spatial distribution of terrestrial species, however, its applicability has been little explored in the aquatic environment. Microcystis sp., a species of cyanobacteria, is widely recognized for its ability to produce a group of toxins known as microcystins, which can cause death of animals as fish, birds and mammals depending on the amount of toxin absorbed. Like any taxonomic group, cyanobacteria has environmental thresholds, therefore, a suitable ecological niche will define their distribution. This study was conducted in Aguamilpa Hydroelectric Reservoir, an artificial ecosystem that started operations in 1994. In this system we evaluated the potential distribution of Microcystis sp., by generating a prediction model based on the concept of ecological niche MAXENT, using a Digital Elevation Model in cells of 100 m x 100 m (1 ha) spatial resolution and monitoring eleven physicochemical and biological variables and nutrients in water. The distribution maps were developed using ArcMap 9.2®. The results indicated that Microcystis sp., is distributed mainly in the upper tributary basin (Huaynamota basin) during the dry season. There was less chance to find cyanobacteria in the entire system during the cold dry season, while during the warm dry season cyanobacteria was recognized at the confluence of two rivers. During the rainfall season there were no reports of cyanobacteria presence. This species is often associated with arising trophic processes of anthropogenic origin; therefore, attention is required in specific areas that have been identified in this work to improve Aguamilpa’s watershed management and restoration. It was also recognized the importance of phosphorus and nitrogen interaction, which determines the distribution of Microcystis sp., in the Aguamilpa Reservoir. The results of this study demonstrated that ecological niche modeling was a suitable tool to assess the spatial distribution of microalgae in freshwater environments.

Author Biographies

José Luis Ibarra-Montoya, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco
BIOLOGIST, NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF MEXICO. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TEACHER IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY, NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF MEXICO. GRADUATE STUDIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE IN CIATEJ. MY INTEREST IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF BODIES, THE GEOGRAPHICAL ECOLOGY AND NICHE CONSERVATISM.
Gabriel Rangel-Peraza, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco
Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Technological Institute of Culiacán. M. Sc in Environmental Engineering and Research Center on Technology and Design Support of the State of Jalisco AC Candidate for the degree of Doctor of Science in Environmental Engineering Terminal option
Fernando A. González-Farias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Senior Researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Specialization in environmental chemistry, with emphasis on chemical pollution and the study of organic matter degradation processes and the physicochemical factors involved in its regulation. Professor in the Graduate Program in Marine Sciences, UNAM.
José De Anda, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco
CHE degree at the University of Guadalajara (Mexico,1982).Msc-CHE degree at the Autonomous Metropolitan Uniersity (Mexico, 1987) major in process and hydraulic engineering. Postgraduate studies and research in chemical reactor engineering processes at the Erlangen-Nuerenberg University (Germany, 1988-1989), major in Environmental Engineering. PhD in Earth Sciences at the Geophysics Institute of the Nacional Autonomous Univversity of Mexico (UNAM, Mexico, 2001), major in aquatic ecosystems restoration and management.
Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Is a researcher in the Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). His research interests revolve around what Robert MacArthur called Geographical Ecology; i.e., understanding the driving factors determining species´ distribution and abundante in space and time
Humberto Macias-Cuellar, Chakaan Buulaan, A. C.
Biologist, UNAM, PhD at the Graduate Program in Biological Sciences (UNAM). Projects focused on generating processes of community organization, participatory action research and use of geographic information systems for generating models of natural resource management. Assists in the socio-environmental Zapotitlán River Basin, Puebla, UNAM. Their lines of work are Geographic Information Systems in the Management and Conservation of Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Participatory Research, Characterization Territorial, Local Planning and Zoning Community.
Published
27/04/2012
Section
Papers