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The impact of wildfires on subterranean aquatic organisms
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Subterranean ecosystems are distinct due to their unique characteristics and specialized organisms. Caves, known for their ecological stability, are increasingly vulnerable to anthropogenic and natural contamination sources, including wildfires. Wildfires produce and disperse harmful organic and inorganic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals, which pose significant environmental risks due to their toxicity and bioaccumulation ability in the food chain. This dissertation focuses, for the first time, on the impact of wildfire-related compounds on two subterranean aquatic crustaceans, Proasellus lusitanicus and Proasellus assaforensis (Isopoda: Asellidae), which play a critical role in maintaining groundwater quality. The organisms were exposed to varying concentrations of ash dilutions, and biomolecular analysis was conducted using total glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, lipid peroxidation, electron transport system, lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase, and total protein. The results indicate an increase in lipid peroxidation levels in both species, reflecting oxidative stress. A rise in lactate dehydrogenase was observed only in P. assaforensis, which produced enough energy to prevent oxidative damage when exposed to a concentration of 1.25 g/L. Still, insufficient for higher concentrations, no significant ventilation differences were recorded. P. lusitanicus showed significant inhibition in catalase levels to all the tested concentrations and a decrease in ventilation at the highest concentrations, as a consequence of the high toxicity induced, given their inability to produce energy aerobically or anaerobically. This limitation, tied to a lack of anaerobic metabolism, suggests better adaptation to the underground environment, increasing the vulnerability of P. lusitanicus to stress, unlike P. assaforensis, which can adapt by producing anaerobic energy. These findings suggest that wildfire-related compounds may create stressful conditions in groundwater communities, potentially impacting these ecosystems and disrupting their ecological functioning. The potential loss of these species may threaten the ecosystem’s ability to maintain water quality, leading to broader ecological imbalances.
Descrição
Tese de mestrado, Biologia Humana e Ambiente , 2025, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências
Palavras-chave
grutas cinzas de incêndios florestais biodiversidade subterrânea ecotoxicidade conservação Teses de mestrado - 2025