Evaluation of Tropical Semi-arid Shallow Wetlands Associated with Avian Botulism

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/rca.55-2.7

Keywords:

eutrophic shallow lakes, stable isotopes, waterfowl

Abstract

[Introduction]: Shallow wetlands are important for waterfowl; they are currently affected by climatic changes and nutrients derived from agriculture. This situation has been associated with outbreaks of avian botulism. [Objective]: Identify changes in wetlands that can lead to botulism outbreaks, and identify the source of nutrients that may contribute to a eutrophic state. [Methodology]: Evaluation of biotic characteristics (diversity of zooplankton and macroinvertebrates) and physicochemical characteristics (dissolved oxygen, temperature, total dissolved solids, and transparency) in three shallow wetlands (Silva, Coyote, and Trancas) in central Mexico, as well as evaluation of values of stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) from organisms to detect the input of nutrients to the aquatic ecosystem. [Results]: There was a decrease in transparency, water levels, and zooplankton and invertebrate diversity at all three sites. The values of dissolved oxygen, temperature, and total dissolved solids were different in the three sites. Values of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes from Silva and Coyote organisms coincide with values of stable isotopes found in sewage, fertilizers, and grains such as corn and wheat. [Conclusion]: Wetlands in the study site registered biotic and physicochemical changes along the year. In Silva and Coyote, water fluctuations, human activities, and, finally, the arrival of thousands of migratory birds produce an accumulation of dead organic matter and nutrients that made the system eutrophic and therefore more prone to present recurrent avian botulism outbreaks.

Author Biographies

Marcela Areli Araiza-Ortiz, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Investigadora en el Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas.

Luis Zambrano-González, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Investigador del Laboratorio de Restauración Ecológica. Instituto de Biología.

Marisa Mazari-Hiriart, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Investigadora del Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología.

Gerardo Suzán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Investigador del Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas.

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Published

2021-07-01

How to Cite

Araiza-Ortiz, M. A., Zambrano-González, L., Mazari-Hiriart, M., & Suzán, G. (2021). Evaluation of Tropical Semi-arid Shallow Wetlands Associated with Avian Botulism. Tropical Journal of Environmental Sciences, 55(2), 141-156. https://doi.org/10.15359/rca.55-2.7

How to Cite

Araiza-Ortiz, M. A., Zambrano-González, L., Mazari-Hiriart, M., & Suzán, G. (2021). Evaluation of Tropical Semi-arid Shallow Wetlands Associated with Avian Botulism. Tropical Journal of Environmental Sciences, 55(2), 141-156. https://doi.org/10.15359/rca.55-2.7

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