FROM ECHOES TO ESTIMATES: MAPPING AND PREDICTING SUBMERGED MACROPHYTE BIOMASS IN A TROPICAL RESERVOIR

Submerged aquatic macrophytes play essential roles in lentic ecosystems, reflecting environmental quality and serving as effective bioindicators. However, excessive growth can impair ecosystem services. Traditional monitoring methods are costly and spatially limited, whereas hydroacoustics provides a rapid and non-destructive approach for large-scale assessments. This project evaluates the influence of seasonality and environmental quality on macrophyte biomass, species richness, and abundance in the Itaipu Reservoir, a strategic binational system. We integrate hydroacoustic data with water and sediment quality measurements and plant biomass. Preliminary results show no effect of depth (up to 4 m) or seasonality on biomass. A Gamma GLM revealed a significant relationship between hydroacoustic plant height and biomass. Among the seven submerged species identified, Egeria najas Planch. and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle were the most abundant, and a previously unrecorded species was described. A predictive model combining hydroacoustic, physicochemical, and biological parameters is being developed to enhance the precision and scalability of macrophyte monitoring. Integrating these data provides a comprehensive understanding of ecological patterns, offering a robust tool for reservoir management.

Presentation Preference: Standard Oral (12 Minutes)

Primary Presenter: Wagner Chiba de Castro, Federal University of Latin American Integration (wagner.castro@unila.edu.br)

Authors:

Wagner Chiba de Castro, Federal University of Latin American Integration  (wagner.castro@unila.edu.br)

Diego Tavares, ITAIPU Parquetec  (diego.tavares@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Bruno Ramos Cassilha, ITAIPU  (cassilha@itaipu.gov.br)

Raphaell Machado Bordin, ITAIPU Parquetec  (raphaell.bordin@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Letícia da Costa, ITAIPU Parquetec  (leticia.c@bolsista.pti.org.br)

Alvaro Vale, Federal University of Latin American Integration  (ah.vale.2016@aluno.unila.edu.br)

Pavel Dodonov, Universidade Federal da Bahia  (pdodonov@gmail.com)

Caio Souza da Silva, Federal University of Latin American Integration  (cs.silva.2021@aluno.unila.edu.br)

Julia Cardozo Bahe, Federal University of Latin American Integration  (jc.bahe.2021@aluno.unila.edu.br)

Sophia Ribeiro, Federal University of Latin American Integration  (sp.ribeiro.2021@aluno.unila.edu.br)

Bianca do Amaral, ITAIPU Parquetec  (bianca.amaral@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Sabrina Fabichaki, ITAIPU Parquetec  (sabrina.fabichaki@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Bianca Cerato, Federal University of Latin American Integration  (b.mcerato@gmail.com)

Amanda Fischer, ITAIPU Parquetec  (amanda.fischer@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Beatriz Stachissi Arcain, ITAIPU Parquetec  (beatriz.arcain@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Guilherme Gomes, ITAIPU Parquetec  (guilherme.gomes@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Natalie Toyama, ITAIPU Parquetec  (natalie.toyama@itaipuparquetec.org.br)

Simone Benassi (in memorian), ITAIPU  (simonefb@itaipu.gov.br)

Jussara de Souza, ITAIPU  (JUELIAS@ITAIPU.GOV.BR)