Comunidade zooplanctônica e a qualidade da água na Praia do Mucuripe, Fortaleza/CE

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems are dynamic and subject to constant environmental variations that directly influence their biological communities. This work analyzed the zooplankton community and water quality at Mucuripe Beach., in Fortaleza/CE, an environment impacted by urbanization and the high frequency of visitors. Monthly collections were carried out between March and October 2024, obtaining data on physical and chemical parameters in situ. Zooplankton was also collected with a 63 μm mesh net and the analyzes were carried out in the Bioecology/UFC laboratory. The results of the parameters showed an environment under environmental pressure, with a very restricted zooplankton community, with the presence of Calanoida and Cyclopoida copepods, in addition to Keratella sp., Moina sp. and Brachionus sp., the latter two being bioindicators of eutrophic and/or polluted waters, reflecting the influence of pollutants from human activity in the beach surroundings, evidencing the need for continuous monitoring to minimize environmental impacts and preserve the water quality of Mucuripe Beach.