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Aquatic macrophytes and trophic interactions: a scientometric analyses and research perspectives
C M C Rocha1, D Lima2, M C C Cunha3
1Laboratório de Interações Multitróficas - LIM, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Av. Profº Moraes Rêgo, s/n, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-90, Recife, PE, Brasil.
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasleira De Biologia
|November 1, 2018
Summary
Aquatic macrophytes play key roles in ecosystem structure and water quality. Research on their trophic interactions is growing globally, but South American contributions remain limited, highlighting a need for increased regional scientific productivity.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Ecosystem Dynamics
Background:
- Aquatic macrophytes are crucial for ecosystem structuring and trophic cascades, impacting water quality.
- Global research on macrophyte trophic interactions has increased, yet South American contributions lag significantly.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for effective water quality management and ecosystem restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify research gaps and future perspectives in macrophyte-mediated trophic interactions.
- To analyze global publication trends, with a focus on South American research output.
- To assess the current state of knowledge regarding macrophyte roles in trophic webs.
Main Methods:
- A bibliometric analysis of 242 publications from 1980 to 2015 using the Web of Knowledge database.
- Articles were categorized by ecosystem, study approach, biological organization, and interacting taxonomic groups.
- Analysis included country contributions, international cooperation, and institutional affiliations.
Main Results:
- Global studies on macrophytes and trophic interactions show a consistent increase over 35 years.
- South American countries contributed minimally (26 publications) to the global research landscape.
- Reservoirs and wetlands received limited research attention; macrophyte-phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions were frequently studied.
Conclusions:
- Significant international disparities exist in macrophyte trophic interaction research.
- There is a critical need to boost scientific productivity in South America to address these asymmetries.
- Future research should focus on enhancing macrophyte-mediated trophic interaction studies to improve water quality and ecosystem health.
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