Spatial distribution of aquatic vegetation in estuarine regions: ecological aspects in the estuaries of São Paulo (Brazil) Laís Nunes, Antonio Fernando Monteiro Camargo

Abstract

Estuaries are environments where fresh and salt water mix through the connection between a river and the ocean. Environmental gradients occur in these aquatic environments, mainly in salinity and flooding. These abiotic factors limit the growth of aquatic vegetation and can mediate interspecific competition. Aquatic vegetation in estuarine regions includes aquatic macrophytes, which perform important ecosystem services. Environmental gradients promote spatial distribution patterns of aquatic macrophyte species along estuaries. However, the importance of abiotic and biotic factors in the environmental gradient for the zonation of aquatic macrophytes may vary according to the characteristics of the ecosystems and the species in question. The estuaries of the state of São Paulo have different environmental characteristics, due to the presence of the Serra do Mar along the entire coastline and its coastal plains with quite varied widths. Different communities of aquatic macrophytes occur in these estuaries. This work aims to address the factors responsible for the growth and spatial distribution patterns of aquatic vegetation in estuarine regions, as well as compile information from studies that relate the characteristics of the estuaries of the state of São Paulo and the community of aquatic macrophytes.