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THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE FRESHWATER CRUSTACEAN ASELLUS AQUATICUS LINNAEUS, 1758, IN THE DANUBE DELTA
Abstract
Asellus aquaticus Linnaeus, 1758 is the widespread and common Palearctic freshwater isopod, feeding on detritus. This crustacean, probably, has its ancient evolutionary origins around Siberia and has spread from there to Western Europe and North America. Commonly associated with a temperate climate, it has been recorded as far south as the Mediterranean, and as far north as Scandinavia. The species is primarily associated with the b-mesosaprobic waters of the palearctic realm i.e., high concentrations of dissolved oxygen, low oxygen consumption rate and significant mineralization of organic materials with end-products such as nitrates. Furthermore, it is considered an effective bioindicator since it is recognized for its high tolerance to organic pollution. The data obtained within this study were used to analyze the internal dispersal of A. aquaticus along the main branches of the Danube Delta (Chilia, Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe). For this purpose, 167 sediment samples were collected from 126 sampling sites between 2019 and 2020. Overall, according to obtained data, the individuals of the isopod A. aquaticus were identified only in 12 stations distributed throughout the investigated areas. The results may provide a simple biological tool which could be used to generally monitor water quality with more naturally occurring organisms. As well, it may contribute to get a thorough understanding of the ecology of freshwater systems. This assessment provides a baseline for further distribution studies of A. aquaticus and the details of his habitat requirements. Acquired data should result in more effective involvement of this species in a regional/national system of freshwater ecological status assessment.
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