Presentations, program books and/or abstract publications:
Day, S.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Hunt, D.S.* Panel – AM Session: Conservation of urban aquatic systems: Interdisciplinary solutions to complicated problems. Joint Aquatic Science Meeting (Grand Rapids, MI). May 2022.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. Land use and canopy cover effects on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in impacted watersheds. Joint Aquatic Science Meeting (Grand Rapids, MI). May 2022. ORAL PRESENTATION.
Dabney, B.L.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Lewandowski, K.*, Siddiqua, Z.*, Pitts, D., & Kashian, D.R. Societal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Urban Centers of Detroit-Metropolitan Area. April 2022. ORAL PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. The use of periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates to assess impairment in two urban streams in Southeast Michigan (USA). Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting (Virtual). May 2021. POSTER PRESENTATION.
O’Leary, B.F*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Lucas, A.*, Raoufi, G.*, Dittrich, T.M. 2021. Detroit AirNet: A Community Science Platform against Air Pollution in a Highly Industrialized City. Environmental Design Research Association – 52th edition (Virtual). ORAL PRESENTATION.
Pruett, A., Dabney, B.L.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Weyhrauch, J., Lewandowski, K.*, Siddiqua, Z*. Societal Cultural & Environmental Impacts of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Detroit. GLIER/T-RUST Seminar Series. Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan – USA) & the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario – CA). April 2021. RECORDED PRESENTATION.
Dávila-Santiago, L.*, Bayrón-Arcelay, M., Cuebas-Irizarry, M.F., Esparra-Escalera, H.J. Panel - Analysis of Microbial Communities & Environmental Injustice in PR. Virtual seminar offered to UPR students. April, 2021.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J. La importancia de los macroinvertebrados bentónicos en el control de la calidad del agua en los ríos. Virtual seminar offered to UPR students – Host: Rhianna Smith, M.Sc. April 2021.
Pruett, A., Dabney, B.L.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Weyhrauch, J., Lewandowski, K.*, Siddiqua, Z*. Societal Cultural & Environmental Impacts of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Detroit, MI. USA. T-RUST SPRING 2021 Advisory Board Meeting. Wayne State University. March 2021. RECORDED PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. Assessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Primary Productivity in Streams with Green Infrastructure Components in Detroit-Metro and Surrounding Areas. 2019 Biological Sciences Department Retreat-Wayne State University. Detroit, Michigan-USA. November, 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION. p.14
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. Assessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Primary Productivity in Streams with Green Infrastructure Components in Detroit-Metro and Surrounding Areas. 2019 C.P Lee Graduate Student Research Presentation Day-Wayne State University. Detroit, Michigan-USA. October, 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION. p.15
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Sotomayor-Ramírez, D.R, Santos-Flores, C.J. Taxonomic Assessment and Periphyton Biomass in presence of Two Invasive Thiaridae Snails, contrasting with External Morphological Traits, on Freshwater Artificial Systems. 2019 ASLO-Aquatic Science Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February, 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION. Program book p. 52, see below.
Vázquez-Cardona, J.; Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Santos-Flores, C.J. Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream. 2017 Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Portland, Oregon. August, 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Santos-Flores, C.J. Nutrient release and grazing effects of two exotic Thiaridae species and their interaction of resources competition in freshwater mesocosms. 2017 Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Portland, Oregon. August, 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION.
Vázquez-Cardona, J.*; Esparra-Escalera, H.J. & Santos-Flores, C.J. Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream. ASLO- Association for Sciences in Limnology & Oceanography Aquatic Science Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. February/March 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION. Program Book p. 67, see below.
Vázquez-Cardona, J.*; Esparra-Escalera, H.J. & Santos-Flores, C.J. Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream. IX Caribbean Biodiversity Congress. Santo Domingo, DR. February 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION. p. 192-193
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Santos-Flores, C.J. Effects of Grazing on Periphyton Biomass and Nutrient Release by Two Exotic Thiaridae Snails under Artificial Conditions. IX Caribbean Biodiversity Congress. Santo Domingo, DR. February 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION. p. 165-166
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*; Viggiano-Beltrocco, M.V; Santos-Flores, C.J. Taxonomic Assessment of Periphyton Community in Three Subtropical Streams of Puerto Rico. Biology Department- UPRM. May, 2014. ORAL PRESENTATION. see below.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*; Rodríguez-Santiago, M; Sánchez-Santana, B.I; Santos-Flores, C.J. Net- phytoplankton Survey in Guajataca Reservoir, a Mesotrophic Lake in Puerto Rico. 40th SACNAS National Conference; San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. October, 2013. POSTER PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*; Rodríguez-Santiago, M; Sánchez-Santana, B.I; Santos-Flores, C.J. Net- phytoplankton Survey in Guajataca Reservoir, a Mesotrophic Lake in PuertoRico. ASLO- Association for Sciences in Limnology & Oceanography Aquatic Science Meeting; New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. February, 2013. POSTER PRESENTATION. Click here
Roldan-Irizarry, D*; Esparra-Escalera, H.J; Rodríguez-Santiago, M; Mulero, M.T.; Sánchez-Santana, B.I; Santos-Flores, C.J. 2012. Análisis de Fitoplancton de los Lagos Cerrillos, Guajataca y la Plata. 2nd Undergraduate Biology Symposium, vol.2. 2nd Undergraduate Biology Symposium, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR. ORAL PRESENTATION. p. 30
Day, S.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Hunt, D.S.* Panel – AM Session: Conservation of urban aquatic systems: Interdisciplinary solutions to complicated problems. Joint Aquatic Science Meeting (Grand Rapids, MI). May 2022.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. Land use and canopy cover effects on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in impacted watersheds. Joint Aquatic Science Meeting (Grand Rapids, MI). May 2022. ORAL PRESENTATION.
Dabney, B.L.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Lewandowski, K.*, Siddiqua, Z.*, Pitts, D., & Kashian, D.R. Societal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Urban Centers of Detroit-Metropolitan Area. April 2022. ORAL PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. The use of periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates to assess impairment in two urban streams in Southeast Michigan (USA). Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting (Virtual). May 2021. POSTER PRESENTATION.
O’Leary, B.F*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Lucas, A.*, Raoufi, G.*, Dittrich, T.M. 2021. Detroit AirNet: A Community Science Platform against Air Pollution in a Highly Industrialized City. Environmental Design Research Association – 52th edition (Virtual). ORAL PRESENTATION.
Pruett, A., Dabney, B.L.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Weyhrauch, J., Lewandowski, K.*, Siddiqua, Z*. Societal Cultural & Environmental Impacts of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Detroit. GLIER/T-RUST Seminar Series. Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan – USA) & the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario – CA). April 2021. RECORDED PRESENTATION.
Dávila-Santiago, L.*, Bayrón-Arcelay, M., Cuebas-Irizarry, M.F., Esparra-Escalera, H.J. Panel - Analysis of Microbial Communities & Environmental Injustice in PR. Virtual seminar offered to UPR students. April, 2021.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J. La importancia de los macroinvertebrados bentónicos en el control de la calidad del agua en los ríos. Virtual seminar offered to UPR students – Host: Rhianna Smith, M.Sc. April 2021.
Pruett, A., Dabney, B.L.*, Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Weyhrauch, J., Lewandowski, K.*, Siddiqua, Z*. Societal Cultural & Environmental Impacts of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Detroit, MI. USA. T-RUST SPRING 2021 Advisory Board Meeting. Wayne State University. March 2021. RECORDED PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. Assessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Primary Productivity in Streams with Green Infrastructure Components in Detroit-Metro and Surrounding Areas. 2019 Biological Sciences Department Retreat-Wayne State University. Detroit, Michigan-USA. November, 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION. p.14
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Kashian, D.R. Assessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Primary Productivity in Streams with Green Infrastructure Components in Detroit-Metro and Surrounding Areas. 2019 C.P Lee Graduate Student Research Presentation Day-Wayne State University. Detroit, Michigan-USA. October, 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION. p.15
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*, Sotomayor-Ramírez, D.R, Santos-Flores, C.J. Taxonomic Assessment and Periphyton Biomass in presence of Two Invasive Thiaridae Snails, contrasting with External Morphological Traits, on Freshwater Artificial Systems. 2019 ASLO-Aquatic Science Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February, 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION. Program book p. 52, see below.
Vázquez-Cardona, J.; Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Santos-Flores, C.J. Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream. 2017 Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Portland, Oregon. August, 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Santos-Flores, C.J. Nutrient release and grazing effects of two exotic Thiaridae species and their interaction of resources competition in freshwater mesocosms. 2017 Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Portland, Oregon. August, 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION.
Vázquez-Cardona, J.*; Esparra-Escalera, H.J. & Santos-Flores, C.J. Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream. ASLO- Association for Sciences in Limnology & Oceanography Aquatic Science Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. February/March 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION. Program Book p. 67, see below.
Vázquez-Cardona, J.*; Esparra-Escalera, H.J. & Santos-Flores, C.J. Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream. IX Caribbean Biodiversity Congress. Santo Domingo, DR. February 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION. p. 192-193
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.* & Santos-Flores, C.J. Effects of Grazing on Periphyton Biomass and Nutrient Release by Two Exotic Thiaridae Snails under Artificial Conditions. IX Caribbean Biodiversity Congress. Santo Domingo, DR. February 2017. POSTER PRESENTATION. p. 165-166
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*; Viggiano-Beltrocco, M.V; Santos-Flores, C.J. Taxonomic Assessment of Periphyton Community in Three Subtropical Streams of Puerto Rico. Biology Department- UPRM. May, 2014. ORAL PRESENTATION. see below.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*; Rodríguez-Santiago, M; Sánchez-Santana, B.I; Santos-Flores, C.J. Net- phytoplankton Survey in Guajataca Reservoir, a Mesotrophic Lake in Puerto Rico. 40th SACNAS National Conference; San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. October, 2013. POSTER PRESENTATION.
Esparra-Escalera, H.J.*; Rodríguez-Santiago, M; Sánchez-Santana, B.I; Santos-Flores, C.J. Net- phytoplankton Survey in Guajataca Reservoir, a Mesotrophic Lake in PuertoRico. ASLO- Association for Sciences in Limnology & Oceanography Aquatic Science Meeting; New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. February, 2013. POSTER PRESENTATION. Click here
Roldan-Irizarry, D*; Esparra-Escalera, H.J; Rodríguez-Santiago, M; Mulero, M.T.; Sánchez-Santana, B.I; Santos-Flores, C.J. 2012. Análisis de Fitoplancton de los Lagos Cerrillos, Guajataca y la Plata. 2nd Undergraduate Biology Symposium, vol.2. 2nd Undergraduate Biology Symposium, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR. ORAL PRESENTATION. p. 30
Taxonomic Assessment and Periphyton Biomass in presence of Two Invasive Thiaridae Snails, contrasting with External Morphological Traits, on Freshwater Artificial Systems
Héctor Esparra-Escalera(1), David R. Sotomayor-Ramírez(2), Carlos J. Santos-Flores(1),
(1)Aquatic Biology Laboratory. Department of Biology. University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Arts & Sciences. P.O Box 9000. Mayagüez P.R 00681-9000.
(2) Department of Agro-environmental Sciences. University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Agricultural Sciences. P.O Box 9000. Mayagüez P.R 00681-9000.
ABSTRACT:
Thiara granifera and Melanoides tuberculata are invasive snails that have health relevance and impacts on food webs in tropical freshwater systems. Due to their higher reproductivity, both snails dominate the communities of herbivores during higher nutrient availability and standing crop of benthos; thus, impacting the trophic status by differential grazing. This research was focused on the influences of these snail species over periphyton biomass, and the contrast of their external morphological traits when set alone or competing for resources. Four treatments (control without snails, only T. granifera, only M. tuberculata and both species interacting) were set in mesocosms with 22 tiles on the bottom for periphyton species colonization. Each treatment was replicated four times and the experiment unit consisted of 14 adult snails. Shell size, opercular aperture length and spire were measured. Assessments of standing crop of periphyton (via chlorophyll-a) in each treatment, as well as of taxonomic composition of periphyton, were performed. M. tuberculata showed higher rate of change in shell length when co-existing with T. granifera. Both species reduced the periphyton standing crop (lower chl-a); promoting the abundance of cyanobacteria, such as species of Chroococcus, Anabaena, and Microcystaceae, and of colonial Chlorophyceae. M. tuberculata seemed to promote the largest periphyton biomass, suggesting that it exerts a lower or different grazing pressure on periphyton, as compared to T. granifera.
Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream
Juleyska Vázquez-Cardona, Héctor Esparra-Escalera & Carlos J. Santos-Flores
University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Arts & Sciences. Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Laboratory. Mayagüez, P.R. 00681
Epilithon is considered a great bio-indicator of trophic state in freshwaters and this “community” is mainly composed by algae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic microbes and detritus. Snail grazing is the main regulator of standing crop of algae and, thus influences the primary production in aquatic systems. Our objective was to determine the composition of epilithon in areas dominated by freshwater snails in a subtropical stream: Quebrada de Oro at Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. This subtropical urban stream was selected because the main grazing snail, Thiara granifera, is an introduced species with clinical relevance and has been related also to nutrient fluctuation and habitat degradation. Three stations were selected, within which two transects were set to determine the mean density of the snails and measure abiotic factors such as temperature and turbidity. We obtained composite samples by scrapping the epilithon from 5 rocks per station, preserved them with 10% formalin, and performed a taxonomic analysis of each sample in the lab. T.(T.) granifera dominated the snail community in all stations but was more abundant downstream. Results suggest that cyanobacteria abundance was negatively related to T. (T.) granifera. However, turbidity was also negatively related to algal density; thus the effects of grazing and turbidity on algal standing crop need further studies.
Taxonomic Assessment of Periphyton Community in Three Subtropical Streams of Puerto Rico
Héctor Esparra-Escalera(1), María V. Viggiano-Beltrocco (2) & Carlos J. Santos-Flores(1)
(1)University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Arts & Sciences. Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Laboratory. Mayagüez, P.R. 00681
(2) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Agricultural Sciences. Department of Agronomy & Soils. Mayagüez, P.R 00681
Abstract:
Periphyton composition is an important bio-indicator which responds to nutrient levels in watersheds. Besides, other limiting physical factors for changes in community composition include geomorphology, light, temperature, grazers, and flood disturbances that vary with the seasons of the year, spatial factors, and natural phenomena. In this study, the rivers assessed were three watersheds: Guanajibo and Río Piedras, which are considered to have high pollution level characterized by high human population, fecal coliforms and low dissolved oxygen; and Mameyes, which is characterized by cleaner waters and higher natural aquatic diversity. The samples were taken by placing a 6cm diameter PVC on the upper surface of the artificial substrate (bricks) and scrubbing the outer area of the cylinder; with a soft brush the material inside the cylinder was poured into a 500ml amber bottle and preserved with 10% formaldehyde or 2% gluteraldehyde. Artificial substrates were installed and periphyton samples were collected after 3, 7, 10 days, and a month of colonization. Much species were identified; their relative abundance (individuals/mL) and biodiversity, using the shannon’s index, were determined. Their diversity point out a target to define chemical differences in least impacted currents. Guanajibo and Río Piedras watersheds exhibit quite an abundance in periphyton composition, opposed to Mameyes watershed due to frequently rain and stream discharges. The Heterokontophyta group (diatoms) dominated the communities on artificial substrates within the first ten days of colonization; after a month, these communities on artificial substrates were similar in composition to those of naturally occurring substrates (rocks).
Keywords: Periphyton, colonization, Heterokontophyta, watersheds
Héctor Esparra-Escalera(1), David R. Sotomayor-Ramírez(2), Carlos J. Santos-Flores(1),
(1)Aquatic Biology Laboratory. Department of Biology. University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Arts & Sciences. P.O Box 9000. Mayagüez P.R 00681-9000.
(2) Department of Agro-environmental Sciences. University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Agricultural Sciences. P.O Box 9000. Mayagüez P.R 00681-9000.
ABSTRACT:
Thiara granifera and Melanoides tuberculata are invasive snails that have health relevance and impacts on food webs in tropical freshwater systems. Due to their higher reproductivity, both snails dominate the communities of herbivores during higher nutrient availability and standing crop of benthos; thus, impacting the trophic status by differential grazing. This research was focused on the influences of these snail species over periphyton biomass, and the contrast of their external morphological traits when set alone or competing for resources. Four treatments (control without snails, only T. granifera, only M. tuberculata and both species interacting) were set in mesocosms with 22 tiles on the bottom for periphyton species colonization. Each treatment was replicated four times and the experiment unit consisted of 14 adult snails. Shell size, opercular aperture length and spire were measured. Assessments of standing crop of periphyton (via chlorophyll-a) in each treatment, as well as of taxonomic composition of periphyton, were performed. M. tuberculata showed higher rate of change in shell length when co-existing with T. granifera. Both species reduced the periphyton standing crop (lower chl-a); promoting the abundance of cyanobacteria, such as species of Chroococcus, Anabaena, and Microcystaceae, and of colonial Chlorophyceae. M. tuberculata seemed to promote the largest periphyton biomass, suggesting that it exerts a lower or different grazing pressure on periphyton, as compared to T. granifera.
Assessment of Exotic Snails Impact on Epilithonic Communities in a Subtropical Urban Stream
Juleyska Vázquez-Cardona, Héctor Esparra-Escalera & Carlos J. Santos-Flores
University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Arts & Sciences. Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Laboratory. Mayagüez, P.R. 00681
Epilithon is considered a great bio-indicator of trophic state in freshwaters and this “community” is mainly composed by algae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic microbes and detritus. Snail grazing is the main regulator of standing crop of algae and, thus influences the primary production in aquatic systems. Our objective was to determine the composition of epilithon in areas dominated by freshwater snails in a subtropical stream: Quebrada de Oro at Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. This subtropical urban stream was selected because the main grazing snail, Thiara granifera, is an introduced species with clinical relevance and has been related also to nutrient fluctuation and habitat degradation. Three stations were selected, within which two transects were set to determine the mean density of the snails and measure abiotic factors such as temperature and turbidity. We obtained composite samples by scrapping the epilithon from 5 rocks per station, preserved them with 10% formalin, and performed a taxonomic analysis of each sample in the lab. T.(T.) granifera dominated the snail community in all stations but was more abundant downstream. Results suggest that cyanobacteria abundance was negatively related to T. (T.) granifera. However, turbidity was also negatively related to algal density; thus the effects of grazing and turbidity on algal standing crop need further studies.
Taxonomic Assessment of Periphyton Community in Three Subtropical Streams of Puerto Rico
Héctor Esparra-Escalera(1), María V. Viggiano-Beltrocco (2) & Carlos J. Santos-Flores(1)
(1)University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Arts & Sciences. Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Laboratory. Mayagüez, P.R. 00681
(2) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. College of Agricultural Sciences. Department of Agronomy & Soils. Mayagüez, P.R 00681
Abstract:
Periphyton composition is an important bio-indicator which responds to nutrient levels in watersheds. Besides, other limiting physical factors for changes in community composition include geomorphology, light, temperature, grazers, and flood disturbances that vary with the seasons of the year, spatial factors, and natural phenomena. In this study, the rivers assessed were three watersheds: Guanajibo and Río Piedras, which are considered to have high pollution level characterized by high human population, fecal coliforms and low dissolved oxygen; and Mameyes, which is characterized by cleaner waters and higher natural aquatic diversity. The samples were taken by placing a 6cm diameter PVC on the upper surface of the artificial substrate (bricks) and scrubbing the outer area of the cylinder; with a soft brush the material inside the cylinder was poured into a 500ml amber bottle and preserved with 10% formaldehyde or 2% gluteraldehyde. Artificial substrates were installed and periphyton samples were collected after 3, 7, 10 days, and a month of colonization. Much species were identified; their relative abundance (individuals/mL) and biodiversity, using the shannon’s index, were determined. Their diversity point out a target to define chemical differences in least impacted currents. Guanajibo and Río Piedras watersheds exhibit quite an abundance in periphyton composition, opposed to Mameyes watershed due to frequently rain and stream discharges. The Heterokontophyta group (diatoms) dominated the communities on artificial substrates within the first ten days of colonization; after a month, these communities on artificial substrates were similar in composition to those of naturally occurring substrates (rocks).
Keywords: Periphyton, colonization, Heterokontophyta, watersheds