Biological indicators of environmental restoration of a former open-air garbage dump (Matanza-Riachuelo Basin, Marcos Paz Municipality, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Abstract

In this paper, the process of environmental restoration that takes place in a former open-air dump (Cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo, Municipality of Marcos Paz, Buenos Aires, Argentina) is evaluated through the use of biological indicators. The chosen biological indicators were plant communities, anurans and edaphic beetles belonging to two families Carabidae and Aphodiidae. The sampling sites were selected taking into account the variability of the property and its topographic profile. Vegetation sampling was carried out with 8 continuous monitoring plots (winter, spring, summer) estimating cover by species and following the Braun-Blanquet methodology. The anuran community was surveyed using two methodologies: visual and auditory. Coleoptera were captured by placing pitfall traps. Anurans and beetles were sampled in spring and summer. A total of 52 plant species were identified. Significant differences in diversity were observed between seasons, being higher in winter and lower in spring and summer. A total of 5 species of anurans were detected. The number of species present during both seasons was similar, although their identity varied. A total of 6 species belonging to the Carabidae family and 1 to the Aphodiidae family were identified. Diversity and richness showed significant differences between seasons, both values being higher during spring. The list of species present shows a succession process in its early stages in all the biological indicators studied, although the restoration time is relatively short.