Abstract: We used fatty acids (FA) as biomarkers to determine the principal sources of the organic matter assimilated by four families of aquatic insects (Baetidae, Chironomidae, Hydropsychidae and Simuliidae) prevailing in the macroinvertebrates assemblages observed in the riffle areas of a large temperate river (Allier, France). FA profiles extracted from different sources of organic matter (epilithic biofilm, benthic organic matter, fine suspended organic matter) and from each macroinvertebrate family were analyzed and compared. This has highlighted t...
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