Trends and gaps in scientific production on freshwater sponges

Abstract

Researchers working with freshwater sponges are faced with old, unresolved issues and fragmented knowledge. In the present study, a systematic search of the studies on continental sponges, from the 21st century, was carried out to identify trends and gaps in this restricted area of knowledge, using the scientific productions available on the Web of Science. The publication of scientific papers involving studies with freshwater sponges has increased over the years, with a decline in the last two years (2016-2017). The focus of the Brazilian studies included taxonomy and ecology, while Russian researchers contributed with knowledge about the genetic, phylogenetic and molecular biology of endemic sponges of the region. Eight sub disciplines were identified: Biochemistry and Physiology, Genetics and Phylogenetics, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Taxonomy and Morphology, Ecology, Paleontology and Anthropology, Biotechnology and Materials Science and Human Health. It was concluded that freshwater sponges still deserve a significant effort in the elucidation of taxonomic issues, the realization of biodiversity inventories and research in the different lines of knowledge, aiming at their biotechnological potential.