Successional pattern of phytoplankton (>55 microm) in Lekki lagoon, Nigeria

Lagoons are dominant features along large stretches of the West Africa coast. These freshwater environments are very valuable areas where phytoplankton constitute the basis of aquatic food webs. In order to know the effects of environmental variables on phytoplankton, a study of the successional pattern of phytoplankton in Lekki lagoon was carried out monthly for two years (June 2003-May 2005). Phytoplankton samples were collected from 12 stations using a plankton net of 55 microm mesh, and samples preserved in 4% unbuffered formalin. Besides, surface water samples were taken for physico-chemical analysis. For each year, the seasonal distribution and succession of dominant phytoplankton followed different patterns. Phytoplankton abundance was higher during the dry season (November-April) for the two annual cycles. The diatoms (Aulacoseira granulata and A. granulata var angustissima) and blue green algaes, Microcystis aeruginosa, Merismopedia tennuissima and Trichodesmium lacustre showed this trend by being the abundant species in some of these months. For the rainy season, the green alga Mougeotia sp. dominated. The replacement of one form by another throughout seasonal cycles was probably controlled by the changes in environmental variables such as rainfall, nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate-phosphorus.     

COMBINING NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR DETERMINATION OF PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO 1

In situ analysis of phytoplankton community structure was determined at five stations along the Texas Gulf coast using two instruments, the Fluoroprobe and FlowCAM. Results were compared with traditional methods to determine community structure (pigment analysis and microscopy). Diatoms and small nanoplankton (most likely haptophytes) dominated the phytoplankton community at all stations. Estimated chl concentrations for diatoms+dinoflagellates obtained via the Fluoroprobe were not significantly different for three of the five stations sampled when compared with HPLC‐chemical taxonomy analysis, whereas the concentrations of green algal and cryptophyte chl were overestimated. The FlowCAM estimates of overall nanoplankton and microplankton cell abundance were not significantly different when compared with epifluorescence microscopy, and recorded images of phytoplankton cells provided a representative population of the phytoplankton community at each station. The Fluoroprobe and FlowCAM, when used in tandem, are potentially capable of determining the general characteristics of phytoplankton community structure in situ and could be an important addition to biological observing systems in the coastal ocean.     

武汉东湖浮游植物水华的多元分析

应用多元分析中的fuzzy聚类分析、Fisher判别分析和逐步回归分析,对武汉东湖1983至1985年浮游植物水华进行一系列分析处理,得到其Ⅰ、Ⅱ两站的水华判别函数,分析了判断水华形成的主要指标:Ⅰ站为初级生产量和氨氮浓度,Ⅱ站为温度、硝酸盐浓度、叶绿素a浓度和COD,此外,本文还就Ⅰ、Ⅱ两站浮游植物的两个因子(chl a和初级生产量)分别对不同形态的营养元(氨氮、亚硝酸盐、硝酸盐、总氮、磷酸盐、总磷和硅酸盐)进行了回归分析;结果指出,现在东湖浮游植物不是以磷为限制因子而是氮限制。       

An analysis of relationships among plant community phenology and seasonal metrics of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in the northern part of the monsoon region of China

This study focuses on relationships between the phenological growing season of plant communities and the seasonal metrics of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at sample stations and pixels overlying them, and explores the procedure for determining the growing season of terrestrial vegetation at the regional scale, using threshold NDVI values obtained by surface–satellite analysis at individual stations/pixels. The cumulative frequency of phenophases has been calculated for each plant community and each year in order to determine the growing season at the three sample stations from 1982 to 1993. The precise thresholds were arbitrarily set as the dates on which the phenological cumulative frequency reached 5% and 10% (for the beginning) and 90% and 95% (for the end). The beginning and end dates of the growing season were then applied each year as time thresholds, to determine the corresponding 10-day peak greenness values from NDVI curves for 8-km² pixels overlying the phenological stations. According to a trend analysis, a lengthening of the growing seasons and an increase of the integrated growing season NDVI have been detected in the central part of the research region. The correlation between the beginning dates of the growing season and the corresponding threshold NDVI values is very low, which indicates that the satellite-sensor-derived greenness is independent of the beginning time of the growing season of local plant communities. Other than in spring, the correlation between the end dates of the growing season and the corresponding threshold NDVI values is highly significant. The negative correlation shows that the earlier the growing season terminates, the larger the corresponding threshold NDVI value, and vice versa. In order to estimate the beginning and end dates of the growing season using the threshold NDVI values at sites without phenological data from 1982 to 1993, we calculated the spatial correlation coefficients between NDVI time-series at each sample station and other contiguous sites year by year. The results provide the spatial extrapolation area of the growing season for each sample station. Thus, we can use the threshold NDVI value obtained at one sample station/pixel for a year to determine the growing season at the extrapolation sites with a similar vegetation type for the same year. Received: 25 October 2000 / Revised: 19 June 2001 / Accepted: 19 June 2001     

Spatial and Seasonal Variation in a Reservoir Sedimentary Microbial Community as Determined by Phospholipid Analysis

Sediment samples were collected monthly from Acton Lake, a eutrophic reservoir located in an agricultural region of southwestern Ohio, from three stations (River, Middle, and Dam) during the period May 1995 through January 1997. Sedimentary microbial biomass and community structures from these stations were studied using phospholipid analysis. At the River and Middle stations, the water column remained aerobic throughout the year, whereas the water overlying the Dam station sediments became anaerobic during summer stratification. Sedimentary microbial biomass at the River and Middle stations, as measured by the phospholipid phosphate (PLP) method, ranged from 225 to 450 nmol PLP g?1 d.w. (dry weight). Sedimentary microbial biomass at the Dam station was typically greater and ranged from 500 to 1,500 nmol PLP g?1 d.w. Principal component analysis of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles indicated that the sedimentary microbial communities at all three stations displayed seasonal patterns of change. Among these patterns of change was a shift from aerobic microorganisms during times of cold water to anaerobic microorganisms during times of warm water. The Dam station differed from the River and Middle stations in that sediments from this station had disproportionately more polyenoic fatty acids, whereas sediments from the River and Middle stations had disproportionately more bacterial fatty acids. These data suggest that the Dam station may be a depositional zone for microeukaryotic phytoplankton produced in the overlying water column. These findings have implications for the understanding of carbon flux in reservoirs and preservation of organic matter in aquatic systems.     

Use of time-series analysis to demonstrate advection rates of different variables in a small lake

Time-series analysis of daily data from 3 stations (maximumseparation – 1 km) in a small lake (Guelph Lake, Ontario)has demonstrated the existence of (0 strong horizontal advectionwithin the basin at a time scale of 2–3 d and (ii) longerterm periodicities (10–20 d) associated with the passageof atmospheric weather systems. Different rates and directionsof horizontal advection were observed for different variables.Fluctuations in integral SRP concentrations at station 1 (outflowend) consistently occurred 3 d later than at station 3 (inflowend). The algal biomass (chlorophyll a) at station 1 laggedthat at station 3 by half a day. The time lag between station1 and station 3 for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was 7 d, whereasfor Ceratitun hirundinella station 1 led station 3 by 3 d indicatingmotion by the species in opposite directions. The distributionof the algal biomass in space and time was a composite of theindividual species patterns. Longer term (10–20 d) periodicitieswere also observed. Examination of the periodicities in theaverage daily wind speed and water column stability showed thatsuch lags or leads were likely due to periods of vertical mixing.The significance of these results is then discussed in relationto sampling schemes for the analysis of phytoplankton dynamicsin small basins.     

Temporal and spatial fluctuations of phytoplankton in a tropical coastal lagoon, southeast Brazil.

Spatial and temporal variability of the phytoplankton community in the tropical coastal Imboassica lagoon, an environment naturally isolated from the ocean by a narrow sandbar, was analysed every two weeks for 19 months by sampling three sites. During this study, the lagoon received direct input of marine water three times, resulting in remarkable salinity, nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass variations in both temporal and spatial aspects. The phytoplankton biomass presented relatively low values ranging, on average, from 0.54 mg x L(-1) in the station closest to the sea (station 1) to 1.34 mg x L(-1) in the station close to a macrophyte bank (station 3). Diatoms and cryptomonads dominated in stations 1 and 2 (located relatively close to station 1, yet receiving the runoff of domestic sewage), and euglenoids, cryptomonads and dinoflagellates at station 3. Stations 1 and 2 usually presented the same dominant species but station 2 presented a higher phytoplankton biomass. On the other hand, station 3 showed more similar results concerning phytoplankton biomass with station 2, however the dominant species were usually different. The high fluctuations of salinity and the reduced nutrient availability are pointed out as the main factors structuring the dynamics of the phytoplankton community at the Imboassica lagoon.     

Chlorophyll a and turbidity patterns over coral reefs systems of La Parguera Natural Reserve, Puerto Rico

Studies of temporal and spatial changes in phytoplankton biomass and turbidity provide essential information on coral reef ecosystem function and health. Fluctuation of phytoplankton biomass responds to several factors including nutrient inputs, both anthropogenic and natural, while turbidity is mostly affected by sediment resuspension or transport from terrestrial systems. These parameters can be used as sentinels of significant environmental factors "modifying" coral reef systems. A chlorophyll a concentration (Chl a) and turbidity (Turb) in situ logger was installed at 10 stations from June 4 to July 7, 2003 in La Parguera Natural Reserve (Southwestern Puerto Rico) to assess short-term temporal and geographic variation in patterns of phytoplankton biomass and turbidity at pre-selected sites as part of an interdisciplinary long-term study. Average station Ch1 a variation was 0.17-1.12 microg 1(-1) and 0.2-23.4 NTU for Turb. Results indicate that the western near-coastal stations had higher levels of Turb and Ch1 a. The easternmost mid shelf station, Romero reef, was similar to coastal stations probably due to nutrient and suspended sediment inputs from a source external to our study area to the east, Guánica Bay. Comparisons between different sampling days indicate significant differences between days for most stations suggesting that one-time discrete sampling may not be representative of average water column conditions and illustrate the dynamic nature of coral reef systems. Further work is warranted to assess seasonal changes that integrate short-term (daily) variability in both Turb and Ch1 a.     

Phytoplankton composition and abundance of a central Amazonian floodplain lake

The phytoplankton community of Lake Camaleão, a smallfloodplainlake influenced by a large whitewater river, the Solimões, was monthlyinvestigated for the composition and abundance of itsphytoplankton. The seasonal influence of the floodregime on biomass, species richness and diversity, andits relation with physical and chemical factors(temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electricalconductivity, total seston and inorganic nutrients)was analyzed and subjected to principal componentanalysis. Diversity was variable along the seasonalcycle: relatively high values were observed at the endof the dry season supported by high nutrientconcentrations. The phytoplankton was comprised of 262 taxa,with strong dominanceof euglenoids (81%). The three sample stations did not differamong each other, except in the dry season, due todata cluster in relation to theprincipal axis (1 and 2), explaining 63% of thevariation. Biomass accumulation as a function of lakearea reduction contributed to theseresults, indicating that the phytoplankton dynamicswere hydrology-driven.     

Seasonal Development of Phytoplankton in Fish Ponds

At the fish ponds under study the authors defined several types of plankton which have been frequently found during the season (April – October). These types are: Early-spring maximum of phytoplankton, Depression of phytoplankton, Bloom of Aphanizomenon, Maximum of Chlorococcales. The periods of “depression” seem to be typical for the managed carp ponds in the spring. They are characterized by the low density of rapidly reproducing algal populations (e. g. Cryptomonas) and by the dense populations of large cladocerans of the genus Daphnia. Chlorophyll in phytoplankton is less than 5μg/l, transparency is higher than 2 meters. Periods of the spring depression may be followed by the maxima of either Aphanizomenon or Chlorococcales, with concentrations of chlorophyll increasing to 100 μg/l and more. The change from the phase of “depression” to the “maximum of Chlorococcales” is accompanied by decrease in numbers of Daphnia and increase in numbers of the small cladoceran species, but all the mechanisms responsible for the transition are not yet fully understood.     

Seasonal and Diel Variability in Dissolved DNA and in Microbial Biomass and Activity in a Subtropical Estuary

Dissolved DNA and microbial biomass and activity parameters were measured over a 15-month period at three stations along a salinity gradient in Tampa Bay, Fla. Dissolved DNA showed seasonal variation, with minimal values in December and January and maximal values in summer months (July and August). This pattern of seasonal variation followed that of particulate DNA and water temperature and did not correlate with bacterioplankton (direct counts and [³H]thymidine incorporation) or phytoplankton (chlorophyll a and ¹⁴CO₂ fixation) biomass and activity. Microautotrophic populations showed maxima in the spring and fall, whereas microheterotrophic activity was greatest in late summer (September). Both autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial activity was greatest at the high estuarine (low salinity) station and lowest at the mouth of the bay (high salinity station), irrespective of season. Dissolved DNA carbon and phosphorus constituted 0.11 ± 0.05% of the dissolved organic carbon and 6.6 ± 6.5% of the dissolved organic phosphorus, respectively. Strong diel periodicity was noted in dissolved DNA and in microbial activity in Bayboro Harbor during the dry season. A noon maximum in primary productivity was followed by an 8 p.m. maximum in heterotrophic activity and a midnight maximum in dissolved DNA. This diel periodicity was less pronounced in the wet season, when microbial parameters were strongly influenced by episodic inputs of freshwater. These results suggest that seasonal and diel production of dissolved DNA is driven by primary production, either through direct DNA release by phytoplankton, or more likely, through growth of bacterioplankton on phytoplankton exudates, followed by excretion and lysis.     

Growth and mortality rates of phytoplankton in the northwestern North Pacific estimated by the dilution method and HPLC pigment analysis

Pigment-based growth rates of phytoplankton and mortality rates due to microzooplankton grazing were estimated using a dilution method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment analysis in the northwestern North Pacific in autumn 1998. The dilution experiments were conducted at different hydrographic stations in both colder and warmer water masses. No significant difference was found between the growth rate of the phytoplankton community (0.38–0.70 day⁻¹; estimated by chlorophyll a) at the colder and warmer water stations, while the mortality rate (0.15–0.88 day⁻¹; estimated by chlorophyll a) tended to be higher at warmer water stations. The combination of estimates of daily chlorophyll a production and particulate organic carbon (POC) production enabled us to assess the carbon to chlorophyll a ratio (C/chl a) of “new” organic matter produced by living phytoplankton. The method provided an implicit value of the C/chl a of in situ living phytoplankton. The rate estimates from taxon-specific pigments suggested a possibility that chlorophyll b-containing green algae were grazed preferentially by microzooplankton during their active growth, and the standing stock of green algae was more strictly controlled by micrograzer than other algal groups such as diatoms. This result is one possible explanation for the fact that blooms of green algae have not been reported in the open ocean, in contrast with diatoms.     

东海春季水华期浮游植物生长与微型浮游动物摄食

2005年4～6月在东海有害水华频发区14个站位采样,通过现场稀释法实验对春季东海水域浮游植物比生长率和微型浮游动物比摄食率进行了研究.结果表明东海有害水华频发区浮游植物群落以甲藻为优势.浮游植物比生长率在水华爆发前相对较低,平均为1.18 d~(-1);进入水华期后比生长率明显升高,但在水华站位随现存量增加而降低;非水华区比生长率近岸高、远岸低.微型浮游动物主要以急游虫和桡足类幼体为主,而种类上以砂壳纤毛虫居多.微型浮游动物比摄食率在水华爆发前波动较大,介于0.53～1.73 d~(-1),平均为0.90 d~(-1);在水华区比摄食率较为稳定,浮游植物比生长率的降低导致群落净生长率持续下降;在非水华区,比摄食率整体较高,近岸低而远岸高.微型浮游动物的摄食对浮游植物群落的生长有一定的控制作用,但在水华爆发后这种控制作用将减弱.     

An index of limnological conditions for urban wetlands of Bogotá city,Colombia

The urban wetlands of Bogotá are ecosystems of great importance, yet they are deteriorating. The state of deterioration must be evaluated in order to develop new methods of ecosystem monitoring and conservation. Here we describe the development of an index to assess the ecological health of five urban wetlands and one rural wetland from limnological data. The field phase of this study took place in November 2007 (rainy season) and February 2008 (dry season). Physical and chemical variables of the wetland ecosystems (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, hardness, chlorides, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, and biological oxygen demand) were measured and samples of phytoplankton, periphyton, macroinvertebrates, and aquatic plants (macrophytes) were collected. The indices developed (biotic indices of communities: BI, and limnological conditions index: LICOI) allow classification of wetlands into three categories: those that have “acceptable limnological conditions” (Meridor, Jaboque and Guaimaral), those with “regular limnological conditions” (Santa María del Lago, Juan Amarillo) and those with “poor limnological conditions” (Tibanica). None of the environments studied fit a potential fourth category of “best limnological conditions.” The LICOI is a management tool that can be used to assess changes in wetlands after positive actions (restoration, cleaning, hydraulic management), or negative impacts (depletion, alien species, pollution). It also could allow regular monitoring of wetland evolution and serve as a basis for the development of indices measuring the ecological status of other aquatic environments in Colombia.     

Phytoplankton pigments and community composition in Lake Tanganyika

1. A 2‐year (2002–2003) survey of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments is reported for two off‐shore stations of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia), and from three cruises between those sites. Chlorophyll a concentrations were low (0.3–3.4 mg m^?3) and average chlorophyll a integrated through the 100 m water column were similar for both stations and years (36.4–41.3 mg m^?2). Most pigments were located in the 0–60 m layer and decreased sharply downward. Chlorophyll a degradation products (phaeophytins and phaeophorbides) were detected at 100 m depth, whereas carotenoids became undetectable. Temporal and seasonal variation of the vertical distribution of pigments was high. 2. The biomass of phytoplankton groups was calculated from marker pigment concentrations over the 0–100 m water column using the CHEMTAX software. On average for the study period, chlorophytes dominated in the northern station, followed by cyanobacteria T1 (type 1, or Synechococcus pigment type), whereas cyanobacteria T1 dominated in the south. Cyanobacteria T2 (type 2, containing echinenone), presumably corresponding to filamentous taxa, were detected in the rainy season. Diatoms (and chrysophytes) developed better in the dry season conditions, with a deep mixed layer and increased nutrient availability. Very large variation in the vertical distribution of algal groups was observed. 3. Our observations on phytoplankton composition are broadly consistent with those from previous studies. Our pigment data provide evidence for the lake‐wide importance of picocyanobacteria and high interannual variation and spatial heterogeneity of phytoplankton in Lake Tanganyika, which may render difficult assessment of long‐term changes in phytoplankton driven by climate change.     

Phytoplankton structure in the White Sea after summer bloom: Spatial variability in relation to hydrophysical conditions

The species composition and phytoplankton biomass, concentrations of chlorophyll “a” (Chl) and nutrients, concurrent hydrophysical conditions were studied in the south part of the White Sea in July 10–15, 2012 during chlorophyll “a” decrease after summer peak. The water column stability varied, the concentration of dissolved silicon in upper mixed layer was closed to the range favorable for diatoms with exception of areas of intensive tide mixing and areas influenced by waters of Severnaya Dvina River. In surface layer the dinoflagellates dominated excepting of areas with intensive tide mixing where diatoms prevailed. Diatoms provided major contribution to biomass in different stations above, in and under pycnocline and in deep waters out of photic zone. Structural analysis has revealed three phytoplankton communities that corresponded to different depths: communities of photic zone, intermediate and deep layers. Extension of layers inhabited by different communities depended on water column stability and on genesis of water masses. Integrated values of phytoplankton biomass and Chl varied from 250 to 1188 mg С/m², and from 22 to 51 mg/m², correspondently.     

The planktonic rotifers of the estuarine lagunar complex of Suape (Pernambuco,Brazil)

We studied spatial and temporal distribution, abundance, diversity, equitability and species associations of the rotifers of the estuarine area of Suape (Pernambuco-Brazil), based on plankton samples collected according to the tidal regime at 11 fixed stations in Suape Bay and the estuaries of Massangana, Tatuoca and Ipojuca Rivers, during February (dry season) and July (rainy season) of 1978. Concurrent hydrological and climatological data were taken. Eight species groups were established. In general, rotifers dominated in the Ipojuca River estuary and stations subject to its influence. Greatest community similarities were observed among nearby stations, during the same tide and season. Hydrological factors influenced the occurrence and distribution of some species, and a close correlation between phytoplankton and rotifers was observed. Pollution in Ipojuca River contributed to diversity.     

珠三角河网浮游植物物种丰富度时空特征

对2012年珠三角河网浮游植物物种丰富度的时空特征进行了系统阐析。季节上,枯水期的物种丰度差异大,丰水期差异小;空间上,广州周边及河网中部个别站位的总种数高于其他站位。不同季节的空间特征显示,枯水期的物种丰度自西江沿线、河网中部、广州周边呈递增趋势;而丰水期呈现三角洲两侧的物种丰富度高于河网中部。各类群相对组成结果显示,硅藻在枯水季节占绝对优势,丰水期优势下降;空间上广州周边站位硅藻百分比明显低于其他站位。分析原因,径流相关的补充和稀释作用和水体搅动引起的底层藻类的悬浮补充不仅影响物种丰富度的季节变动,也影响不同类群的相对组成;水体交换能力和营养盐分别是决定丰水期和枯水期物种丰富度空间分布的关键因素。     

Simulation modeling of phytoplankton dynamics in a large eutrophic river,Hungary — Danubian Phytoplankton Growth Model (DPGM)

Ecological models have often been used in order to answer questions that are in the limelight of recent researches such as the possible effects of climate change. The methodology of tactical models is a very useful tool comparison to those complex models requiring relatively large set of input parameters. In this study, a theoretical strategic model (TEGM) was adapted to the field data on the basis of a 24-year long monitoring database of phytoplankton in the Danube River at the station of Göd, Hungary (at 1669 river kilometer - hereafter referred to as “rkm”). The Danubian Phytoplankton Growth Model (DPGM) is able to describe the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton biomass (mg L^?1) based on daily temperature, but takes the availability of light into consideration as well. In order to improve fitting, the 24-year long database was split in two parts in accordance with environmental sustainability. The period of 1979–1990 has a higher level of nutrient excess compared with that of the 1991–2002. The authors assume that, in the above-mentioned periods, phytoplankton responded to temperature in two different ways, thus two submodels were developed, DPGM-sA and DPGM-sB. Observed and simulated data correlated quite well. Findings suggest that linear temperature rise brings drastic change to phytoplankton only in case of high nutrient load and it is mostly realized through the increase of yearly total biomass.     

香港水域夏季微型浮游动物摄食研究

20 0 0年 8月在香港牛尾海 ( A站 )和龙鼓水道 ( B站 )的 2个典型站位采样 ,用半现场的稀释法研究了夏季香港水域浮游植物的生长率和微型浮游动物对浮游植物的摄食压力等。结果表明 :A、B站浮游植物主要以硅藻为主 ,但 A站甲藻比重比 B站要高。A站 <5 μm的微型浮游植物比 B站要少 ,从细胞大小上 B站的浮游植物更易被微型浮游动物所摄食。A站微型浮游动物类群主要以异养鞭毛藻为主 ,而 B站为砂壳纤毛虫 ,其细胞丰度分别为 770和 62 0 ind./L。 A、B站浮游植物碳 /叶绿素 a浓度比率分别为 2 7.1 5和88.66。 A站浮游植物的内禀生长率相似于 B站 ,分别为 1 .0 4和 0 .98d- 1。浮游植物在 A站的净生长率是0 .33d- 1,而在 B站则出现了负增长 ,其净生长率是 - 0 .5 8d- 1。微型浮游动物在 A、B站的摄食率分别为0 .71和 1 .5 6d- 1,摄食压力分别占到了浮游植物现存量的 1 43.7%和 2 0 9.7% ,初级生产力的 78.6%和1 2 6.6% ,对浮游植物碳的摄食率分别达到 35 1和 5 5 2 μg C/( L·d)。A站的浮游植物生长要高于 B站 ,B站的微型浮游动物摄食压力要明显高于 A站。与其它海区比较香港水域微型浮游动物摄食压力处于中等水平。黑暗长时间培养实验的结果表明此水域微型浮游动物摄食率稀释法实验应在适量添加营养盐并在