Changes in the abundance of blue-green algae related to nutrient loadings in the nearshore of Lake Michigan

Nutrient loadings to the nearshore of southeastern Lake Michigan have undergone a remarkable reduction. This reduction can affect the nutrient supply and result in biological changes. Changes in phytoplankton community, particularly the blue-green algae, can be related to nutrient changes. After thermal stratification, sudden increases in the blue-green algae population were significantly correlated to soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations. Phosphorus-stimulated low dissolved silica and phosphorus limitations after stratification appear to be primary factors contributing to the success of these algae.     

A bioassay to assess the potential effects of sediment resuspension on phytoplankton community composition

A laboratory assay (SAGA or Sediment Algal Growth Assay) was developed to assess the potential impact of sediment resuspension on the structure of phytoplankton communities, and to evaluate the effectiveness of various sediment treatments in decreasing the abundance of blue-green algae in the event of sediment resuspension during storms. In assays with sediment from eutrophic Akanoi Bay, Lake Biwa, Japan, 7–11 species of phytoplankton seeded from the sediments grew during the 3-week assay indicating that sediment resuspension has the potential to increase both phytoplankton biomass and species diversity. Treatment of sediments with Ca(NO3)2 substantially decreased phytoplankton biomass (measured as chlorophyll concentration) in assays with sediments from Akanoi Bay and the North Basin of Lake Biwa. Further, among various oxidation treatments of sediments, Ca(NO3)2 was most effective in decreasing or preventing filamentous blue-green algal growth in N- and P-replete media. In contrast, when sediments were added to P-limited phytoplankton dominated by green algae and diatoms, no growth of blue-green algae occurred regardless of sediment treatment. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

广东省水库的蓝藻污染状况与水质评价

于2000年的丰水期和枯水期对广东省19个大中型水库的浮游植物状况进行了调查,并根据浮游植物群落结构、多样性指数、蓝藻污染状况和营养状态指数对水库的水质进行了分析。结果表明,大部分水库为蓝藻型水体,优势种类主要是能产生毒素的微囊藻类,而且蓝藻种类数和细胞密度与水库水质密切相关。蓝藻细胞密度和百分比分别为0.1×104-6728.4×104 cellsL-1和0.53%-99.2%。大部分水库受到了一定程度的污染,属于中营养型;东江流域的新丰江水库和白盘珠水库水质优良,为贫营养型;而位于经济较发达的沿海地区的鹤地水库、石岩水库和契爷石水库已受到严重污染。东江流域和北江流域水库水质普遍较好,而粤西沿海地区和珠江三角洲地区水库则污染较为严重。     

The Characteristics of Reflection Spectrum in Subaerial Blue-Green Algae in Ding Hu Mo Ore-field,Guangdong Province

The reflection spectra of subaerial blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae) lack the reflected high peak of the reflected infrared spectral wave band (770--1000 nm)as usually exists in green seed plants. The curve of reflected ratio slopes gently. The reflected ratio of bluegreen algae growing on the mineral soil was positively correlated with the Mo concentration in the cells, and was evidently greater than that of the normal soil blue-green algae (13 %-- 27 %). This abnormal reflection ratio was related to the mineral concentration in soil. The reflection spectra of green algae (Chlorophyceae) and bryophyta were similar to these of the subaerial blue-green algae.     

On the algal ecology of the lowland Iraqi marshes

An account is given of the algal vegetation in the near boat channels in the central area of the lowland Iraqi marshes. Sampling was carried out in February and September. The water here may be characterized as relatively turbid, slightly saline, highly calcareous and probably typically mesotrophic. Diatoms dominated the phytoplankton, many of the species being ones which are at least as characteristic of benthic communities. Periphyton was more conspicuous in February than September, with filamentous green algae especially common in February. Blue-green algae were more common in September; they frequently formed a felt with several different species and irregular deposition of calcite. Heterocystous blue-green algae were frequent in the periphyton but apparently not so in the plankton. A well-developed laminated community of blue-green algae and purple phototrophic bacteria occurred on the wooden hull of a boat.     

Influence on phytoplankton biomass in lakes of different trophy by phosphorus in lake water and its regeneration by zooplankton

In 49 unpolluted lakes of north-eastern Poland the biomass of algae in summer is significantly related to the concentration of total phosphorus and to the rate of phosphorus regeneration by zooplankton. Using a model with equations describing these relationships, the biomass of blue-green algae and other phytoplankton groups was predicted for 14 polluted lakes. A good approximation of actual values was obtained only for the biomass of blue-green algae calculated from the estimated rate of P regeneration by zooplankton in these lakes. It is hypothesized that more-or-less edible algae of other classes did not show dependence on the rate of input of regenerated P because their biomass was heavily reduced by grazing of zooplankton.     

Some observations on the use of the in vivo fluorescence technique to determine chlorophyll-a in natural populations and cultures of freshwater phytoplankton

SUMMARY. The variation in the ratio (R) between cellular fluorescence of chlorophyll- a and unit extractable chlorophyll- a was examined with natural populations of phytoplankton and unialgal cultures. Photo-inhibition of in vivo fluorescence was observed al high values of irradiance with natural populations and in algal cultures, except with blue-green algae. If samples were dark-adapted (< 6 W m⁻²) before measurements were made, changes of fluorescence due to photo-inhibition could be minimized. Measurements of in vivo fluorescence with dark-adapted samples of phytoplankton, dominated by species showing large values of R, gave significant correlations ( P < 0.001) with determinations of chlorophyll- a concentration over periods of several weeks.
The values for R for blue-green algae were appreciably lower than for other algal groups. This, and their lack of photo-inhibition effects at high irradiance values, are attributed to the association of most of chlorophyll- a with photosystem I which fluoresces weakly compared to chlorophyll- a in photosystem II. The significance of these findings for ecological studies is discussed.     

Studies on the phytoplankton and other algae of Indrasagar tank,Udaipur, India

Summary A study has been made of the productivity and periodicity of phytoplankton of the Indrasagar tank, Udaipur, in relation to physicochemical characteristics. Variations in the physical and chemical characteristics of water over a period of one year are described.The Tank is of eutrophic type. Green algae dominated the phytoplankton both as regards number of species and number of individuals.A definite phytoplankton periodicity has been observed, the green algae dominating in the rainy and winter seasons and the blue-greens during summer.A correlation of the phytoplankton productivity and physicochemical characteristics of Indrasagar tank indicates that the Chlorophyceae have a wide range of adaptability; the growth of diatoms is promoted by silica, nitrates and phosphates; and the growth of blue-green algae is controlled by pH and temperature.     

Seasonal variation of phytoplankton community in Thale Sap Songkhla, a lagoonal lake in southern Thailand

The phytoplankton in Thale Sap Songkhla was investigated at 2–3 month intervals from August 1991 to October 1993. The abundance of phytoplankton ranged from 1.4×10⁶ to 1.3×10⁹ cells m^–3. A total of 6 divisions with 103 genera were identified as Bacillariophyta: 49 genera, Chlorophyta: 21 genera, Pyrrhophyta: 15 genera, Cyanophyta: 12 genera, Chrysophyta: 3 genera and Euglenophyta: 3 genera. Although phytoplankton abundance was distinctly greater in the first year of study (August 1991–June 1992) than in the second year (August 1992–October 1993), their patterns are similar: 2 peaks yearly. The peaks of phytoplankton occurred in the heavy rainy season (northeast monsoon) and the light rainy season (southwest monsoon). The main bloom was found during December–January, with a predominance of blue-green algae (e.g. Aphanizomenon andPhormidium) and green algae (e.g. Eudorina). Their species composition also increased, an effect of the large amount of rainfall resulting in low salinity during the northeast monsoon. The minor bloom was produced by diatoms during June–July when water salinity was moderate to seawater. Both phytoplankton numbers and species composition were high. However, unpredictably heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon period may reduce diatom production due to rapid immediate replacement by blue-green species. Besides salinity concentration, a low total nitrogen: total phosphorus (TN: TP) ratio tended to support the growth of blue-green algae. The diversity of phytoplankton was lowest in the heavy rainy period.     

Effect of Temperature on Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) in Lake Mendota

The temperature optimum for photosynthesis of natural populations of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) from Lake Mendota was determined during the period of June to November 1976. In the spring, when temperatures ranged from 0 to 20°C, there were insignificant amounts of blue-green algae in the lake (less than 1% of the biomass). During the summer and fall, when the dominant phytoplankton was blue-green algae, the optimum temperature for photosynthesis was usually between 20 and 30°C, whereas the environmental temperatures during this period ranged from 24°C in August to 12°C in November. In general, the optimum temperature for photosynthesis was higher than the environmental temperature. More importantly, significant photosynthesis also occurred at low temperature in these samples, which suggests that the low temperature alone is not responsible for the absence of blue-green algae in Lake Mendota during the spring. Temperature optima for growth and photosynthesis of laboratory cultures of the three dominant blue-green algae in Lake Mendota were determined. The responses of the two parameters to changes in temperature were similar; thus, photosynthesis appears to be a valid index of growth. However, there was little photosynthesis by laboratory cultures at low temperatures, in contrast to the natural samples. Evidence for an interaction between temperature and low light intensities in their effect on photosynthesis of natural samples is presented.     

Changes in the phytoplankton of Oak Mere,following the introduction of base-rich water

The addition of calcium-rich borehole water to Oak Mere resulted in significant changes in the quality and periodicity of the phytoplankton. The possible roles of the increases in calcium, pH, nitrogen and silica content are discussed in relation to the ecology of the algae which subsequently colonised the lake. pH is considered to be the most important factor, particularly in the case of blue-green algae, though silica content is thought to be equally important in the case of the diatoms.     

Phytoplankton and submerged macrophytes in the aquatic ecosystems of the Danube Delta during the last decade

The dynamics are presented of the main primary producers in seven representative Danube Delta lakes. Generally, the primary productivity developed from the macrophyte-epiphyte complex towards the phytoplankton. Species changes occurred in the two main compartments with increasing relative abundance of colonial blue-green algae in the phytoplankton and in submerged macrophytes of species with a vertical growth strategy. These changes are linked to accelerated eutrophication of the lakes, with increased phosphorus loading and a reduction in N:P ratio.     

Experimental study of indirect effects of fish on the demographic parameters of cladoceran species under eutrophic conditions

Indirect effects of fish on the demographic parameters of cladoceran species were studied under eutrophic conditions. Laboratory experiments were performed with water from control and fish mesocosms to avoid the direct impact of fish predation. In the experiments with the water from the fish mesocosms, fish indirectly negatively affected the demographic parameters of large cladocerans (Daphnia magna and D. pulicaria) due to the enhanced abundance of blue-green algae in the phytoplankton. However, small Ceriodaphnia quadrangula and littoral species Simocephalus vetulus did not respond to the presence of blue-greens. Due to this mechanism, the total abundance of cladoceran species can be sustained during the development of blue-green algae because large and small bodied species differ in their resistence to high concentratons of blue-green algae. Fish chemical signals (kairomones) did not influence the demographic parameters of any cladoceran species.     

Responses of a eutrophic pond community to separate and combined effects of N:P supply and planktivorous fish: a mesocosm experiment

We conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment of factorial design consisting of three levels of nutrient supply (no nutrient addition and additions of nitrogen and phosphorus in ratios of 10:1 and 45:1) cross-classified with two levels of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) (presence and absence). Nutrient supply significantly affected total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), TN: TP ratio, turbidity, Secchi depth, phytoplankton chlorophyll, filamentous blue-green algae, periphyton chlorophyll, Asplanchna and non-predatory rotifers. The presence of bluegill significantly increased TP, turbidity, diatoms, unicellular green algae, colonial blue-green algae, filamentous blue-green algae, periphyton chlorophyll, Asplanchna and non-predatory rotifers, and decreased Secchi depth, cladocerans, cyclopoid copepodids, copepod nauplii and chironomid tube densities. Nutrient supply and fish effects were not independent of each other as shown by significant nutrient × fish interaction effects for TP, Secchi depth, filamentous blue-green algae, periphyton chlorophyll, Asplanchna and non-predatory rotifers.     

Spatial and seasonal changes of net plankton and zoobenthos in Lake Tonle Sap, Cambodia

To clarify spatial and seasonal differences in net plankton and zoobenthos in Lake Tonle Sap, Cambodia, quantitative surveys were carried out at 14 stations in the north and south basins in high- and low-water seasons during 2003–2005. In the phytoplankton communities, a diatom Aulacoseira granulata dominated throughout the lake in the high-water seasons, while blue-green algae, mostly composed of Microcystis, surpassed other algae in the low-water season when the lake water was very turbid and the Secchi disk readings were only a few centimeters. In the low-water seasons, a bloom of floating blue-green algae occurred everywhere, especially prominent in the coastal areas. Protozoans and rotifers dominated the zooplankton communities. In the open-water stations, diversity was higher in high-water seasons in phytoplankton, while it was not significantly different between seasons in zooplankton. Composition of plankton communities in Lake Tonle Sap appears to have changed little since the 1950s, at least in phytoplankton, while the phytoplankton density appears to be higher in the present study. Among the macrozoobenthos, mollusks, oligochaetes and chironomids dominated in density, and mollusks exceeded others in biomass in both basins and seasons. The total densities of macrozobenthos were not high, being fewer than 1,300 m⁻² throughout the stations and seasons. Possible reasons for the low zoobenthos abundance in the lake may include high predation pressures by benthivorous fish or unfavorable unstable and flocculant substrates.     

In vivo algal fluorescence, spectral change due to light intensity changes and the automatic characterization of algae

SUMMARY. 1 Total fluorescence spectra of thirty-two freshwater algae show that the majority of the information is contained in the excitation spectrum of emission at 680 nm.
2. Previously suggested characteristics for the automatic identification of blue-green algae from their fluorescence properties, i.e. the presence of high phycoerythrin fluorescence and low chlorophyll fluorescence, are shown to be inapplicable to the freshwater blue-green algae studied here.     

A comparison of natural and human determinants of phytoplankton communities in the Kentucky River basin,USA

Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Kentucky River and its tributaries were assessed for one year to compare effects of seasonal, spatial, and human environmental factors on phytoplankton. Phytoplankton cell densities were highest in the fall and summer and lowest in the winter. Cell densities averaged 1162 (± 289 SE) cells m1^–1. Cell densities were positively correlated to water temperature and negatively correlated to dissolved oxygen concentration and to factors associated with high-flow conditions (such as, suspended sediment concentrations). Chrysophytes, diatoms, and blue-green algae dominated winter, spring, and summer assemblages, respectively. Ordination analyses (DCCA) indicated that variation in taxonomic composition of assemblages was associated with stream size as well as season.Spatial variation in phytoplankton assemblages and effects of humans was investigated by sampling 55 sites in low flow conditions during August. Phytoplankton density increased with stream size. Assemblages shifted in composition from those dominated by benthic diatoms upstream to downstream communities dominated by blue-green algae and small flagellates. Human impacts were assumed to cause higher algal densities in stream basins with high proportions of agricultural or urban land use than in basins with forested/mined land use. While density and composition of phytoplankton were positively correlated to agricultural land use, they were poorly correlated to nutrient concentrations. Phytoplankton diversity changed with water quality: decreasing with nutrient enrichment and increasing with conditions that probably changed species composition or inhibited algal growth. Human impacts on phytoplankton in running water ecosystems were as great or greater than effects by natural seasonal and spatial factors. Our results indicated that phytoplankton could be useful indicators of water quality and ecosystem integrity in large river systems.     

Nitrogen fixation in lakes

Summary Determinations in the open waters of lakes using N¹⁵ as a tracer show that nitrogen fixation is generally associated with the presence of heterocystous blue-green algae and is light dependent. Although nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae tend to be abundant when the concentration of nitrate or ammonia in the water is low, fixation itself is not necessarily inhibited by the presence of these sources of combined nitrogen. The activity of nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae shows a direct relationship to concentration of dissolved organic nitrogen. As a result of the interaction of such factors, nitrogen fixation per unit area of lake surface per year tends to be greatest at an early stage of eutrophication. In relation to the total nitrogen budget of a lake the contribution of biological nitrogen fixation to the income is probably always small but at certain times and in particular water strata it may contribute a major part of the nitrogen assimilated by the phytoplankton.     

Effect of larval fish and nutrient enrichment on plankton dynamics in experimental ponds

The hypotheses that larval fish density may potentially affect phytoplankton abundance through regulating zooplankton community structure, and that fish effect may also depend on nutrient levels were tested experimentally in ponds with three densities of larval walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (0, 25, and 50 fish m^–3), and two fertilizer types (inorganic vs organic fertilizer). A significant negative relationship between larval fish density and large zooplankton abundance was observed despite fertilizer types. Larval walleye significantly reduced the abundances of Daphnia, Bosmina, and Diaptomus but enhanced the abundance of various rotifer species (Brachionus, Polyarthra, and Keratella). When fish predation was excluded, Daphnia became dominant, but Daphnia grazing did not significantly suppress blue-green algae. Clearly, larval fish can be an important regulator for zooplankton community. Algal composition and abundance were affected more by fertilizer type than by fish density. Inorganic fertilizer with a high N:P ratio (20:1) enhanced blue-green algal blooms, while organic fertilizer with a lower N:P ratio (10:1) suppressed the abundance of blue-green algae. This result may be attributed to the high density of blue-green algae at the beginning of the experiment and the fertilizer type. Our data suggest that continuous release of nutrients from suspended organic fertilizer at a low rate may discourage the development of blue-green algae. Nutrient inputs at a low N:P ratio do not necessarily result in the dominance of blue-green algae.     

Stress and disturbance in the phytoplankton community of a shallow,hypertrophic lake

The validity of Connell's intermediate disturbance hypothesis in phytoplankton communities was tested on data from a hypertrophic, shallow lake, Hjarbæk Fjord, Denmark.The present data from Hjarbæk Fjord demonstrate the difficulties in distinguishing stress from disturbance in a phytoplankton community, and show that great changes in the phytoplankton community can take place within few days.A collapse of blue-green algae in late June 1986 caused remineralization of nutrients and resulted in a rapid increase of fast-growing small chlorococcal green algae and phytoplankton species diversity, without any external disturbances acting on the lake. External disturbances in the form of wind action and brackish water intrusion occurred several days after the onset of these events. Carbon depletion and pH 11.0 were severe stress factors on the phytoplankton community. They were induced by calm, warm weather, but eventually acted as a kind of disturbance to the normally well circulated lake.