Seasonal variation in phytoplankton composition and physical-chemical features of the shallow Lake Doïrani,Macedonia, Greece

Phytoplankton species composition, seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution in the shallow Lake Doïrani were studied during the growth season of 1996 along with key physical and chemical variables of the water. Weak thermal stratification developed in the lake during the warm period of 1996. The low N:P ratio suggests that nitrogen was the potential limiting nutrient of phytoplankton in the lake. In the phytoplankton of the lake, Chlorophyceae were the most species-rich group followed by Cyanophyceae. The monthly fluctuations of the total phytoplankton biomass presented high levels of summer algal biomass resembling that of other eutrophic lakes. Dinophyceae was the group most represented in the phytoplankton followed by Cyanophyceae. Diatomophyceae dominated in spring and autumn. Nanoplankton comprised around 90% of the total biomass in early spring and less than 10% in summer. The seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton generally followed the typical pattern outlined for other eutrophic lakes. R-species (small diatoms), dominant in the early phase of succession, were replaced by S-species (Microcystis, Anabaena, Ceratium) in summer. With cooling of the water in September, the biomass of diatoms (R-species) increased. The summer algal maxima consisted of a combination of H and M species associations (sensu Reynolds). Phytoplankton development in 1996 was subject to the combined effect of the thermal regime, the small depth of mixing and the increased sediment-water interactions in the lake, which caused changes in the underwater light conditions and nutrient concentrations.     

Composition and dynamics of a highly diverse diatom assemblage in a limestone stream

The algal assemblages of a small limestone stream were studied for a year at monthly intervals. Algal standing crop was permanently high (mean concentration of 158 mg Chl-a · m^–2), but it reached the maximum values in spring and summer. Diatoms were dominant in the algal assemblages throughout this time, and more than one hundred species were recorded during the survey. Most of them are characteristic of hard waters, but others, mainly occurring in summer, have been observed elsewhere in moderately halophile waters.A striking succession was observed in the diatom assemblage in the stream in each season. This succession, with a maximum in summer, was mainly related with the lessening in flow and the increase in water mineralization. Moreover, the diversity of the samples increased sharply from April 1982 to July 1983. In fact, a progressive increase in salinity tolerant species could be observed from winter and spring to summer. Nitzschia sociabilis, Navicula gregaria, Navicula lanceolata and Gomphonema olivaceum were the most abundant species in winter, whereas Achnanthes minutissima reached its maximum in spring and Navicula schroeterii, Nitzschia thermaloides and Cyclotella meneghiniana were some of the most abundant in summer.     

Seasonal variation in biomass and photosynthetic activity of epilithic algae on a rock at the upper littoral area in the north basin of Lake Biwa, Japan

Vertical distributions of biomass and the photosynthetic activity of epilithic algae were observed seasonally with regard to their physical and chemical parameters along a rocky shoreline of the upper littoral area in the north basin of Lake Biwa. Chlorophyll a amounts in epilithic algae showed a marked change with depth from spring to early summer. The algal biomass showed higher values on the lower part of a large rock in early spring, and gradually increased on the upper part as a result of the growth of Spirogyra sp., a filamentous Chlorophyceae. This growth seems to be associated with a rise in water temperature, with the biomass at the upper depths seeming to be affected by a hydraulic disturbance. The standing crop of epilithic algae showed a maximum value in June and declined to a minimum in August because of the corresponding proliferation or disappearance of Spirogyra as well as changes in the water level. The maximum value of the assimilation number calculated from the potential photosynthetic rate of epilithic algae was obtained at the lower depths in June when Spirogyra grew vigorously. Appreciably high assimilation numbers were also observed in summer and fall, although chlorophyll a amounts were low. The present study is the first in a series to clarify the contribution of epilithic algae on rocky areas to productivity throughout the entire littoral ecosystem.     

Microbial mats of twenty-six lakes from Potter Peninsula,King George Island,Antarctica

The taxonomic composition and ecology of microbial mats were investigated in 26 lentic environments of Potter Peninsula (King George Island, Antarctica) during the summer of 1995/96. These have different limnological characteristics according to the location of the basins. Among the 139 algal taxa registered, 10 are new records for Antarctica. Bacillariophyceae was the dominant class in terms of species richness, followed by the Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyceae. TWINSPAN classification was used to describe six epilithic algal assemblages; Canonical Correspondence Analysis ordination showed that soluble reactive phosphorus, phytoplanktonic chlorophyll a concentration and conductivity were the main sources for the variation in the data.     

The phytoplankton of the internal Gulf of Olbia (North-East Sardinia) between July 1992 and July 1993

Abstract

The density variations and phytoplankton structure of the internal Gulf of Olbia (north-east Sardinia) from July 1992 to July 1993 are described.

The most important class was the Bacillariophyceae, because it accounted for the maximum values and because it dominated over about one-third of the study cycle. The picoplankton was present practically all the year round with the greatest development from September to March. Prymnesiophyceae, Dinophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae were found more numerously in summer and autumn 1992 than in the rest of the year, while Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Chrysophyceae were mostly found in spring and summer 1993.

Among the 16 species that expressed the highest mean yearly density values (greater than 1×10⁴ cell I^-1), 10 were Bacillariophyceae, 2 Dinophyceae, 3 Chrysophyceae and 1 Chlorophycea. The Bacillariophyceae have also been the dominant class in floristic terms (49 taxa on 95 total), followed by the Dinophyceae (26), the Chlorophyceae (5), the Chrysophyceae (5), the Prymnesiophyceae (4), the Prasinophyceae (2), the Euglenophyceae (2) and the Cyanophyceae (2).     

A survey of the distribution of UV-absorbing substances in tropical macroalgae

UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acid compounds (MAA) were identified and quantified in 13 macroalgal Chlorophyceae, six Phaeophyceae and 28 Rhodophy-ceae collected in the intertidal zone from the tropical island Hainan, People's Republic of China, as well as from tropical mangrove locations in America, Africa, Australia and Japan. All of these habitats receive naturally high solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiances. The study revealed that all Rhodophyceae contained several MAA, which are assumed to function as natural UV sunscreens. Within all species investigated eight distinct compounds were found, seven of which were identified as mycosporine-glycine, shinorine, porphyra-334, pal-ythine, asterina-330, palythinol and palythene. The unknown substance had an absorption spectrum with a maximum at 357 nm. This compound was restricted to two red algal species from Hainan. In contrast, the Chlorophyceae and Phaeophyceae did not contain MAA or exhibited only trace concentrations. Compared with data from the literature, the amount of all MAA in the tropical Rhodophyceae seemed to be higher than in temperate organisms, probably reflecting acclimation to the stronger solar radiation which is typical for lower latitudes. The data suggest that accumulation of MAA may represent a natural defence system against exposure to biologically harmful UV radiation.     

Seasonally changing habitat use patterns among roving herbivorous fishes in the southern Red Sea: the role of temperature and algal community structure

Coral reefs are characterized by intense herbivory. Spatial patterns in herbivory—particularly along the depth gradient—influence the distribution and abundance of algae. Depth gradients in herbivorous reef fishes are generally assumed to be temporally stable, but this assumption has rarely been questioned. Here, we use underwater visual census and herbivore exclusion experiments to study the community composition and temporal patterns in habitat use by roving herbivorous fishes in an environment characterized by profound seasonal changes in algal biomass and distribution and extreme summer temperatures. Among the 18 species of roving herbivores recorded, parrotfishes were dominant in species richness and biomass, while regional endemic species represented 77 % of the total biomass. During most of the year, roving herbivores aggregate in the shallow reef zones and their biomass declines with depth. The herbivore community on the reef flat is distinct from that in deeper zones. The former is characterized by Siganus rivulatus, Acanthurus gahhm and Hipposcarus harid, while the deeper reef zones are characterized by S. ferrugineus, Chlorurus sordidus and Ctenochaetus striatus. In summer, the distinct community structures among reef zones are lost as reef flat herbivores tend to exploit deeper reef zones and some reef crest species venture on to the reef flat. This summer change in herbivore distribution is also reflected in reduced turf biomass and increased yield to herbivores in the deeper reef zones. Habitat use is related to the feeding mode such that browsers dominate the reef flat and scrapers the reef crest, while the seasonal changes correspond to changes in availability of targeted algal resources. These seasonal changes appear to be driven by the extreme temperatures in summer, reaching 36 °C on the shallow reef flat.     

Phytoplankton periodicity in a subtropical lake (Lake Kinneret,Israel)

Lake kinneret is a subtropical monomictic lake characterized by a Pyrrhophyta-Chlorophyta assemblage, supplemented by Cyanophyta in some years. Concerning their abundance and seasonal occurrence, the phytoplanktonic algae belong to two groups: algae appearing in quantity at a definite annual period and algae present throughout the year. Four stages of algal succession occur in the lake. There is a marked periodicity in the phytoplankton composition with a high standing stock in winter-spring, due to the dinoflagellate water-bloom, and a low one during the summer months, related to the high stability of summer stratification. The annual succession at the species level has been an almost constant event in the lake for many years.The increase in nutrient concentrations in 1973 and 1974 increased the diversity and abundance of algae (except Peridinium) but did not lead to significant changes in algal succession. Conversely, the decrease of the zooplankton grazing pressure in 1975 and 1976 facilitated the development of algal maxima during summer-fall. They were caused by nanoplanktonic forms, and they developed without additional enrichment of nutrients. The algal abundance and diversity decreased. The years 1981 and 1982 were characterized by both an increase in phosphorus and a decrease in zooplankton. These conditions favored the concomitant abundance of many species and an increase of non-Pyrrhophyta biomass.     

Soil algae from acid rain impacted forest areas of the Krušné hory Mts. 1. Algal communities

The soil algal communities of forested and reforested, limed and unlimed plots were compared in the acid rain impacted Kru sné hory Mountains. The floristic composition of unlimed plots is similar to that found in acid forest soils with a naturally low pH and no effect of the acid rain on these communities can be detected. Chlorophyceae are the only group present in these soils. In limed areas with a higher soil pH, algal diversity is significantly increased while algal densities remain similar. Chlorophyceae, while still the dominant group, are accompanied in these soils by Bacillariophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae and Cyanophyceae. Total vegetation cover and thus light hitting the soil surface seems to be most important in determining the algal biomass.     

扎龙湿地藻类优势种生态位及其种间联结性动态分析

为了解扎龙湿地藻类群落结构的季节特征和演替规律,对扎龙湿地藻类群落进行了分析,主要涉及藻类优势度、生态位、MFG功能群划分、生态位重叠值及联结系数分析。结果表明：(1)在检出的8门311种藻类中,夏季种类丰富度最高,全年优势种为狭形纤维藻和啮蚀隐藻。(2)优势种种类和密度季节性差异较大,春季以金藻-绿藻种类为主,夏季以绿藻-隐藻种类为主,秋季以隐藻-绿藻种类为主。(3)生态位宽度值与MFG功能群划分结合分析表明,优势种可分为3个大类别,不同种类对资源利用情况的差异较大,各季节广生态位种能较好的反映扎龙湿地水体环境的季节变化趋势。(4)生态位重叠值在不同季节上有较大差异,O_ik>0.6的占比分别为42.86%(春)、28.57%(夏)和25.00%(秋),表明春季优势种种间资源的竞争最为突出,种间竞争强于夏、秋两季。(5)种间联结性检验结果显示,扎龙湿地藻类优势种间总体联结上呈正关联关系,但是种间联结较为松散,种与种之间相对独立。研究表明,扎龙湿地藻类群落结构生态位测度均存在明显的季节波动,较好反映出水环境季节变化特征,可用来指示湿地水体环境的变化。     

The phytoplankton of an enriched, soft-water lake subject to intermittent hydraulic flushing (Grasmere, English Lake District)

SUMMARY. 1. The abundance and species composition of the phytoplankton of Grasmere were monitored over a 12-year period following the commissioning of a small sewage treatment works, upstream of the lake.
2. Although Grasmere has been subject to increased phosphorus-loading and has quickly developed many features associated with eutrophication, the composition of its plankton has retained the characteristics of a mesotrophic, soft-water lake: a vernal diatom maximum, generally dominated by Asterionella , is followed by summer growths of nanoplanktonic species, of various colonial Chlorophyceae, before a substantial return to Asterionella-dominance in the autumn. In cooler summers there have been episodes of renewed diatom growth. followed by truncated recapitulations of the essential summer sequence. Anabaena solitaria was relatively common in drier summers when dissolved inorganic nitrogen fell to low concentrations, although many of the 'larger' algal species associated with stratified eutrophic lakes (Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Ceratium spp.) have failed to become abundant in Grasmere.
3. Mean biomass levels (as indicated by chlorophyll concentration) have increased in response to the enrichment, though they do not conform well with most chlorophyll/phosphorus regression-models.
4. The key factor resisting a more complete transition to a typical eutrophic plankton appears to be the efficiency of episodic flushing of the lake during periods of high fluvial discharge sustained by heavy rainfall over the extensive, mountainous catchment. The probabilities that these limnological conditions might fail to deter the development of 'nuisance' blooms are briefly assessed.     

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in the Gulf of Aqaba,Red Sea

Seawater samples were collected biweekly from the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, for Phytoplankton analysis during the period May 1998 to October 1999. Microscopic counts and HPLC methods were employed. Procaryotic and eucaryotic ultraplankton dominated throughout most of the year, with larger nano- and microplankton making up only 5% of the photosynthetic biomass. Moderate seasonal variations in the 0–125 m integrated Chl a contrasted with a pronounced seasonal succession of the major taxonomic groups, reflecting the changes in the density stratification of the water column: Prochlorococcus dominated during the stratified summer period and were almost absent in winter. Chlorophyceae and Cryptophyceae were dominant during winter mixing but scarce or absent during summer. Diatoms and Synechococcus showed sharp and moderate biomass peaks in late winter and spring respectively, but remained at only low Chl a levels for the rest of the year. Chrysophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae and the scarce Dinophyceae showed no clear seasonal distribution pattern. The implications of alternating procaryotic and eucaryote dominated algal communities for the Red Sea pelagic food web are discussed. Electronic Supplementary Material Electronic supplementary material is available for this article at and accessible for authorised users.     

PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS IN A STABLY STRATIFIED ANTARCTIC LAKE DURING WINTER DARKNESS

Using automated overwinter sampling devices, we collected preserved phytoplankton samples from multiple depths in Lake Fryxell, a permanently ice-covered lake in southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. Photosynthetic algae were maintained in a stable water column throughout winter darkness. The algal taxa overwintered in different ways in a species-specific manner. Typical vegetative cells were the most abundant form for all species found in the water column. Populations of one chlorophyte, Stichococcus sp., were observed in winter, but the species was absent in both summers. Two cryptophyte species were more abundant in winter than in summer. We interpret the increase in algal population size as evidence of heterotrophic growth in winter and of mixotrophic behavior throughout the year. For two chlorophyte species, some portion of the population had a distinctive morphology, for example, many Chlamydomonas subcaudata Wille. formed akinetes, whereas many Chlorella sp. contained a large amount of starch or other storage material. During winter, vegetative cells of the most abundant cyanobacterial species, Phormidium angustissimum West et West, occurred at the depth of the summer maximum and at depths below the oxycline. The presence of P. angustissimum below the oxycline may have resulted from the accumulation of settling cells at a depth with a greater density. In contrast to the settling of P. angustissimum , the general absence of the other algal species below the oxycline in winter indicated that these species were not influenced by overwinter settling.     

A bio-ecologial study of Nuggikari lake in Dharwar,Mysore State,South India

Summary The bio-ecological conditions of a perennial piece of water, called Nuggikari lake in Dharwar, Mysore State, were investigated for one year from the view-point of regional limnology of South India. The lake is filled with rain water during the south-west monsoon and a part of the north-east monsoon season from a lateritic catchment area containing cultivated land. The inter-relationship existing between the physico-chemical variables and the biological conditions are discussed. The water is turbid and reddish during June to November when the majority of the algal organisms found is Chlorophyceae with a dominance of Desmids. Later, the water becomes pale-green to dark-green when blue-green algae become abundant in summer. The figures for albuminoid nitrogen and oxygen are then highest.     

The phytoplankton of S'Ena Arrubia Lagoon (Centre-Western Sardinia) between 1990 and 1995

Abstract

The phytoplankton study on the S'Ena Arrubia Lagoon started in 1990, after dystrophic events, leading to high fish mortality and consequently great economic losses. This study presents a general picture of the conditions of the lagoon between 1990 and 1995, and reports on the quali-quantitative changes in the phytoplanktonic populations, as well as the trends of temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, algal nutrients and chlorophyll a. The lagoon was characterized by great changes in salinity between years and within the same year, by high nutrient contents and by a phytoplankton trend characterized by sudden intense blooms mostly due to the Chlorophyceae and the Bacillariophyceae. The number of species found, decreased from 1990 to 1994, followed by a slight increase in 1995. The same trend was also found for total density and chlorophyll a.     

Phytoplankton communities of North African wetland lakes: the CASSARINA Project

Seasonal variations in phytoplankton species composition (frequencies) and densities (cell numbers) in nine North African coastal lakes selected in Morocco (Merja Sidi Bou Rhaba, Zerga and Bokka), Tunisia (Chitane, Ichkeul and Korba lakes) and Egypt (Edku, Burullus and Manzala lakes) were investigated during 1998. The main aim was to provide gase-line information about overall phytoplankton diversity and how phytoplanktoncharacteristics differ between these contrasting aquatic systems.Water samples were collected at approximately three monthly intervals and phytoplankton analysis revealed marked seasonal and spatial differences in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the communities at each site. The Egyptian lakes generally had larger crops (Manzala and Burullus had mean crop densities of more than 104 cells ml^–1) but in the western North African sites only Korba and Sidi Bou Rhaba had closely comparable densities. Algae belonging to Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae and Euglenophyceae were recorded. Taxa representative of all these algal groups occurred in two lakes (Korba and Manzala) but at the other seven sites only some of the groups were present.The Chlorophyceae was the most dominant group in lakes Burullus, Manzala, Korba and Sidi Bou Rhaba whereas Bacillariophyceae were dominant in lakes Zerga, Bokka and Edku. In Ichkeul and acidic Chitane the Dinophyceae and the Cyanophyceae were the dominant groups, respectively. The maximum percentage of Euglenophyceae occurred in Edku Lake but this group was absent in Sidi Bou Rhaba and Ichkeul. Cyanophyceans were present in significant numbers in all investigated lakes except in Ichkeul. A total of fifty-three genera were recorded, 17 of Chlorophyceae, 18 of Bacillariophyceae, 11 of Cyanophyceae, 3 of Chrysophyceae, 2 of Euglenophyceae and 2 of Dinophyceae. The maximum number of species (34) occurred in Burullus Lake and the minimum (6) in Ichkeul Lake. Only one lake (acidic Chitane) possessed species indicative of oligotrophic conditions. The Nile Delta lakes were the most species diverse sites.The phytoplankton communities of the nine North African lakes were composed entirely of cosmopolitan species but with one new species (Cyclotella choctawatcheeana) was recorded for the region. The data presented provide a contemporary account of the levels of algal diversity present in these sites at the end of the 20th century. The relevance of phytoplankton communities to assessment of lake status and future monitoring studies in the region is emphasised.     

Periphyton flora of some lotic and lentic environments of Hope Bay (Antarctic Peninsula)

A taxonomic study was made of the periphytic algal flora of some freshwater environments at Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula (63°27S; 56°59W), during summer 1992–1993. Seven lakes and two pools that are characterized by different trophic levels were studied. The largest, Boeckella Lake, has an important outflow (Prasiola Stream) that was also analyzed. Ninety-seven algal taxa, including specific and infraspecific entities, are recorded. Thirty-one new records for the Antarctic continent are described and illustrated. The flora comprises 44.4% Cyanophyceae, 21.6% Bacillariophyceae, 18.5% Chlorophyceae, 9.3% Tribophyceae, 4.2% Chrysophyceae and 2% Zygophyceae. The epilithic flora of Hope Bay shows a high species richness. Phormidiumfragile and Lyngbya lagerheimii were the most abundant species among the Cyanophyceae. In the algal mats we also found Chrysophyceae (mainly Hydrurus foetidus and Chrysococcus rufescens) and the macroscopic chlorophycean Prasiola crispa. Tribonema australis sp. nov. (Tribonematales, Tribophyceae) is put forward as a new species. Hormidium fluitans (Gay) Heering is renamed Klebshormidium fluitans.     

High Resolution Spatio-temporal Detection of Potentially Harmful Dinoflagellates in Confined Waters of the NW Mediterranean

A systematic sampling programme was carried out in a large numberof confined waters (principally harbours) along the Catalancoast (NW Mediterranean) in the context of a new MonitoringProgramme. This Monitoring Programme was associated not onlywith areas subject to aquaculture activities, and thereforeunder legislation, but also with confined areas with a highrisk of harmful algal blooms (HABs) occurrence, in order toprovide an early warning of potentially widespread HABs. Thesystematic programme was performed weekly in summer and bi-monthlyin winter for five years. The main results were: (i) the detectionof many harmful species and the presence of high numbers ofharmful dinoflagellates, mainly of the genera Alexandrium andDinophysis; (ii) the detection of Alexandrium catenella, newin the study area, which had hardly ever been detected in theMediterranean Sea; (iii) the presence of some potentially harmfulspecies, including Dinophysis sacculus, present at all periodsof the year; (iv) bloom recurrence in several stations; (v)occasional coincidence of small-scale blooms, such as thoseconfined inside the harbours, with widespread blooms (mesoscaleblooms) of the same organism. The implications of this highfrequency of HAB detection is discussed in relation to the suitabilityof this sampling programme (focused on confined waters) forthe early detection of algal blooms.     

Zooplankton,and related phytoplankton cycles,in a eutrophic lake

The seasonal cycles of zooplankton were determined for 18 consecutive months in a sewage-enriched lake in northern Canada and were related to algal availability and utilization, food consumption, temperature and the density of predators. Most of the common species (Daphnia pulex, Daphnia middenorffiana, Keratella cochlearis, Keratella quadrata, Polyarthra vulgaris) increased in abundance in May and June, reached a mid-summer maximum, and declined sharply in the fall. Phytoplankton densities increased sharply in May, peaked early in June and gradually decreased through the summer and fall. Since the quantity of algae in the guts remained constant during this period, algal availability and utilization had no direct impact on the seasonal cycles of any species. Furthermore, the amount of ingested material in D. pulex and D. middendorffiana was similar regardless of time of year, implying that the total quantity of food in the environment did not restrict development. Although temperature was the most important factor influencing variations in the densities of all species, predation by Cyclops spp. probably had little effect on the population dynamics of the fauna.