Algal communities of a geothermally heated lagoon on Deception Island (South Shetland Islands)

Kroner Lake, located at Deception Island (Maritime Antarctica), is a unique geothermally heated lagoon in Antarctica. It is declared as special site of scientific interest (SSSI) by Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) for its high biodiversity. A sharp environmental heterogeneity is registered in this lagoon, due to its connection to the sea in its southern margin, and to the input of warm freshwater in the northern one (because of hot springs). This study analyses the biodiversity and abundance of the algal communities (phytoplankton and benthic assemblages) and their relationship with environmental factors. In particular, strong spatial differences of both temperature and conductivity were recorded. The biological studies revealed that the phytoplankton (nanoplankton and microplankton) was dominated by marine diatom species, while the pico-sized fraction was composed by Cyanobacteria Synechococcus-like cells. The epipelon was mainly represented by chain and tubicolous diatoms, among which, Melosira nummuloides was one of the most abundant species. Filamentous Cyanobacteria were also frequently recorded in the algal mats. Kroner Lake is subject to a strong marine influence. Phytoplankton is absolutely dominated by marine diatoms. Spatial variations in temperature and conductivity recorded in the lagoon influence the distribution of the aquatic communities. The greater abundance of pico-sized cells coincided with the warmest site of the water body. Regarding the benthic community, the contribution of freshwater and brackish species is comparatively more important than for the phytoplankton, although the high contribution of marine-derived algae was also evident.