Studies on zooplankton in two acidified high mountain lakes in the Alps |
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Authors: | P Cammarano M Manca |
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Institution: | (1) C.N.R. Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia, 28048 Pallanza, Italy |
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Abstract: | Being located in remote areas, alpine lakes are good indicators of regional and global pollution, and are particularly sensitive
to atmospheric depositions. When situated in areas where acidic rocks dominate, they are sensitive to acidification.
In the framework of an international project partially funded by the EU, a two-year study on zooplankton was carried out on
two lakes, Lake Paione Inferiore (LPI) and Lake Paione Superiore (LPS), selected because of their susceptibility to acidification.
In particular, LPS is permanently acidified, with pH ranging between 5.3 and 6.2, and LPI is acidified during the ice melt,
when pH drops to 6.1 units. In addition, LPI is subjected to further anthropogenic interference, since fish (Onchorynchus
mykiss) have been repeatedly introduced into the lake during the last thirty years.
Literature information is available on the species composition and the seasonal dynamics of the zooplankton communities of
the two lakes before these anthropogenic disturbances took place. Previously, the two lakes had a similar species composition
and abundant zooplankton. An analysis of the present-day situation reveals significant changes compared to the past. Both
acidification and the introduction of fish are responsible for the marked alterations observed. By reconstructing of the past
cladocera assemblages and by analysing the literature on lakes with different impacts of the two factors (pH and fish), we
can estimate the relative importance of the two different anthropogenic disturbances on species composition and abundance
of the zooplankton communities of the two lakes.
This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | Zooplankton acidification high mountain lakes |
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