Učënye Zapiski Kazanskogo Universiteta. Seriâ Estestvennye Nauki (Sep 2020)

Composition and structure of phytoplankton communities in the Samara River (Saratov Reservoir basin)

  • O.G. Gorokhova

DOI
https://doi.org/10.26907/2542-064X.2020.3.413-429
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 162, no. 3
pp. 413 – 429

Abstract

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The phytoplankton communities of the Samara River were described based on their quantitative parameters and species diversity. A total of 160 species and intraspecific taxa of algae from 8 divisions were identified in the algal flora. Chlorophyta (46%) and Bacillariophyta (25%) prevailed. The degree of species composition similarity differed between the river reaches: from 15% in the upstream area to 59% in the ecotone zone, in which the water from the river mixes with the Saratov Reservoir. The abundance and biomass of phytoplankton increased, with significant fluctuations, from the headwaters to the mouth. The longitudinal dynamics of phytoplankton abundance was determined by Chlorophyta, while the dominance of other algal groups appeared to be confined to only certain areas. Based on the biomass values, diatoms, green algae, and large-cell phytoflagellates prevailed. The dominant species composition of the algal communities shifted because of flood control, tributary influx, anthropogenic eutrophication, and backwater effect in the mouth area.

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