Features of the structure and temporal dynamics of zooplankton communities of small artificial reservoirs in urbanized territories (by the example of Penza)

Abstract

Background. The study of the zooplankton communities of small artificial reservoirs in urbanized territories expands knowledge about the structure, functioning and formation of hydrobiocenoses, which make a significant contribution to the conservation of biological diversity. These ponds require monitoring and treatment planning. The purpose of the research is to study the species diversity and dynamics of the zooplankton community in a small artificial reservoir, as well as to reveal the similarity with closely located water bodies. Materials and methods. Zooplankton samples were taken from April to November 2016–2017. Cameral processing of samples was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Analyzing the degree of development of the zooplankton community, we took into account the species diversity, abundance (N) thousand ind./m3 and biomass (B) g/m3, the index of the frequency of occurrence, and the complex of dominant species in terms of abundance. Using the Shennon index, the degree of complexity of the zooplankton community and the trophic status of the dug reservoir were established. The species composition of the this zooplankton was compared with the species richness of the Sura river within the city and Arbekovskiy pond. Results. The research presents data on the species composition of zooplankton (129 species and forms), including two new species for the Penza region: Limnias melicerta and Cephalodella sterea. Information on the ecology and biology of certain zooplankton species (Cephalodella ventripes, Keratella irregularis, Asplanchna girodi, A. priodonta) has been expanded. The dependence of structural parameters on water temperature and precipitation has been established. This dug reservoir is polluted with organic matter, as evidenced by the Shannon index, which was used to determine the degree of complexity of the zooplankton community. However, the dynamics of this index and, consequently, the trophic status are changeable. Conclusions. In the dug pond, the zooplankton community at 3/4 consists of zooplankters from the nearby Arbekovskiy pond and the Sura river within the city. The rest of the objects got into the reservoir from small streams and, possibly, temporary reservoirs, as well as water bodies located at a greater distance.

Keywords

• dug water body
• zooplankton community
• species structure
• seasonal dynamics