The physical and chemical variables of the water, and the composition and structure of the zooplankton communities, in Três Marias and Furnas Reservoirs in Minas Gerais, Brazil, were compared to characterize these environments in relation to their trophic state. Higher values of electrical conductivity and chlorophyll-a, total solids, suspended organic matter and total nitrogen concentrations were recorded in Três Marias Reservoir. Higher water transparency and nitrite and nitrate concentrations were observed in Furnas (P < 0.000). Higher zooplankton densities were always obtained in Três Marias Reservoir and, during the rainy period (P < 0.000), with mean values in the dry and rainy periods of 23 721 and 90 872 org m )3 , respectively, in Três Marias Reservoir and 9022 and 40 434 org m )3 , respectively, in Furnas Reservoir. Copepoda was the dominant group in both reservoirs, mainly the younger stages (nauplii and copepodids). Based on the absolute and relative values, the contribution of rotifers was higher in Três Marias Reservoir than in Furnas Reservoir. Although the Trophic State Index, based on water transparency and chlorophyll-a and total phosphorus concentrations, indicated an oligotrophic state for both reservoirs, the higher densities of the zooplankton community in Três Marias Reservoir, as well as the predominance of cyclopoids and smaller-sized species such as bosminids, characterized this environment as mesotrophic. Larger-sized species such as calanoids, daphniids and sidids in Furnas Reservoir characterized the better water quality of this reservoir.

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The fluctuation of the population of Daphnia laevis in Lake Jacaré (Middle River Doce, Minas Gerais) was monitored monthly (at one point in the limnetic region) for six years (2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007) as part of the Program of Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER/UFMG). The following parameters were also monitored: water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and densities of Chaoborus and ephippia of Daphnia laevis in the sediment.

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In order to verify changes in physical, chemical and biological features of Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil), this study compares previous and recent data obtained from limnological investigations over three decades. Plankton species composition and density together with environmental data from 1978, 1983, and during 1999 to 2006 showed changes driven by seasonal climatic forces or by anthropogenic causes. Changes in diversity are shown as a consequence of alternation of rainy and dry periods and introduction of exotic fish species. Finally, suggestions are made for improving conservation efforts in the area, through planned actions and monitoring programmes.Keywords: tropical lake, long term studies, trophic changes, phytoplankton, zooplankton. Mudanças limnológicas no lago Dom Helvécio (Sudeste Brasil): causas naturais e antropogênicas ResumoCom o objetivo de avaliar as mudanças nas características físicas, químicas e biológicas do lago Dom Helvécio (Sudeste do Brasil), este estudo compara dados anteriores e recentes de investigações limnológicas através de três décadas. A composição e a densidade das espécies planctônicas juntamente com os dados ambientais apresentaram mudanças decorrentes de forças climáticas e de causas antropogênicas. Mudanças na diversidade como consequência da sazonalidade e da introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes foram observadas. Com base nos resultados, são feitas sugestões para aumentar os esforços de conservação na área através de ações planejadas e programas de monitoramento.Palavras-chave: lago tropical, estudos de longa duração, alterações tróficas, fitoplâncton, zooplâncton.