Periphytic algae colonization driven by variable environmental components in a temperate floodplain lake

Abstract

-The colonization of periphytic algae in a temperate floodplain was studied in Lake Sakadasˇ, a part of a fluvial floodplain along the Danube River. An in situ investigation, using artificial substrata, was started after extremely high spring flooding and was carried out during long-lasting summer floods (July-August 2010). The physical and chemical environment was variable and large stands of metaphyton, submersed and floating macrophytes were spread along the lake. The periphyton development was initiated on the first day of exposition and algal abundance increased exponentially till day 27. Directional changes in the relative abundance of algal species, shown by the results of the non-metric multidimensional scaling, indicate a pattern of short-term sequences in algal colonization. The initial attachment of planktonic cyanobacteria and unicellular diatoms (initial phase, days 1-3) to the biofilm matrix was followed by the development of the filamentous chlorophytes, Cladophora glomerata and Oedogonium spp. (intermediate phase, days 6-15) and then by stalk-forming diatoms particularly Gomphonema spp. (late phase, days 18-33). According to the redundancy analyses, water temperature and oscillations of Danube water level that define the flooding pattern had the most significant influence on algal colonization. Flood-induced spreading of metaphyton firstly supported the rapid progress of algal colonization towards a climax community, while later, metaphyton together with macrophytes disrupted algal community by increasing the mechanical injuries, shading and grazing pressure. Consequently, algal abundance and community structure were returned to the intermediate phase of colonization.

Seasonal variations in response of periphytic algal community to nutrient enrichment in the river Ganga (Varanasi, India)

“…During the spring, there was dominance of diatoms as well as green algae, whereas in summer there was absolute dominance of cyanobacteria. Similar patterns of seasonal succession of algae have also been reported earlier (Allan, 1995;Teubner, 2000;Liboriussen, 2003;Pfeiffer et al, 2013).…”

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in acidic and humic environment in thaw ponds of discontinuous permafrost zone

“…This is particularly true for nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, such as Nostoc commune, which are also adapted to high solar irradiance (Vincent and Quesada, 1997). It is important to note that the ephemeral nature of many Western Siberia thaw ponds favors significant development of periphytic rather than planktonic form of primary producers, essentially filamentous chlorophytes, as it is known for temperate floodplain lakes (i.e., Pfeiffer et al, 2013). It can be hypothesized that significant fraction of this periphyton is attached to submerged vegetation (moss, grass and dwarf shrubs) although the characterization of these habitats was not attempted.…”

Nutrient Exposure Alters Microbial Composition, Structure, and Mercury Methylating Activity in Periphyton in a Contaminated Watershed

“…This pattern may be due to variations in physiochemical parameters such as nutrients, light, and temperature. Temperature is a large determinant of algal growth ( Allen and Hershey, 1996 ; Teubner, 2000 ; Pfeiffer et al, 2013 ; Yadav et al, 2018 ) but the water temperature in our experiment did not change. Additionally, our nutrient exposure was consistent and regulated by the NDS cups across seasons.…”