Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Species composition and phytoplankton biomass in a tropical African lake (Lake Awassa, Ethiopia)

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The species composition and phytoplankton biomass of Lake Awassa, Ethiopia were studied from September 1985 to July 1986 in relation to some limnological features of the lake. During the study period, three phases of thermal stratification were recognized: a period of unstable stratification and near-complete mixing was followed by a stable stratification period and another period of complete mixing. Complete mixing was associated with cooling of air temperature with an influx of cool rain and high rainfall. The underwater light penetration showed a similar pattern over the whole period with the highest in the red, and the lowest in the blue spectral region. Euphotic depth varied between 1.6 and 3.0 meters with the highest measurements corresponding to the stable stratification period. PO4-P concentrations ranged between 23 and 45 µg l−1 and NO3-N concentrations varied between 7 and 14 µg l−1 during the study period. Both nutrients showed increasing values associated with mixing periods and/or the rainy season.

A total of 100 phytoplankton species were identified with 48% of the taxa represented by green algae, 30% by blue-green algae, 11% by diatoms, and the rest by chrysophytes, dinoflagellates, cryptomonads and euglenoids. The dominant phytoplankton species were Lyngbya nyassae, Botryococcus braunii and Microcystis species. Seasonal biomass variation was pronounced in the first two species but not in Mycrocystis. Phytoplankton biomass increased following the mixing period in December, and thermal destratification during May to July which was also a period with high rainfall and relatively high nutrient concentration. While the seasonal variation of the total phytoplankton community in Lake Awassa was relatively low (coefficient of variation < 20%), it was higher in some of the individual component species.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Baxter, R. M., M. V. Prosser, J. F. Talling & R. B. Wood, 1965. Stratification in tropical African lakes at moderate altitudes (1500 to 2000 m). Limnol. Oceanogr. 10: 510–520.

    Google Scholar 

  • Belay, A., 1985. A bibliography of Ethiopian limnology. SINET: Ethiop. J. Sci. 8: 41–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Belay, A. & R. B. Wood, 1984. Primary productivity of five Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 22: 1187–1192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Belcher, J. H., 1968. Notes on the physiology of Botryococcus braunii Kutz. Arch. Microbiol. 61: 335–346.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourrelly, P., (1966–1970). Les algues d'eau douce. Tome I, II and III. N. Boubee et Cie, Paris.

  • Bowling, L. C., M. S. Steane & P. A. Tyler, 1986. The spectral distribution and attenuation of underwater irradiance in Tasmanian inland waters. Freshwat. Biol. 16: 313–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cannicci, G. & F. Almagia, 1947. Notizie sulla ‘facies’ planctonica di alcuni laghi della fossa galla. Pesca Piscicolt Idrobiol. 23, 2: 54–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, T., 1962. Alger — Botanik 2:1, Kopenhagen. (1980). Algae, Odense.

    Google Scholar 

  • Compere, P. & A. Iltis, 1983. The phytoplankton, 6. In J. P. Carmouze, J. R. Durand and C. Leveque (eds), Lake Chad — ecology and productivity of a shallow, tropical ecosystem. Monogr. biol., 53, Junk: 145–197.

  • Gamachu, D., 1977. Aspects of climate and water budget in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa University Press, Addis Ababa, 71 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganf, G. G., 1974a. Diurnal mixing and the vertical distribution of phytoplankton in a shallow equatorial lake (Lake George, Uganda). J. Ecol. 62: 641–659.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganf, G. G., 1974b. Incident solar irradiance and underwater light penetration as factors controlling the chlorophyll a content of a shallow equatorial lake (Lake George, Uganda). J. Ecol. 62: 593–609.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganf, G. G., 1974c. Phytoplankton biomass and distribution in a shallow, equatorial lake (Lake George, Uganda). Oecologia (Berl.). 16: 9–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gasse, F., J. F. Talling & P. Kilham, 1983. Diatom assemblages in East Africa: classification, distribution and ecology. Revue Hydrobiol. trop. 16: 3–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gebre Mariam, Z., 1988. Heterotrophic bacterial dynamics in an Ethiopian Rift Valley lake, Lake Awassa. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Waterloo, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Getachew, T., 1987. Food, nutrition and digestive efficiency in Oreochromis niloticus Linn. (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Lake Awassa. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Waterloo, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, C. E. & R. V. Smith, 1982. Freshwater plankton. In N. G. Carr & B. A. Whitton (eds), The biology of cyanobacteria. Botanical Monographs, 19, Blackwell Scientific Publications: 463/489.

  • Golterman, H. L., R. L. Clymo & M. A. M. Ohnstad, 1978. Methods for the physical and chemical analysis of freshwaters. Second ed., IBP Handbook No. 8;, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harbott, B. J., 1982. Studies on algal dynamics and primary productivity in Lake Turkana. In A. J. Hopson (ed.), Lake Turkana. A report on the findings of Lake Turkana Project 1972–1975, Overseas Development Administration, London: 109–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart, R. C. & R. Hart, 1977. The seasonal cycles of phytoplankton in subtropical Lake Sibaya: a preliminary investigation. Arch. Hydrobiol. 80: 85–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hecky, R. E. & H. J. Kling, 1981. The phytoplankton and protozooplankton of the euphotic zone of Lake Tanganyika: species composition, biomass, chlorophyll content, and spatio-temporal distribution. Limnol. Oceanogr. 26: 548–564.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobro, R. & E. Willén, 1977. Phytoplankton countings. Intercalibration results and recommendations for routine work. Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. 62: 805–811.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huber-Pestalozzi, G., (1938–1983). Das Phytoplankton des Susswassers: Systematik und Biologie. Binnengewasser Band XVI.

  • Kalff, J. & J. Watson, 1986. Phytoplankton and its dynamics in two tropical lakes: a tropical and temperate zone comparison. Hydrobiologia 138: 161–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kifle, D., 1985. Variation in phytoplankton primary production in relation to light and nutrients in Lake Awassa. M.Sc. Thesis, Addis Ababa University.

  • Kifle, D. & A. Belay, 1990. Seasonal variation in phytoplankton primary production in relation to light and nutrients in Lake Awassa, Ethiopia. Hydrobiologia 196: 217–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilham, S. S. & P. Kilham, 1990. Tropical limnology: do African lakes violate the ‘first law’ of limnology? Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 24: 68–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirk, J. T. O., 1975. A theoretical analysis of the contribution of algal cells to the attenuation of light within natural waters. II. Spherical cells. New Phytologist. 75: 21–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemoalle, J., A. Adeniji, P. Compère, G. G. Ganf, J. Melack & J. F. Talling, 1981. Phytoplankton. In J. J. Symoens, M. Burgis & J. J. Gaudet (eds), The ecology and utilization of African inland waters. United Nations Environment Programme Rep. and Proc. Ser. 1, Nairobi: 37–50.

  • Lewis, W. M., 1978a. A compositional, phytogeographical and elementary structural analysis of the phytoplankton in a tropical lake: Lake Lanao, Phillipines. J. Ecol. 66: 213–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, W. M., 1978b. Dynamics and succession of the phytoplankton in a tropical lake: Lake Lanao, Phillipines. J. Ecol. 66: 849–880.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mackereth, F. J. H., J. Heron & J. F. Talling, 1978. Water analysis: some revised methods for limnologists. FBA Publ. No. 36.

  • Makin, M. J., T. J. Kingham, A. E. Waddam, C. J. Birchall & T. Teffera, 1975. Development projects in the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Land Resources Study 21, Land Resources Division, Ministry of Overseas Development, England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M., 1979. Temporal variability of phytoplankton in tropical lakes. Oecologia. 44: 1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M., 1988. Primary producer dynamics associated with evaporative concentration in a shallow, equatorial soda lake (Lake Elementeita, Kenya). Hydrobiologia 158: 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M. & P. Kilham, 1974. Photosynthetic rates of phytoplankton in East African alkaline, saline lakes. Limnol. Oceanogr. 19: 743–755.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohr, P. A., 1960. Reports on a geological excursion through southern Ethiopia. Bull. Geophys. Obs. A. A. 2: 9–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohr, P. A., 1962. The Ethiopian Rift System. Bull. Geophys. Obs. A. A. 3: 33–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris, I. (ed.), 1980. The physiological ecology of phytoplankton. Studies in ecology vol. 7, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paerl, H. W., J. Tucker & P. T. Bland, 1983. Carotenoid enhancement and its role in maintaining blue-green algal (Mycrocystis aeruginosa) surface blooms. Limnol. Oceanogr. 28: 847–857.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prosser, M. V., R. B. Wood & R. M. Baxter, 1968. The Bishoftu crater lakes: a bathymetric and chemical study. Arch. Hydrobiol. 65: 309–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S., 1984. The ecology of freshwater phytoplankton. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S. & D. A. Rogers, 1976. Seasonal variations in the vertical distribution and buoyancy of Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz. emend. Elenkin in Rostherne Mere, England. Hydrobiologia 48: 17–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S., J. G. Tundisi & K. Hino, 1983. Observations on a metalimnetic Lyngbya population in a a stably stratified tropical lake (Lagoa Carioca, Eastern Brasil). Arch. Hydrobiol. 97: 7–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sakamoto, M. & K. Hogetsu, 1963. Spectral change of light with depth in some lakes and its significance to the photosynthesis of phytoplankton. Pl. Cell Physiol. 4: 187–198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strickland, J. D. H., 1965. Phytoplankton and marine primary production. Ann. Rev. Microb., 19: 127–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1957. Photosynthetic characteristics of some freshwater phytoplankton diatoms in relation to underwater radiation. New Phytol. 56: 29–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1965. The photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton in East African lakes. Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. Hydrogr. 50: 1–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1966. The annual cycle of stratification and phytoplankton growth in Lake Victoria, East Africa. Int. Revue. ges. Hydrobiol. 51: 545–621.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1969. The incidence of vertical mixing and some biological and chemical consequences, in tropical African lakes. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 17: 998–1012.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1971. The underwater light climate as a controlling factor in the production ecology of freshwater phytoplankton. Mitt. Int. Ver. Limnol. 19: 214–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., 1986. The seasonality of phytoplankton in African lakes. Hydrobiologia. 138: 139–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F. & D. Driver, 1963. Some problems in the estimation of chlorophyll a in phytoplankton. Proc. Conf. on primary productivity measurement, marine and freshwater. U.S. Atomic Energy Comm. TID-7633: 142–146.

  • Talling, J. F. & I. B. Talling, 1965. The chemical composition of African lake waters. Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. 50: 421–463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F., R. B. Wood, M. V. Prosser & R. M. Baxter, 1973. The upper limit of photosynthetic productivity by phytoplankton: evidence from Ethiopian soda lakes. Freshwat. Biol. 3: 53–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Utermohl, H., 1958. Zur Vervollkommung der quantitativen Phytoplankton methodik. Mitt. Int. Ver. Limnol. 9: 1–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Meel, L., 1954. Le phytoplancton. Exploration hydrobiologique du Lac Tanganika (1946–1947), 4(1).

  • Wetzel, R. G., 1983. Limnology. Second ed. Saunders College Publishing, Philadelphia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willén, E., 1976. A simplified method of phytoplankton counting. Br. Phycol. J. 11: 265–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wodajo, K., 1982. Comparative limnology of Lake Abijata and Lake Langano in relation to primary and secondary production. M.Sc. Thesis, Addis Ababa University.

  • Wood, R. B., R. M. Baxter & M. V. Prosser, 1984. Seasonal and comparative aspects of chemical stratification in some tropical crater lakes, Ethiopia. Freshwat. Biol. 14: 551–573.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, R. B., M. V. Prosser & R. M. Baxter, 1976. The seasonal pattern of thermal characteristics of four of of the Bishoftu crater lakes, Ethiopia. Freshwat. Biol. 6: 519–530.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, R. B., M. V. Prosser & R. M. Baxter, 1978. Optical characteristics of the Rift Valley Lakes of Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiop. J. Sci. 1: 73–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yentsch, C. S. & R. F. Vaccaro, 1958. Phytoplankton nitrogen in the oceans. Limnol. Oceanogr. 3: 443–448.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Limnology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 20, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden

    Elizabeth Kebede

  2. Biology Department, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 3434, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Elizabeth Kebede

  3. Earthrise Farms, P.O. Box 270, 92233, Calipatria, CA, USA

    Amha Belay

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Kebede
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Amha Belay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kebede, E., Belay, A. Species composition and phytoplankton biomass in a tropical African lake (Lake Awassa, Ethiopia). Hydrobiologia 288, 13–32 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006802

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006802

Key words

Search

Navigation