Functional Classification of Phytoplankton Assemblages in Reservoirs of Guangdong Province, South China

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Monographiae Biologicae book series (MOBI, volume 91)

Abstract

Traditional classification of phytoplankton assemblages does not adequately reflect their ecological function in reservoir ecosystems. Therefore, we apply the concept of functional groups to classify the phytoplankton assemblages in Guangdong reservoirs, and use such groups to understand the ecological status of these water bodies. Phytoplankton associations were studied in 20 subtropical reservoirs in Guangdong Province in the wet and dry seasons. Eleven of the thirty one described phytoplankton functional groups were found in these oligotrophic to eutrophic waters. It is necessary to define a new group (Lr) for reservoirs dominated by Microcystis sp., Aulacoseira granulata and/or Staurastum sp., along with Ceratium spp. in some associations. The new group reflects the unique habitat of reservoirs compared to lakes: strong and persistent disturbance caused by a deep outlet and a relatively stagnant, eutrophic surface layer.

Keywords

Mixed Layer Guangdong Province Flooding Season Phytoplankton Assemblage Water Retention Time 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

Acknowledgments

Grant from NSFC (31070416) to Dr. Lamei Lei was appreciated.

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Copyright information

© Springer Netherlands 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Institute of HydrobiologyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina

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