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The influence of macrophytes on a phytoplankton community in experimental conditions

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Abstract

The impact of submerged macrophytes or their extracts on planktonic algae was studied under experimental conditions. Live Ceratophyllum demersum L., its extract, and extracts of four other plant species induced modifications in the phytoplankton dominance structure. These modifications were: a decline in the number of Oscillatoria limnetica Lemm., which was the most numerous cyanobacterian species, and a decline in biomass and percentage contribution of all cyanobacteria to total algal biomass. This was accompanied by an increase in biomass and percentage contribution of green algae, especially Chlorella sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. Also, there was an increase in biomass and percentage contribution of nanoplankton (under 50 µm) to total phytoplankton biomass.

The isolation of planktonic algae from direct influence of C. demersum by means of dialysis membranes caused an increase in number, biomass and percentage contribution of cyanobacteria. Release of organic compounds of over 3000 daltons by macrophytes apparently contributed to a decline of cyanobacteria by changing the phytoplankton dominance structure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Zoology and Ecology, University of Warsaw, ul. Nowy Swiat 67, 00-046, Warszawa, Poland

    Iwona Jasser

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  1. Iwona Jasser
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Jasser, I. The influence of macrophytes on a phytoplankton community in experimental conditions. Hydrobiologia 306, 21–32 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007855

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007855

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