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Periphytic algal assemblages along environmental gradients in the rivers of the Lake Ladoga basin, Northwestern Russia: implication for the water quality assessment

  • ALGAE FOR MONITORING RIVERS
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of geological, hydrological, and anthropogenic factors in structuring periphytic algal assemblages in the rivers of the Lake Ladoga basin (Northwestern Russia). Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) conducted on spring dataset showed that water temperature, color, and river morphology were primary factors shaping the structure of algal assemblages during the spring post-flood period. CCA on summer and autumn dataset revealed that conductivity and total phosphorus were the most important variables during the base flow period. Cluster analysis carried out on algal assemblages separated all rivers into two main groups that corresponded to the two geomorphological regions of the Lake Ladoga basin: the northern and the southern sub-basins. The separation of the northern and the southern groups were best explained by the pattern of conductivity reflecting geological and land use differences in the watersheds. The values of the Specific Pollution sensitivity Index (IPS) and the Biological Diatom Index (IBD) were higher, indicating better water quality, for rivers of the northern sub-basin than for rivers of the southern sub-basin. Mean values of the IPS and IBD for rivers of the northern and the southern sub-basins varied within the boundaries of a good water quality.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research—Grant No. 08-04-01544. The authors thank two anonymous referees for helpful comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Limnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastyanova 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, 196 105

    Alexander G. Rusanov & Elena V. Stanislavskaya

  2. Institute of Ecology and Botany of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungarian Danube Research Station, Jávorka S. u. 14, Göd, 2131, Hungary

    Éva Ács

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  1. Alexander G. Rusanov
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  2. Elena V. Stanislavskaya
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  3. Éva Ács
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Correspondence to Alexander G. Rusanov.

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Guest editors: L. Ector, D. Hlúbiková & L. Hoffmann / Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium “Use of Algae for Monitoring Rivers”, Luxembourg, November 23–25, 2009

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Rusanov, A.G., Stanislavskaya, E.V. & Ács, É. Periphytic algal assemblages along environmental gradients in the rivers of the Lake Ladoga basin, Northwestern Russia: implication for the water quality assessment. Hydrobiologia 695, 305–327 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1199-5

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