Algae and Zooplankton in Ecological Assessment of the Işıklı Lake, Turkey

Abstract

First study of microscopic algae from plankton and periphyton of the Isikli Lake (Western Anatolia) together with zooplankton species has been used for ecological assessment of the lake environment by bio-indication methods. Chara hispida (L.) Hartm has been found as major biomass forming species in the lake. Altogether 24 species of diatoms are described, photographed and used for water quality assessment. Zooplankton community was species rich and presented by 24 species from Rotifera (14), Cladocera (8), and Copepoda (2). Mostly from them (20) are indicators of organic pollution. The bio-indication on the base of algae and planktonic invertebrates shows that the Isikli Lake has mainly oligotrophic state with trend to mesotrophic state, fresh, low alkaline, and low to middle organic pollution. Saprobity index S of zooplankton community (1.62) was greater than S of algae (1.13) and reflect oligo-to mesotropic state and low to middle organic pollution, Class II of Water Quality. The Isikli Lake recommended for including it to the list of Turkish protected areas with regularly monitoring of chemical and biological variables and watershed protection.