Abstract
Periphyton has a strong relationship with aquatic macrophytes, which are key components of spatial heterogeneity in the littoral zone. We evaluated the relationship between the community structure of periphytic algae on Utricularia foliosa and macrophyte richness and coverage and limnological variables in a shallow reservoir. Water sampling for physical, chemical and biological analyses was performed at sites with contrasting macrophyte coverage and richness in each of the four main seasons of the year. Periphytic algae were evaluated for density and species composition. High densities of diatoms and filamentous cyanobacteria in the periphyton were observed at sites with high macrophyte coverage and richness, while high abundances of flagellates of Chrysophyceae and Chlorophyceae were found at sites with low macrophyte richness. Light and nutrient availability were determining factors of the temporal variability of the periphytic algae community. We concluded that the interaction between seasonality and spatial heterogeneity (macrophyte community structure and limnological variables), explained the variability in species composition and algal density of the periphyton. Therefore, seasonality and spatial heterogeneity acted as determining factors for periphyton structure on a free-floating macrophyte with high structural complexity.
Highlights
Periphytic communities play an important role in the functioning of lake and reservoir ecosystems, especially those that are shallow
We aimed to address the following questions: i) Does the taxonomic structure of the periphytic algae community on U. foliosa vary seasonally and spatially? ii) Do these changes vary among sites, with their varying levels of macrophyte richness, within the reservoir? By considering these questions, this study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between periphyton and macrophytes on temporal and spatial scales in a shallow tropical reservoir
Our results showed that the taxonomic structure of the periphytic algae community on Utricularia foliosa changed among seasons and sites with different macrophyte richness, evidencing the heterogeneous distribution of the periphyton in the littoral zone
Summary
Periphytic communities play an important role in the functioning of lake and reservoir ecosystems, especially those that are shallow. At the scale of the ecosystem, biotic and abiotic factors can determine algal community structure in periphyton (Stevenson 1997). Macrophytes are likely to have a strong influence on the development of periphyton. Besides providing areas for colonization, macrophytes can influence light and nutrient availability for the periphyton community (Moeller et al 1988; Souza et al 2015). Most studies recognize that seasonal variation in light and nutrient availability are determining factors of periphyton structure Spatial changes in the taxonomic structure of periphytic algae communities are still poorly understood, especially in tropical lakes and reservoirs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
