Considerations regarding the dominance of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii under low light availability in a low phosphorus lake

Denise Tonetta,Mariana Coutinho Hennemann,Débora Monteiro Brentano,Mauricio Mello Petrucio

doi:10.1590/0102-33062015abb0039

Abstract

Although many studies have shown that the dispersion, increased abundance and dominance of cyanobacteria can be attributed to nutrient enrichment, we discuss features contributing to the dominance of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in a shallow, polymictic, subtropical coastal lake with low phosphorus and light limitation (Peri Lake). The presence and dominance of C. raciborskii in an environment with such characteristics emphasizes the idea that nutrients alone do not explain the high density of this cyanobacterium. Other features should be considered in explaining this species dominance, such as phosphorus storage and physiological flexibilitywhich seem to be key features to high densities in low phosphorus systems.

Highlights

Many studies have shown that the dispersion, increased abundance and dominance of cyanobacteria can be attributed to nutrient enrichment, we discuss features contributing to the dominance of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in a shallow, polymictic, subtropical coastal lake with low phosphorus and light limitation (Peri Lake)
Many studies have shown that the dispersion and increased presence and dominance of Cyanobacteria in lakes can be attributed to nutrient enrichment, especially phosphorus in coastal areas (e.g. Padisák 1997; Heisler et al 2008; Pearl & Huisman 2008; Carey et al 2012; Dolman et al 2012; Soares et al 2013)
In the present short communication, we attempt to contribute to a better understanding and to the discussion about the features contributing to C. raciborskii dominance, especially in a low phosphorus (P) context in southern Brazil

Summary

Introduction

Many studies have shown that the dispersion, increased abundance and dominance of cyanobacteria can be attributed to nutrient enrichment, we discuss features contributing to the dominance of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in a shallow, polymictic, subtropical coastal lake with low phosphorus and light limitation (Peri Lake). Many studies have shown that the dispersion and increased presence and dominance of Cyanobacteria in lakes can be attributed to nutrient enrichment, especially phosphorus in coastal areas (e.g. Padisák 1997; Heisler et al 2008; Pearl & Huisman 2008; Carey et al 2012; Dolman et al 2012; Soares et al 2013).

Results

Conclusion