Coupling of the Biochemical Composition and Calorific Content of Zooplankters with the Microcystis aeruginosa Proliferation in a Highly Eutrophic Reservoir

Abstract

The impact of the Cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa on zooplankton dynamics was studied in the hypertrophic Villerest Reservoir (France). Samples were collected and their biochemical composition and calorific content examined. Three most abundant zooplankton species in the reservoir were considered: the cladoceran Daphnia longispina and the copepods Cyclops vicinus and Eudiaptomus gracilis. The three species were differently affected by the Microcystis aeruginosa blooms. Daphnia longispina did not seem to suffer from the proliferation of the M. aeruginosa, although its biomass decreased concomitantly to the bloom. This collapse would be attributable to the lack of nutritional value of algae. Cyclops vicinus seemed to move away when Microcystis invaded the superficial layers of the reservoir. Because this zooplankter had migratory abilities, it reached the littoral zone where food was available. The energetic costs linked to this migration were clearly pointed out when the species recovered the pelagial zone in early fall. The behaviour of Eudiaptomus gracilis was not clear. This species underwent diapause as M. aeruginosa proliferated. This suggests that Eudiaptomus gracilis moved away from the pelagial zone over the cyanobacterial blooms. In most cases, the cyanobacterial toxins affected the growth of zooplankton and the potential to use herbivorous zooplankton as a means to combat Microcystis proliferation in the Villerest reservoir seems limited.