Abstract
Planktonic rotifers were examined from April to October 2007 in two ponds created by sand extraction: Hubertus III (infrequently used for recreation)—pond I and Stawiki (commonly used for recreation)—pond II. The ponds are located within the protected Landscape Complex “Szopienice-Borki” in Silesian Upland (SW Poland). A total number of 58 taxa of rotifers were noted. The number of rotifer species and their densities were smaller in pond I than in pond II. In pond I, Polyarthra species were the most abundant, accounting for 48% of total rotifer density, whereas in pond II, Keratella cochlearis reached the highest density (accounting for 36% of total density). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between communities of rotifers in species diversity (F = 5.88, p = 0.02) and species richness (F = 5.57, p = 0.03). The research proved that the pond commonly used for recreation (pond II) is characterized by a higher trophic state. Results of this study indicate that the methods and range of use of water bodies by humans have an important influence on the species richness and diversity of communities of planktonic rotifers.
Highlights
There are many publications showing the usefulness of analyses of zooplankton structure and composition for trophic state assessment of water bodies [1,2,3,4,5,6]
Results of this study indicate that the methods and range of use of water bodies by humans have an important influence on the species richness and diversity of communities of planktonic rotifers
Species richness was slightly higher in pond II, which is intensively used for recreation, as 48 species and forms of rotifers were found there
Summary
There are many publications showing the usefulness of analyses of zooplankton structure and composition for trophic state assessment of water bodies [1,2,3,4,5,6]. In the Silesian Upland, many water bodies are artificial but characterized by a high environmental value. They are often attractive as sites for recreation and leisure, and are used for sailing, canoeing or kayaking, angling, powerboating, and leisure at natural and artificial recreational beaches [11]. This study was aimed to assess the influence of the recreational use of artificial water bodies on the basis of planktonic rotifer communities in ponds of the Natural Landscape Complex “Szopienice-Borki”. Their rotifer communities have never been studied before
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