Limnological Characteristics and Diatom Dominants in Lakes of Northeastern Poland

Monika Eliasz-Kowalska,Agata Z Wojtal

doi:10.3390/d12100374

Monika Eliasz-Kowalska, Agata Z Wojtal

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100374

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Abstract

Determination of the relationships between environmental factors and diatom assemblages is usually made for several hundred lakes spread over a large area. However, the analysis of several lakes located near Lake Wigry also gives interesting results. Lakes in Wigry National Park (Poland) with broad similarity of geological origin show clear limnological, physical, and chemical differences. Here, we report on an investigation into how these dissimilarities influence diatom assemblages. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed that the studied lakes can be divided into three groups: (1) disharmonic, (2) harmonious with greater human impact on the environment, and (3) harmonious with a more limited human impact. The harmonious lakes could be divided into two groups that are mainly in line with the contents of the chloride and sulfates ions taken as indicative of human impacts on the environment. Overall, the three groups had different dominance structures, as reference to the Dominance Index (DI) made clear (mean values being: (1) −70.54%, (2) −72%, and (3) −54.58%, Generalized Linear Models with the categorical independent variable (group) showed significant differences between groups (for 1–3, 2–3) p value < 0.05). Lakes impacted by anthropopressure and disharmonic ones had the strongest dominance structure. More broadly, DI differences between the groups are consistent with the Species Pool Hypothesis (SPH), while studied differences can be said to result from natural geological dissimilarities, as well as disparate anthropogenic impacts.

Highlights

Observed environmental changes of anthropogenic origin are associated with the steady establishment of new relationships between the environment and ecological communities
The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) grouped the lakes considered into three clusters, as (1) disharmonic, (2) harmonious with a greater human impact on the environment, and (3) harmonious with a limited human impact on the environment (Figure 2)
The lakes belong to the Wigierskie, Huciańskie, and Pierciańskie groups and show broad heterogeneity in chemical variables and diatom dominance structure

Summary

Introduction

Observed environmental changes of anthropogenic origin are associated with the steady establishment of new relationships between the environment and ecological communities. In this regard, the past state forms the basis for current trends, just as these lead to anticipated future responses. Lakes are hotspots of biodiversity [2,3] as well as systems sensitive to environmental change. As their shore-zone areas offer so many ecosystem services, lakes can be seen as among the world’s most threatened environments [4] in need of change monitoring.

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