Abstract
Shallow lakes are specific aquatic systems sensitive to eutrophication, due to the constant exchange of nutrients between sediments and water column and less capacity to buffer external nutrient loading. The aim of this work was to analyze phytoplankton community in Šasko Lake after the gap of almost 40 years. A total of 88 phytoplankton taxa belonging to seven divisions were identified in Šasko Lake during the warm period of year (spring and summer) in 2016. Phytoplankton composition and abundance didn’t show spatial heterogeneity, due to the small surface of the lake and wind action, but seasonal differences were observed. Spring period characterized numerical dominance of B and E functional groups of phytoplankton (codons), while summer period characterized higher species diversity and abundance in comparison to spring and dominance of B, P, Sn and H1 codons. Results showed significant increase in phytoplankton abundance (for about two orders of magnitude) as well as the increased percentage share of cyanobacteria in comparison to former investigations. Besides, for the first time, invasive, potentially toxic cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenaya & Subba-Raju was recorded in Montenegro.
Highlights
Phytoplankton are the main primary producers in the pelagic zone (Kawecka and Eloranta 1994)
The phytoplankton species were classified into functional groups according to Reynolds et al (2002) and Padisak et al (2009)
The phytoplankton composition of Šasko Lake revealed the presence of 88 taxa, with Chlorophyta being best represented (33 taxa), followed by Bacillariophyta (20 taxa)
Summary
Phytoplankton are the main primary producers in the pelagic zone (Kawecka and Eloranta 1994). Most of the phytoplankton taxa are sensitive bioindicators since their metabolism and abundance changes quickly in response to environmental changes (Padisak et al 2006). According to Reynolds et al (2002) and Padisak et al (2009), functional classification approach proved to be more useful for the ecological assessment in comparison to the frequently applied taxonomic grouping of phytoplankton. Functional classification assumes grouping together phytoplankton species with similar sensitivities and tolerances to different combinations of physical, chemical and biological properties of lakes. The annual variation of predominant phytoplankton species in lakes is driven mainly by a seasonal change of temperature, light availability, retention time, nutrient load and grazing pressure (Reynolds, 1986). Phytoplankton development in temperate lakes often follows a predictable seasonal succession as described in the PEG model (Sommer et al 1986).
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
