Seasonal dynamics of Zooplankton functional groups in relation to environmental variables in Xiquanyan Reservoir, Northeast China

Abstract

In this study, the concept of functional feeding groups was used to classify and model the seasonal variation of zooplankton functional groups in relation to environmental variables. A total of 48 zooplankton species were observed in the reservoir and grouped into 8 functional groups. Both environmental variable and the biomass of zooplankton functional groups vary spatially and seasonally. Water temperature, water transparency, total nitrogen and nitrates were significantly higher in summer, while chlorophyll-aand ammonium were higher in autumn and spring, respectively. Biomass of zooplankton was significantly higher in summer (245.81 μg/L), followed by autumn (196.54 μg/L) and spring (54.25 μg/L). Group RF (rotifer filter feeders) dominated in spring, accounting for 80% of the total biomass. In summer and autumn, group RC (rotifer carnivore) and SCF (small copepods and cladocerans filter feeders) were the dominant, respectively. Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonium, chlorophyll-aand water transparency were the major factor influencing zooplankton community. Group RF was positively influenced by ammonium and total phosphorus, while RC, SCF and MCF (middle copepods and cladocerans filter feeders) were positively correlated with chlorophyll-a. Top-down control of phytoplankton by groups RC, SCF and MCF in Xiquanyan reservoir is not strong enough to produce negative effect. Increase in predator size biomass did not strengthen top-down control on prey. It is quite clear that the zooplankton function groups of Xiquanyan reservoir followed a predictable seasonal pattern. This therefore highlights the significance of environmental variables in structuring plankton composition in the reservoir.