Spatial and Temporal Changes of Planktonic Microcrustaceans (Cladocera, Copepoda) and their Relationship with Physicochemical Parameters in Kırklareli Reservoir (Kırklareli-Türkiye)

Abstract

The present study focused on monthly densities and abundances of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepeda) in Kırklareli reservoir, as well as their relationship with some physicochemical parameters at three stations for the period from May 2018 to April 2019. In the present study, a total of 26 planktonic microcrustaceans species, 14 from Cladocera and 12 from Copepoda were identified. The mean annual microcrustacean abundance recorded during the study was 24076 ind/m3, 67% of which was Cladocera (16054 ± 12414 ind/m3) and 33% was Copepoda (8022 ± 5564 ind/m3). The maximum abundance of planktonic microcrustaceans were found in September (51521 ind/m3) and the minimum was found in January (2919 ind/m3). The most common species in the reservoir were Bosmina longirostris, Daphnia pulex, Daphnia cucullata, Daphnia galeata, Daphnia longispina and Diaphanosoma brachyurum from Cladocera and Cyclops abyssorum, Cyclops vicinus, Eudiaptomus vulgaris and Arctodiaptomus wierzejskii from Copepoda. The environmental parameter values measured in the reservoir were acceptable to support aquatic life, especially the zooplankton community. The total density and abundance of zooplanktonic microcrustaceans showed positive correlation with the water temperature and Chlorophyll-a. According to these results, we concluded that Kırklareli reservoir has a mesotrophic character in terms of the microcrustacean fauna and the physicochemical parameters.