Succession Characteristics of Algae Functional Groups and Water Quality Assessment in a Drinking Water Reservoir

Abstract

To understand the temporal and spatial succession characteristics of algae functional communities and water quality changes in a drinking water reservoir, the Lijiahe Reservoir was selected to monitor variations in water quality and algae from September 2018 to June 2019. The algae community was classified into functional groups following the method proposed by Reynolds and Padisák. The relationship between algal functional community and water quality was discussed, and the water quality was assessed using the water quality index (WQI) method. The results showed that 56 species of algae were obtained, belonging to 4 families and 28 genera, which were divided into 15 functional groups. The dominant algae functional communities were B, D, G, J, L0, Mp, P, W1, and X1. The algae structure of Lijiahe Reservoir showed obvious seasonal characteristics. The algal density in the mixed period was significantly lower than that in the stratification period. The main functional algae in the mixed period were Chlorella and Cyclotella, but Navicula and Synedra were the dominant functional algae in the stratification period. Redundancy analysis showed that the water temperature, mixing depth, and relative water column stability index were the main factors driving algae succession. WQI analysis indicated that the water quality of Lijiahe Reservoir was "good", and the water quality during the mixed period was slightly better than that in the stratification period. This study demonstrates that water-lifting aerators can change the succession characteristics of algae functional groups, and effectively contribute to improvement in water quality in a drinking water reservoir.