Temporal dynamics of cyanobacterial community structure in Dianshan Lake of Shanghai, China

Abstract

In recent years, Dianshan Lake, located in Shanghai, China, has experienced increasing eutrophication and frequent algal blooms mainly caused by cyanobacteria. In this study, the temporal dynamics of the cyanobacterial community structure in Dianshan Lake were investigated using molecular techniques in order to identify important abiotic factors influencing such dynamics. Whole-cell PCR analysis showed that cyanobacteria were more abundant in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. This result was further supported by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profile analysis. Microcystis was observed to be the dominant species of cyanobacteria in Dianshan Lake. Approximately 50 % of cyanobacteria species were influenced by abiotic parameters, such as temperature, orthophosphate, and total phosphorus. The significant correlation between the temporal dynamics of the cyanobacterial community structure and abiotic factors suggests that temperature and phosphorus are essential parameters influencing the dynamic changes of algal blooms in Dianshan Lake.