The Effects of Certain Physical and Chemical Variables on the Succession of the Phytoplankton in the Shallow Cagis Pond (Balikesir, Turkey)

Abstract

The effects of certain physical and chemical variables on the phytoplankton succession in the shallow cagis Pond (Balikesir, Turkey) were investigated between August 2006 and July 2008. Samples were taken monthly from one sampling station. A total of 93 taxa belonging to 7 divisions were identified, including Chlorophyta (39 taxa), Heterokontophyta (30 taxa), Cyanobacteria (17 taxa), Euglenophyta (2 taxa), Dinophyta (2 taxa), Charophyta (2 taxa) and Cryptophyta (1 taxa). Cyclotella meneghiniana, Microcystis aeruginosa, Microcystis protocystis, Arthrospira platensis, and Micractinium pusillum dominated the phytoplankton at least for one season. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that water temperature, transparency conductivity, and total dissolved solids had significant effects on the distribution and abundance of the dominant phytoplankton taxa.