Algal biomass in a disturbed Atlantic river: water quality relationships and environmental implications

Benthic algal biomass was determined at 38 sites along the Oria, a river with intense human activity on its watershed. Water temperature, total suspended solids and nutrient concentration affected algal biomass in different ways. Lower values of algal biomass [(chlorophyll-a concentration and ash-free dry weight (AFDW)] were found in the headwaters and forested tributaries, but also at sites receiving high deposition of solids (due to the outflow from paper mills and quarries). Higher values of algal biomass (both chlorophyll-a and AFDW) were common both in the main stretch of the river and in some tributaries receiving urban sewage outflows. Averages and ranges of temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration were compared for two continuously monitored stations. One of them (forested, nutrient-poor) had low algal biomass, while the second (open, nutrient-rich) showed high chlorophyll-a concentration. Accumulation of algal biomass had environmental implications both in water quality and in the fish diversity of the Oria. Diel variations of dissolved oxygen were much higher (and reached hypoxia) at the site with higher biomass accumulation. The abundance of a fish community (dominated by cyprinids) more tolerant to hypoxia at that site can partly be attributed to the influence of algal biomass accumulation.