[The microbial loop in the planktonic communities in lakes with various trophic status]
Zhurnal Obshchei Biologii
|November 28, 2007
Summary
The microbial loop significantly contributes to plankton biomass in lakes, correlating with phytoplankton production but not trophic status. Large cladoceran populations can reduce the microbial loop's importance.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic ecology
- Microbial ecology
- Limnology
Context:
- Studied planktic trophic chains in diverse lakes across European Russia and Central Asia.
- Investigated lakes with varying productivity, morphometry, agitation, and mineralization.
Purpose:
- To analyze the structure of planktic trophic chains and the role of the microbial loop.
- To determine factors influencing the microbial loop's contribution to total plankton biomass.
Summary:
- The microbial loop (picophototrophic organisms, bacteria, flagellates, infusoria, viruses) comprised 12.3-64.7% of total plankton biomass.
- A positive correlation was found between microbial community biomass and phytoplankton primary production.
- No relationship was observed between microbial share and water body trophic status. High cladoceran abundance diminished the microbial loop's role.
Impact:
- Highlights the substantial contribution of microbial communities to aquatic ecosystems.
- Suggests phytoplankton production is a key driver for microbial loop size, independent of overall lake eutrophication.
- Indicates zooplankton grazing pressure can significantly alter microbial loop dynamics.
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