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Potential influence of overwintering benthic algae on water quality
Lefan Yao1, Yuansheng Huang1, Lei Chen2
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Overwintering benthic algae, particularly picophytobenthos, significantly impact water quality and harbor harmful toxins. Monitoring sediment in winter is crucial for preventing algal blooms and ensuring drinking water safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Aquatic Ecology
- Water Quality Management
Background:
- Overwintering benthic algae influence drinking water safety and spring algal blooms.
- Understanding overwintering benthic algae is vital for water resource management.
- Benthic algae have been understudied despite their ecological importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal variation of benthic algae and their harmful secondary metabolites.
- To identify key factors influencing benthic algal biomass during overwintering.
- To assess the potential risks posed by overwintering benthic algae to water quality.
Main Methods:
- Seasonal monitoring of benthic algae and their toxins in Qingcaosha Reservoir from autumn to summer.
- Analysis of benthic algal biomass, community composition, and associated micro-contaminants.
- Identification of key nutrient factors (iron, manganese) affecting algal biomass in oligotrophic/mesotrophic waters.
Main Results:
- Benthic algae, dominated by picophytobenthos (55.42%), exhibited high biomass during overwintering.
- Overwintering algal groups included pico-Cyanobacteria, pico-Cryptomonas, pico-Chlorophyta, pico-Diatoms, Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, Cryptomonas, and Diatoms.
- Sediments contained significant levels of microcystins, anatoxin-a, geosmin, and 2-methylisoborneol during winter, indicating potential toxin release.
Conclusions:
- Picophytobenthos are significant contributors to harmful secondary metabolites in aquatic ecosystems.
- Iron and manganese are key micronutrients influencing benthic algal biomass in certain water bodies.
- Winter sediment monitoring is essential for identifying potential toxin sources and informing preventative strategies against harmful algal blooms.
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