Inter-algal associations and nutrients linked by Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus structure eukaryotic algal communities

Eutrophication reduces the variability of the community composition of plankton. However, the mechanisms underlying the diversity and restructuring of eukaryotic algal communities remain unknown. This study analysed the diversity and compositional patterns of algal communities in shallow eutrophic lakes. It investigated how these communities were modified by key genera through mediating inter-algal associations under the influence of abiotic factors. Inter-algal associations explained more variance in algal communities than environmental variables, and variation in composition and diversity was primarily derived from Scenedesmus, Desmodesmus and Cryptomonas, rather than nutrients. Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus were positively correlated with the genera of Chlorophyta and formed the hub of the algal association network. When the relative abundance of Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus increased from 0.41% to 13.74%, communities enriched in biomarkers of Bacillariophyta, Chrysophyceae and Cryptophyta transitioned to communities enriched in biomarkers of Chlorophyta. Moreover, negative associations between the Chlorophyta hub genera and other non-Chlorophyta genera increased. High concentrations of total phosphorus altered the composition of algal communities by increasing the abundance of Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus, which in turn had cascading effects through inter-algal associations. Additionally, algal communities with higher abundances of Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus were more susceptible to the effects of total phosphorus. Our study suggested that inter-algal associations, centred on Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus, had a greater influence on algal diversity and community structure than other factors. Nutrient levels were not a direct driver of algal diversity and community structure adjustments, but acted indirectly by enhancing the influence of Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus.