Assessment of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Communities in Chitgar Lake: Implications for Water Quality and Biodiversity Conservation

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Pollutants Research, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Payame Noor University of Karaj, Alborz, Iran

3 Department of Environment, Natural Resources Faculty, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

4 Department of Environmental Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the abundance, diversity, and seasonality of phytoplankton and zooplankton in Chitgar Lake, Tehran. Over four sampling stations from 2014 to 2019, 69 genera across seven phyla of phytoplankton and 46 genera across ten phyla of zooplankton were identified. Bacillariophyta dominated the phytoplankton, while Rotatoria led the zooplankton community, indicating their crucial roles in the lake's food web. Seasonal patterns revealed significant peaks in phytoplankton during spring and in zooplankton during summer, with a notable decline in zooplankton populations during autumn. Statistical analyses demonstrated a balanced ecosystem characterized by moderate species diversity, as indicated by Shannon-Wiener and Margalef indices. Water quality assessments indicated a healthy environment, with mean dissolved oxygen levels of 8.21 mg/L and a pH of 7.94, suggesting suitable conditions for aquatic life. The absence of thermal stratification and moderate nutrient concentrations point to a relatively stable ecosystem, although caution regarding potential nutrient enrichment is warranted as it increases the risk of algal blooms. These findings emphasize the intricate interplay between biological communities and environmental factors in Chitgar Lake, providing essential insights for future ecological assessments and management strategies. Continuous monitoring is imperative to ensure the lake’s biodiversity and health amidst potential ecological pressures, contributing to the sustainable management of this water body.

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