Environmental factors related to the distribution pattern of Raphidiopsis raciborskii and R. mediterranea in Central East Europe
Start Date
24-5-2022 11:00 AM
End Date
24-5-2022 11:15 AM
Abstract
Raphidiopsis raciborskii originates from tropical and subtropical regions, however its expansion toward temperate zone during last decades has been observed. Phenotypic plasticity, occurrence of ecotypes differing in their environmental adaptations and climate changes are indicated among factors responsible for its successful expansion. Much less is known about distribution pattern of Raphidiopsis mediterranea native for warm areas along Mediterranean cost. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the current distribution of these species in Polish and Lithuanian lakes and to detect environmental factors related to their occurrence. The R. raciborskii was much more common and occurred in 31 out of 112 lakes, while R. mediterranea in 7 lakes. The contribution of these species in total phytoplankton biomass ranged from 0.1 to 31% and from 0.1 to 2.6% respectively. Similarly to previous studies R. raciborskii was much more common in Western Poland where it significantly increased its contribution in phytoplankton biomass however it was detected in several new lakes in Eastern Poland. In Lithuania its occurrence is still limited to one lake. R. mediterranea occurred in similar number of lakes in both regions of Poland only. Among environmental factors conductivity and temperature were positively correlated with R. raciborskii biomass.
Environmental factors related to the distribution pattern of Raphidiopsis raciborskii and R. mediterranea in Central East Europe
Raphidiopsis raciborskii originates from tropical and subtropical regions, however its expansion toward temperate zone during last decades has been observed. Phenotypic plasticity, occurrence of ecotypes differing in their environmental adaptations and climate changes are indicated among factors responsible for its successful expansion. Much less is known about distribution pattern of Raphidiopsis mediterranea native for warm areas along Mediterranean cost. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the current distribution of these species in Polish and Lithuanian lakes and to detect environmental factors related to their occurrence. The R. raciborskii was much more common and occurred in 31 out of 112 lakes, while R. mediterranea in 7 lakes. The contribution of these species in total phytoplankton biomass ranged from 0.1 to 31% and from 0.1 to 2.6% respectively. Similarly to previous studies R. raciborskii was much more common in Western Poland where it significantly increased its contribution in phytoplankton biomass however it was detected in several new lakes in Eastern Poland. In Lithuania its occurrence is still limited to one lake. R. mediterranea occurred in similar number of lakes in both regions of Poland only. Among environmental factors conductivity and temperature were positively correlated with R. raciborskii biomass.