An Investigation on Planktonic And Epipelic Algae of Karakaya Dam Lake (Elazığ, Türkiye)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine species composition of two algal associations in Karakaya Dam Lake. For this purpose, monthly variations in species composition of phytoplankton and epipelon occurring in the lake were studied between June 2010 and May 2011. Five stations were selected in Karakaya Dam Lake. A total of 38 algal taxa belonging to Bacillariophyta (27 taxa), Charophyta (2 taxa), Chlorophyta (3 taxa), Cyanobacteria (3 taxa), Miozoa (2 taxa) and Ochrophyta (1 taxon) were identified in the phytoplankton of Karakaya Dam Lake. The diatom genera Cocconeis, Cymbella, Fragilaria, Nitzschia, Stauroneis and Surirella were represented with two taxa in the phytoplankton. Ceratium hirundinella was noticeable with its continuous occurrence in the phytoplankton throughout the year. A total of 25 algal taxa belonging to Bacillariophyta (21 taxa), Charophyta (1 taxa), Chlorophyta (2 taxa) and Cyanobacteria (1 taxa) were identified in epipelon association of Karakaya Dam Lake. Variations in occurrence of diatoms and other algal species and their abundance were compared at stations and discussed in relation to physical and chemical properties of the dam lake.