Seasonal changes in the taxonomical structure and abundance of phytoplankton in the pelagial and littoral zones of Obsterno Lake

Abstract

We studied the seasonal changes in the taxonomic composition and abundance of phytoplankton in the littoral and pelagial zones of Obsterno Lake. A number of important differences recorded for the littoral and pelagic zones. The abundance in the littoral zone is higher in April, August and December. In other months it is higher in the pelagic zone. In the same months, the species richness in the littoral zone is also higher. These differences were influenced by such factors as biogenic elements (nitrogen and phosphorus), as well as the temperature factor.