Changes in the phytoplankton diversity of two oxbow lakes in a big city: a case study of Wrocław (Poland)

Abstract The subject of this study is to analyse changes in the taxonomic structure and development intensity of phytoplankton and, thus, to determine the diversity of cyanobacteria and algae along with the trophy state of two oxbow lakes in the Wrocław area (south-western Poland). The analysis of samples and data from previous years showed a total of 244 cyanobacteria and algae species within these two lakes. The species composition changed significantly in both of them – there were found 90 species new to the studied flora (37% of current flora) and 74 species which were previously recorded. The diversity of cyanobacteria and algae reflects the conditions in these water bodies and each change in ecological conditions (e.g., anthropological dangers) is reflected by a change in the phytoplankton assemblage structure. Consequently, knowledge of taxonomic diversity is useful in monitoring water bodies to preserve them in good conditions. Both studied oxbow lakes belong to eutrophic ecosystems as evidenced by their phycoflora, which is rich in species characteristic of high-trophy water, and recorded water blooms. The analysis of changes in cyanobacterial and algal assemblages in these lakes was also a basis for determining their trophy and finding it to be progressively eutrophic. Regular phycological studies of Wrocław numerous water bodies are essential and, in the future, will allow us to protect them and to react quickly in case of danger to these ecosystems. It will also allow us to study eutrophication processes in the water bodies that are crucial to the city.