Spring phytoplankton dynamics in a shallow eutrophic lake

Abstract

In contrast to other eutrophic shallow lakes in the Scharmutzelsee region, a delayed onset of the phytoplankton succession in Lake Melangsee during spring was regularly observed. Biomasses were opposed to the carrying capacity of the lake (calculated from total-P, total-N and underwater light), indicating further regulating factors in spring. This phase was characterised by high Secchi depths, rising flushing and enhanced oxygen concentrations at the lake bottom. Although silicate concentrations decreased in spring, a typical pelagic diatom or cyanobacterial bloom did not develop. Therefore, we frame the hypothesis that a combination of abiotic factors such as increased losses in spring due to higher flushing and a better light supply suppresses pelagic growth and favours benthic diatoms, which outcompete pelagic diatoms for silicate. The vertical oxygen distribution in this period indicates a shift from pelagic primary production to benthic growth. Considering primary production, flushing, under water light supply and nutrients we tried to find the reasons for the depression of phytoplankton growth during spring.