Distribución temporal del fitoplancton y epiliton en el río Piedra Blanca (Córdoba, Argentina)

Abstract

We analyzed the seasonal patterns in the composition and abundance of the planktonic and epilithic communities of the River Piedra Blanca (Córdoba, Argentin) and the influence of environmental factors on the biological patterns during one annual cycle. Qualitative and quantitative samples of phytoplankton and epilithon were taken at one station between June 1988 and June 1989. Physical and hydrological variables were measured concurrently. 221 algae taxa were recorded in the plankton and 170 in the epilithon. The density of the phytoplankton was 2-425 org/ml,while the density of the epilithon was 8240-239644 org/cm2. Twinspan showed seasonal quantitative differences in the phytoplankton and epilithon. The structure and dynamics of the plankton and epilithon were mainly controlled by physical factors. The pH, conductivity and dissolved solids concentration could explain the variations in the number of species and density of organisms in both communities. © Asociación Española de Limnología.