Gradient of algal and cyanobacterial assemblages in a temporary lake with melting water at Solorina Valley, James Ross Island, Antarctica

Abstract

The aim of presented study is to contribute to species list of algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms from moist localities of James Ross Island, Solorina Valley (63° 53' S, 57° 48' W) in particular. In 2012, samples of microbiological mats were taken from a bottom of shallow depression close to a seashore line. The sampling site has been filled with melting water from glacier for some weeks preceding the collection. On collection date, however it was dried out. The samples were analysed using optical microscopy approach after the transport of samples to Czech Republic (Masaryk University, Brno). Algal and cyanobacterial taxa forming the microbiological mats were determined according to their morphological characteristics and the frequencies of individual taxa occurrence evaluated. Species richness differed between individual sampling sites located across a shallow depression suggesting an ecological role of duration of stagnant water for biodiversity in temporary freshwater ponds. Altogether, 37 algal and cyanobacterial taxa were found. While 23 taxa present in the centre of the depression, only 10 taxa were found close to the margin where the dry period was the longest.