SEASONAL FLUCTUATION OF THE PHYTOPLANKTONIC POPULATIONS IN CULLERA LAGOON (VALENCIA, SPAIN)

Authors

  • C. Rojo
  • María Rosa Miracle

Abstract

The seasonal fluctuations and the vertical distribution of the phytoplanktonic populations of the Estany of Cullera has been studied. The Estany of Cullera is a stratified coastal lagoon due to a marine water wedge underneath the flowing fresh water. The higher phytoplanktonic densities were found in winter and spring, in conditions of vertical mixing; being 86x109 ind/m2 the maximum density detected. In these seasons the diatoms were dominant; the most abundant species were Stephanodiscus subsalsus, Cyclotella meneghiniana & Cyclotella atomus. I n these periods m arine species can also be found such as Skeletonema costatum. Diatom dorninance is switched by the dorninance of green algae in summer, being the density then arround 8x109 ind/m2. In autumm, a remarkable minimum is produced due to an important water flux, reducing the phytoplanktonic density to 0.5x109 ind/m2. Most species are not found below the level of the chemocline where there ¡S a growth of photosynthetic bacteria. However, the existence of a few species of euglenoids, cyanobacteia and small flagellates has been detected in these botton water layers; they must have interesting adaptations to be able to live in the anoxic conditions of these waters.

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Author Biographies

C. Rojo

Universidad de Valencia

María Rosa Miracle

Universidad de Valencia
How to Cite
Rojo, C., & Miracle, M. R. (1984). SEASONAL FLUCTUATION OF THE PHYTOPLANKTONIC POPULATIONS IN CULLERA LAGOON (VALENCIA, SPAIN). Anales de Biología, (2), 161–168. Retrieved from https://revistas.um.es/analesbio/article/view/33941
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Sección especial