Zooplankton biomass in an eutrophic shallow lake (Buenos Aires, Argentina): spatio-temporal variations

Abstract

Zooplankton biomass was investigated monthly from September 1997 to August 1998 in a shallow eutrophic lake (San Miguel del Monte, Argentina). Duplicate samples of zooplankton were obtained from three stations with different limnological characteristics. The density of zooplankton community was dominated by rotifers and small cladocerans related to the trophic status of this shallow lake. The zooplankton biomass showed similar values to other eutrophic shallow lakes. The annual biomass distribution was bimodal (winter and summer peaks). The contribution of crustaceans, mainly copepods, determined the total biomass. The total zooplankton biomass was significantly correlated with chlorophyll «a» in the sampling station located at the deep part of this shallow lake. There were factors and processes promoting changes in the zooplankton biomass, such as food availability, grazing ability, fish predation, eutrophication process with alternation of turbid and clear water periods, and also the addition of organisms from the Salado River during floods.