Assessment of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Communities in Chitgar Lake: Implications for Water Quality and Biodiversity Conservation

This study investigates the abundance, diversity, and seasonality of phytoplankton and zooplankton in Chitgar Lake, Tehran. Over four sampling stations from 2014 to 2019, 69 genera across seven phyla of phytoplankton and 46 genera across ten phyla of zooplankton were identified. Bacillariophyta dominated the phytoplankton, while Rotatoria led the zooplankton community, indicating their crucial roles in the lake's food web. Seasonal patterns revealed significant peaks in phytoplankton during spring and in zooplankton during summer, with a notable decline in zooplankton populations during autumn. Statistical analyses demonstrated a balanced ecosystem characterized by moderate species diversity, as indicated by Shannon-Wiener and Margalef indices. Water quality assessments indicated a healthy environment, with mean dissolved oxygen levels of 8.21 mg/L and a pH of 7.94, suggesting suitable conditions for aquatic life. The absence of thermal stratification and moderate nutrient concentrations point to a relatively stable ecosystem, although caution regarding potential nutrient enrichment is warranted as it increases the risk of algal blooms. These findings emphasize the intricate interplay between biological communities and environmental factors in Chitgar Lake, providing essential insights for future ecological assessments and management strategies. Continuous monitoring is imperative to ensure the lake’s biodiversity and health amidst potential ecological pressures, contributing to the sustainable management of this water body.

Assessment of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Communities in Chitgar Lake: Implications for Water Quality and Biodiversity Conservation Keywords:

Artificial lake , biodiversity , Plankton community , Water quality