Changes in the Phytoplankton Community of Lake Donghu Since the 1980s

ABSTRACT

The phytoplankton of Lake Donghu was compared between two periods (i.e., 1982–83 and 1999–2001). During 1982–1983, Lake Donghu was characterized by cyanobacterial blooms, very high summer phytoplankton biomass, and a spring clear-water phase. However, during 1999–2001, the lake was dominated by dinophytes and diatoms and had a relatively low phytoplankton biomass and a very turbid state. Increased stocking of silver carp and bighead carp during the interim years eliminated cyanobacterial blooms and large-bodied daphnids from the lake, creating favorable conditions for growth of the small-sized algae.