Ten years of limnological monitoring of a modified natural lake in the tropics: Cote Lake, Costa Rica / Diez años de monitoreo limnológico de un lago natural modificado en los trópicos: el lago Cote, Costa Rica

It is located 650m above sea level along the boundary between the North Caribbean and Pacific slopes, near the Southern end of the volcanic Guanacaste mountain range. In the early 1980s the lake’s main outlet was dammed and the outflow was diverted into Arenal Reservoir. Lake Cote was first studied in 1990-1991, and later in 2001, before it was again modified by raising its dam by one meter to use its outflow for hydroelectricity. From 2002 to 2010 it has been monitored twice a year for changes in its limnology. Here I present a summary of its basic characteristics and an analysis of their changes through time. The lake is discontinuous polymictic, and sometimes develops a thermocline at 6m depth that may last for several days as evidenced by the occasional development of an anoxic layer close to the bottom. Since its modification for hydropower production, the surface water temperature has attained higher values than before. Oxygen levels in the lake show periods of hypoxia to anoxia in the hypolimnion, that have become more frequent since modification. Despite its turbid water, the lake has low levels of nutrient concentrations and of chlorophyll a. The trend in these parameters in recent times is a reduction in chlorophyll a and an increase in water transparency, implying a reduction in primary productivity. These changes are discussed in relationship with anthropogenic factors such as the modification of the lake and its management, changes in landscape around the lake and global climate change. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 567-578. Epub 2014 June 01.

Esta localizado a 650m sobre el nivel del mar en el límite entre las llanuras del Norte y la vertiente del Pacífico en la Cordillera de Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Al inicio de la década de 1980 se construyó una represa en el río de desagüe y el caudal de salida fue desviado hacia el Embalse Arenal. Se realizó un primer estudio entre 1990 y 1991, y luego en el año 2001 antes de que se construyera una nueva modificación del lago mediante el levantamiento del nivel de la presa en un metro con el fin de utilizar la descarga para la producción de energía hidroeléctrica. Del 2002 al 2010 se realizó un monitoreo limnológico dos veces al año. Aquí se presenta un análisis de las principales características y de los cambios a través del tiempo. El lago es polimíctico discontinuo y desarrolla una termoclina intermitente a 6m de profundidad, la cual puede perdurar por varios días o semanas a juzgar por el desarrollo de una capa anóxica cercana al fondo. Desde su modificación la temperatura superficial del lago ha alcanzado valores mayores a los reportados con anterioridad. El hipolimnion muestra periodos de hipoxia a anoxia que se han vuelto más frecuentes. A pesar de la turbidez del lago, la concentración de nutrientes y de clorofila a son bajos. La tendencia en tiempos recientes es a una reducción de la clorofila a y un aumento en la trasparencia del agua. Estos cambios son similares a los observados en lagos donde se ha logrado atribuirlos al cambio climático global. También se pueden deber a la modificación del flujo del efluente por la operación intermitente de la planta hidroeléctrica, que favorece la acumulación de calor en la columna de agua. Esto debido a que otros factores, como el cambio en el uso del suelo en los alrededores del lago ocurrieron en la década de 1980, por lo que no se les puede atribuir una influencia en los cambios observados en los últimos 10 años.

Fluctuations of the population of Daphnia laevis Birge 1878: a six-year study in a tropical lake / Flutuações da população de Daphnia laevis Birge 1878: seis anos de estudo em um lago tropical

The fluctuation of the population of Daphnia laevis in Lake Jacaré (Middle River Doce, Minas Gerais) was monitored monthly (at one point in the limnetic region) for six years (2002-2007) as part of the Program of Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER/UFMG). The following parameters were also monitored: water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and densities of Chaoborus and ephippia of Daphnia laevis in the sediment. A seasonal pattern was observed in the fluctuation of D. laevis, with higher densities recorded during periods of circulation (May-August). A significant correlation was found between the density of D. laevis and temperature (r = -0.47, p = 0.0001), chlorophyll-a (r = -0.32, p = 0.016) and indicators of the lake's trophic status (total phosphorus, r = 0.32, p = 0.007 and trophic state, r = 0.36, p = 0.003), as well as Chaoborus density (r = 0.43 and p = 0.002). These results indicate that changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the water related with stratification and circulation of the lake may have a direct (temperature, total phosphorous) or an indirect (food availability, presence of predators, ephippia eclosion) influence on the fluctuation of the D. laevis population.

A flutuação da população de Daphnia laevis na Lagoa Jacaré (Médio Rio Doce, Minas Gerais) foi monitorada mensalmente, em um ponto na região limnética, por seis anos (2002 a 2007), como parte do Programa de Pesquisas Ecológicas de Longa Duração (PELD/UFMG). Os seguintes parâmetros foram monitorados: temperatura da água, pH, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido, clorofila-a , fósforo total, fosfato, nitrogênio total, nitrato, nitrito, amônia e densidades de Chaoborus e de efípios de Daphnia laevis no sedimento. Um padrão sazonal foi observado na flutuação de D. laevis, com maiores densidades registradas durante períodos de circulação (maio a agosto). Correlações significativas foram observadas entre a densidade de D. laevis e a temperatura (r = -0.47, p = 0.0001) e a clorofila-a (r = -0.32, p = 0.016), e indicadores do estado trófico do lago (fósforo total, r = 0.32, p = 0.007 e estado trófico, r = 0.36, p = 0.003), além de densidade de Chaoborus (r = 0.43, p = 0.002). Esses resultados indicam que mudanças nas características físicas e químicas da água relacionadas com os periodos de estratificação e circulação do lago podem influenciar diretamente (temperatura, fósforo total) ou indiretamente (disponibilidade de alimento, presença de predadores, eclosão de efípios) a flutuação da população de D. laevis.

Thermal structure of the Poraquê lake, Central Amazonian, Brazil / Estrutura térmica do lago Poraquê, Amazônia Central, Brasil

Thermal gradient of a Central Amazonian lake was studied to establish a link between seasonal variations in the water level, temperature, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and thermal stratification. Bimonthly measurements of temperature and PAR radiation were made at 0.25 m intervals from the surface to bottom from February 2004 to July 2006. Daily occurs full vertical mixing of the water column, and classic thermal stratification was not observed in the period. The effect of the winds associated to flood-pulse and the penetrative convection, transported the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) into the lake mixing the column of water. This phenomenon was more expressive in the rainfall seasons when is generally higher contributing to the circulation of the water. The limit of the euphotic zone ranged from 1.36 to 1.77 m in the period studied. The results of the transmission curves for the sampling sites showed that, in general, less than 0.01% of the surface light reached the bottom. The trend curve developed can facilitate the understanding of the limnological and ecological processes in lentic systems of whitewaters of the Central Amazonian.

Foi estudado o gradiente térmico de um lago da Amazônia Central para estabelecer associação entre variações sazonais no nível de água, temperatura, material em suspensão e estratificação térmica. Bimestralmente, foram medidas a temperatura e a radiação luminosa da superfície ao fundo do lago no período entre fevereiro de 2004 e julho de 2006. Ocorreu completa mistura vertical diária da coluna de água, não sendo observada estratificação térmica clássica no período. A energia cinética turbulenta (ECT) proveniente da ação dos ventos em associação com o pulso de inundação foi responsável pela mistura da coluna de água. Esse fenômeno foi mais expressivo no período chuvoso, quando a ECT é geralmente mais alta, contribuindo para a circulação da água. A extensão da zona eufótica variou de 1,36 a 1,77 m. Os resultados das curvas de transmissão para os pontos de amostragem mostraram que menos de 0,01% da luz de superfície alcançou o fundo do lago. A curva de tendência desenvolvida poderá facilitar a compreensão dos processos limnológicos e ecológicos em sistemas lênticos de águas brancas da Amazônia Central.

Temporal variation of phytoplankton in a small tropical crater lake, Costa Rica

The temporal variation in lake’s phytoplankton is important to understand its general biodiversity. For tropical lakes, it has been hypothesized that they follow a similar pattern as temperate ones, on a much accelerated pace; nevertheless, few case studies have tried to elucidate this. Most studies in Costa Rica have used a monthly sampling scheme and failed in showing the expected changes. In this study, the phytoplankton of the small Barvas’s crater lake was followed for more than three years, first with monthly and later with weekly samplings, that covered almost two years. Additional information on temperature and oxygen vertical profiles was obtained on a monthly basis, and surface temperature was measured during weekly samplings around noon. Results showed that in spite of its shallow condition (max. depth: 7m) and low surface temperature (11 to 19°C), the lake stratifies at least for brief periods. The phytoplankton showed both, rapid change periods, and prolonged ones of relative stasis. The plankton composition fluctuated between three main phases, one characterized by the abundance of small sized desmids (Staurastrum paradoxum, Cosmarium asphaerosporum), a second phase dominated by equally small cryptomonads (Chryptochrysis minor, Chroomonas sp.) and a third phase dominated by the green alga Eutetramorus tetrasporus. Although data evidenced that monthly sampling could miss short term events, the temporal variation did not follow the typical dry and rainy seasons of the region, or any particular annual pattern. Year to year variation was high. As this small lake is located at the summit of Barva Volcano and receives the influence from both the Caribbean and the Pacific weather, seasonality at the lake is not clearly defined as in the rest of the country and short term variations in the local weather might have a stronger effect than broad seasonal trends. The occurrence of this short term changes in the phytoplankton of small tropical lakes in response to weather variations needs to be further explored in other lakes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1405-1419. Epub 2010 December 01.

Se ha especulado que la variación temporal del fitoplancton en lagos tropicales sigue un patrón similar al de lagos templados de forma más acelerada, pero pocos estudios de caso han abordado el tema. La mayoría de los estudios en lagos de Costa Rica se han basado en muestreos mensuales y no han logrado mostrar los cambios señalados. En este trabajo se estudió el fitoplancton del lago del volcán Barva por un periodo de más de tres años, al principio con un muestreo mensual y al final con un muestreo semanal por casi dos años. Mensualmente se hicieron perfiles verticales de temperatura y durante el periodo de muestreo semanal se registró la temperatura superficial cerca del medio día. A pesar de su condición somera (7m) y baja temperatura superficial, el lago se estratifica por periodos breves. El fitoplancton mostró tanto periodos de cambio rápido como periodos de estabilidad relativa. La composición fluctuó entre tres condiciones principales, la primera fase se caracteriza por la abundancia de desmidios (Staurastrum paradoxum, Cosmarium asphaerosporum), una segunda dominada por cryptomonadaceas (Chryptochrysis minor, Chroomonas sp.) y la tercera por Eutetramorus tetrasporus. Aunque fue evidente que los muestreos mensuales pueden obviar eventos de corta duración, la variación temporal no se ajustó a las estaciones de la zona. Dado que el lago se localiza en la cima del volcán Barva y recibe la influencia del clima tanto del Caribe como del Pacífico, la estacionalidad no está bien marcada en el sitio. Como resultado, las variaciones en el tiempo atmosférico local de corto plazo pueden tener un mayor efecto que los patrones estacionales del clima regional.

Structure and dynamics of phytoplankton in an Amazon lake, Brazil

Natural lake systems represent important reservoirs for residential water supply, fish production, recreational activities and enjoyment of their natural beauty. Nevertheless, human impacts may affect their health status resulting in degradation and loss of biodiversity. The aim of the present study was to obtain data on the health status of a natural lake located in an indigenous reservation in the Brazilian Amazon, using the phytoplankton community changes along the rainy (June) and dry (November) seasons of 2006. We collected water (temperature, pH, Secchi depth and conductivity) and phytoplankton samples from the subsurface, middle of the water column, and approximately 30cm above the bottom, over 24-hour sampling periods, from a central station in the lake. Samples taken from biotic and abiotic variables were correlated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Results showed that the lake exhibited high temperatures in both seasons, and showed thermal stratification only during the rainy season. Dissolved oxygen exhibited a clinograde pattern in the rainy season and high oxygen in the hypolimnion in the dry season. In the rainy season, the water near the bottom was acidic, turbid and had a greater concentration of phosphorus. Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, nitrite, total phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus exhibited diel variations in the rainy season, whereas water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen and total dissolved phosphorus exhibited significant differences between hours of the day in the dry season. The phytoplankton was represented by 39 taxa, and Chlorophyta showed the greatest species richness, totaling 25 taxa. Among Chlorophyta, desmids were the most diverse, accounting 52%. Bacillariophyta (nine species) was the second most diverse group. Cyanophyta was represented by three species, including Merismopedia tenuissima, the most abundant taxon. Despite the occurrence of taxa that indicate organic pollution, their biomass and frequency indicate that the system is not currently threatened. Lake Caracaranã is an oligotrophic system, with low algal density and isolated blooming episodes due to its shallow depth. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1421-1436. Epub 2010 December 01.

Los sistemas de lagos naturales constituyen reservorios importantes para el abastecimiento de agua residencial, la producción de peces, actividades recreativas y el disfrute de su belleza natural. Sin embargo, el impacto humano puede afectar su estado de salud como resultado de la degradación y la pérdida de biodiversidad. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el estado de salud de un lago natural en una reserva indígena de la Amazonia brasileña, usando los cambios de la comunidad fitoplanctónica a lo largo de la época lluviosa (junio) y seca (de noviembre) en 2006. Se recogieron muestras de agua (temperatura, pH, conductividad y profundidad de Secchi) y fitoplancton del subsuelo, columna media del agua y a 30cm por encima del fondo, cada 24horas, en una estación central en el lago. Las variables bióticas y abióticas se correlacionaron mediante análisis de correspondencia canónica (CCA). Los resultados mostraron que el lago exhibió altas temperaturas en ambas temporadas, una estratificación térmica solamente durante la época lluviosa así como un patrón vertical de oxígeno disuelto, mientras que en la estación seca se observó una alta cantidad de oxígeno en el hipolimnion. En la época lluviosa, el agua cercana al fondo era ácida, turbia y tenía una mayor concentración de fósforo. Oxígeno disuelto, conductividad, pH, nitritos, fósforo total y disuelto mostraron variaciones diarias en la época lluviosa, mientras que la temperatura del agua, oxígeno disuelto, nitrógeno total y fósforo disuelto mostraron una diferencia significativa en las horas del día durante la estación seca. El fitoplancton estuvo representado por 39 táxones, y Chlorophyta mostró la mayor riqueza de especies, un total de 25 táxones. En Chlorophyta, los desmidios fueron los más diversos, lo que representa el 52%. Bacillariophyta (nueve especies) fue el segundo grupo más diverso. En Cyanophyta se encontraron tres especies, incluyendo Merismopedia tenuissima, el taxon más abundante. A pesar de la ocurrencia de taxones que indican contaminación orgánica, la biomasa y frecuencia sugieren que el sistema actualmente no está en peligro. Lago Caracaranã es un sistema oligotrófico, con baja densidad de algas y aislados episodios de afloramiento debido a su poca profundidad.

Limnological changes in Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil): natural and anthropogenic causes

In order to verify changes in physical, chemical and biological features of Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil), this study compares previous and recent data obtained from limnological investigations over three decades. Plankton species composition and density together with environmental data from 1978, 1983, and during 1999 to 2006 showed changes driven by seasonal climatic forces or by anthropogenic causes. Changes in diversity are shown as a consequence of alternation of rainy and dry periods and introduction of exotic fish species. Finally, suggestions are made for improving conservation efforts in the area, through planned actions and monitoring programmes.

Com o objetivo de avaliar as mudanças nas características físicas, químicas e biológicas do lago Dom Helvécio (Sudeste do Brasil), este estudo compara dados anteriores e recentes de investigações limnológicas através de três décadas. A composição e a densidade das espécies planctônicas juntamente com os dados ambientais apresentaram mudanças decorrentes de forças climáticas e de causas antropogênicas. Mudanças na diversidade como consequência da sazonalidade e da introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes foram observadas. Com base nos resultados, são feitas sugestões para aumentar os esforços de conservação na área através de ações planejadas e programas de monitoramento.

Driving forces of the diel distribution of phytoplankton functional groups in a shallow tropical lake (Lake Monte Alegre, Southeast Brazil) / Fatores direcionadores da distribuição nictemeral de grupos funcionais fitoplanctônicos de um lago brasileiro raso e tropical

Phytoplankton vertical and diel dynamics in a small shallow lake (Lake Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo) were investigated in two climatological periods: July 2001 (cool-dry season) and March 2002 (warm-rainy season). Monte Alegre is a eutrophic reservoir, with a warm polymictic discontinuous circulation pattern. The lake was thermally stratified in both periods, although dissolved oxygen varied less in the cool-dry period. Phytoplankton biomass was higher in the warm-rainy season and the vertical distribution was stratified in both seasons. Flagellate groups (Lm, Y, W1 and W2) and functional groups typical of shallow eutrophic environments (J, X1 and Sn) were important throughout the study period. The lake's thermal pattern strongly influenced the vertical distribution of the phytoplankton community in both periods. Biomass, functional groups and size classes of phytoplankton also were determined by the presence of more efficient herbivores in the lake, especially during the cool-dry period when phytoplankton biomass decreased.

As dinâmicas vertical e nictemeral do fitoplâncton de um lago pequeno e raso (Lago Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP) foram investigadas em dois períodos climatológicos: julho/2001 (estação fria-seca) e março/2002 (estação quente-chuvosa). O lago esteve estratificado termicamente nos dois períodos de estudo, porém menores variações do oxigênio dissolvido foram observadas no período frio-seco. Maiores biomassas fitoplanctônicas foram registradas na estação quente-chuvosa e a distribuição vertical esteve estratificada nos dois períodos climatológicos. Grupos de flagelados (Lm, Y, W1 e W2), juntamente com grupos funcionais típicos de ambientes rasos e eutróficos (J, X1 e Sn), foram importantes em todo o estudo. O padrão térmico do lago teve influência na distribuição vertical da comunidade fitoplanctônica nos períodos estudados. Biomassa, grupos funcionais e classes de tamanho do fitoplâncton também foram influenciados pela presença de herbívoros mais eficientes, principalmente durante o período frio-seco, quando ocorreram menores biomassas do fitoplâncton.