Algal communities of the waterbodies of Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica

Abstract

In continental waterbodies of Antarctic oases specific algal communities are forming. The structure and dominating complex of species of this communities due to different distance from the seashore and latitude, the composition of the constituent rocks, altitude and the presence in the past of periods of contact with sea water is unique for different oases. It may vary in different waterbodies within one oasis besides.Aim of the research is to describe different types of algal communities from the continental waterbodies of Schirmacher Oasis and it’s confinement to the different types of waterbodies.Samples were collected from 173 waterbodies: 151 with stagnant water and 22 streams.During the study 64 species of Cyanoprokaryotes were found, and this group usually dominated in communities. Also 14 most frequent species of Chlorophyta, 12 most frequent species of Bacillariophyta, 6 species of desmid algae, 2 species of Xanthophyceae, 1 species of Eustigmatophyceae were noted in benthos. Usually resting stages and in one case — life cells of Golden algae (Chrysophyceae, Synurophyceae) were found in mats on the bottom of big lakes. Plankton algae in most of the waterbodies had very low abundance and diversity and were strongly influensed by trophic level. Benthic algal communities were much more diverse and abundant. Eight sustainable types of benthic algal communities were revealed in continental waterbodyes of Schirmacher Oasis. Form, colour, and species composition of bentic films and mats strongly depended on temperature, conductivity and pH of the waterbody and its depth.