The Distribution and Relative Abundance of Bloom Forming Microcystis Species in Several Eutrophic Waters

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Limnology (Rikusuigaku Zasshi) Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 87 - 93
• Main Authors: WATANABE, Yasunori, WATANABE, Mariyo F., WATANABE, Masayuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Society of Limnology 1986
• Subjects: blue-green algae; Freshwater; Microcystis; water bloom; Japan
• ISSN: 0021-5104; 1882-4897
• DOI: 10.3739/rikusui.47.87

The species variation and relative abundance of the blue-green alga, Microcystis, were studied with blooming water samples from various eutrophic lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Using the taxonomical system of KOMÁREK (1958), Microcystis aeruginosa f. aeruginosa (M-AA), M. aeruginosa f. flos-aquae (M-AF). M. wesenbergii (M-W) and M. viridis (M-V) were identified. The mode in relative abundance of each species was variable ; M-AA was the most dominant species in 67 %, M-W in 19 %, and M-V in 14 % of the water bodies examined, whereas M-AF was never present as the predominant form. A seasonal shift in the relative abundance was found in Himonya Pond (Tokyo), where M-AA was predominant in the early stage of bloom development, M-W increased in the later period and was present in a higher proportion in the overwintering population in the pond water. The presence of intra species variations and some problems concerning the species identification of the alga were discussed.