The dynamics of picocyanobacteria from a hypereutrophic shallow lake is affected by light-climate and small-bodied zooplankton: a 10-year cytometric time-series analysis

In aquatic systems, an interplay between bottom-up and top-down processes determines the dynamic of picocyanobacteria (Pcy) abundance and community structure. Here, we analyzed a 10-year time series (sampled fortnightly) from a hypereutrophic turbid shallow lake located within the Pampa Region of South America, generating the first long-term record of freshwater Pcy from the Southern Hemisphere. We used a cytometric approach to study Pcy community, and focused on its relations with nutrient and light conditions (bottom-up) and potential grazers (top-down). A novel Pcy abundance seasonality with winter maximums was observed for years with relatively stable hydrological levels, related with decreased abundance of seasonal rotifers during colder seasons. Pcy showed lower abundance and higher cytometric alpha diversity during summer, probably due to a strong predation exerted by rotifers. In turn, a direct effect of the non-seasonal small cladocerans Bosmina spp. decreased Pcy abundance and induced a shift from single-cell Pcy into aggregated forms. This structuring effect of Bosmina spp. was further confirmed by Pcy cytometric (dis)similarity analyses from the time series and in situ experimental data. Remarkably, Pcy showed acclimatization to underwater light variations, resembling the relevance of light in this turbid system.

Automated summary

In this study, a 10-year time series from a hypereutrophic turbid shallow lake in South America provided the first long-term record of freshwater picocyanobacteria in the Southern Hemisphere. The analysis revealed seasonality in picocyanobacteria abundance, with winter peaks possibly linked to reduced presence of seasonal rotifers. Additionally, variations in predator-prey interactions, particularly with small cladocerans, influenced picocyanobacteria community structure and aggregation forms.