Depth-Related Effects on a Meiofaunal Community Dwelling in the Periphyton of a Mesotrophic Lake.

ABSTRACT: Periphyton is a complex assemblage of micro- and meiofauna embedded in the organic matrix that coats most submerged substrate in the littoral of lakes. The aim of this study was to better understand the consequences of depth-level fluctuation on a periphytic community. The effects of light and wave disturbance on the development of littoral periphyton were evaluated in Lake Erken (Sweden) using an experimental design that combined in situ shading with periphyton depth transfers. Free-living nematodes were a major contributor to the meiofaunal community. Their species composition was therefore used as a proxy to distinguish the contributions of light- and wave-related effects. The periphyton layer was much thicker at a depth of 30 cm than at 200 cm, as indicated by differences in the amount

SUBMITTER: Kreuzinger-Janik B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4564161 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature