Environmental Factors Contributing to the Disaggregation of a Colonial Cyanoprokaryote and Its Influence on Picoplankton Abundance within Lake Joyce, Virginia

Authors

Lewis F. Affronti Jr., Norfolk Academy
B. Thomas Duquette, Norfolk Academy

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.25778/abd2-8637

Abstract

A colonial cyanoprokaryote, Aphanocapsa holsatica and autotrophic picoplankton abundance were monitored weekly over a two year period in Lake Joyce, Virginia. Significant differences were observed in both the cyanoprokaryote and picoplankton abundance over the study period and an inverse relationship was observed between these two plankton groups. Disaggregation of colonies was shown to contribute to picoplankton populations where water temperature and precipitation input apparently trigger colony dispersion. This relationship is suggested to occur in other aquatic habitats. Results of this work and its implications for ecosystem dynamics are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Affronti, Lewis F. Jr. and Duquette, B. Thomas (2002) "Environmental Factors Contributing to the Disaggregation of a Colonial Cyanoprokaryote and Its Influence on Picoplankton Abundance within Lake Joyce, Virginia," Virginia Journal of Science: Vol. 53: No. 4, Article 3.
DOI: 10.25778/abd2-8637
Available at: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol53/iss4/3