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Abstract

We studied diversity of algae and cyanobacteria in the wetlands of protected natural lakes with salinity ranging from 0.19 up to 32.7 in the arid/semiarid regions of Northern Kazakhstan. In plankton and periphyton of 34 lakes, we found 254 species belonging to 113 genera of 8 algal divisions. The diversity in arid regions is represented by widespread species of diatoms, green algae, and cyanobacteria in similar proportions. Alkaliphiles, among the indicators of acidification, and betamesosaprobionts, among the indicators of saprobity, predominated. The indices of saprobity in lakes varied from 1.47 to 2.7, reflecting low-trophic and low anthropogenically disturbed wetlands. Oligohalobes- -indifferents are most common. Highly diverse algal communities were found irrespective of various levels of mineralization. As a consequence of aridization, salinity increase suppressed algal diversity. The mineralization was the most important variable defining the diversity levels, irrespective of the type and location of wetland lakes in the arid regions.

Keywords

Algae cyanobacteria aridization diversity salinity wetland water quality Kazakhstan

Article Details

Author Biographies

Sophia S. Barinova, Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel

Institute of Evolution

Eibi Nevo, Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel

Institute of Evolution

Tatiana M. Bragina, Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel

Russian University of Kazakhstan
How to Cite
Barinova, S. S., Nevo, E., & Bragina, T. M. (2011). Ecological assessment of wetland ecosystems of northern Kazakhstan on the basis of hydrochemistry and algal biodiversity. Acta Botanica Croatica, 70(2). Retrieved from https://www.abc.botanic.hr/index.php/abc/article/view/431