Features of seasonal phytoplankton dynamics in lakes with different trophic status in the Belarusian Lake region

The seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton communities in lakes of varying trophic status in the Belarusian Lake District are examined. Sixty-six samples, collected from 11 lakes between May and September 2023–2025, served as the material for analysis. The study focused on phytoplankton from lakes of varying trophic status in the Belarusian Lake District. Multivariate statistical methods (cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) based on Bray–Curtis distances) were used to assess differences between communities and to visualize the data. It is shown that the nature of seasonal dynamics and the degree of similarity of phytoplankton communities significantly depend on the trophic state of the water bodies. Mesotrophic lakes with oligotrophic features are characterized by the greatest stability and high similarity between communities in all seasons. Mesotrophic lakes occupy a transitional position, demonstrating maximum similarity to less trophic systems in spring and the greatest differences in late summer. Eutrophic lakes are most similar in the summer, during the period of maximum productivity. Hypereutrophic lakes exhibit the greatest seasonal variability and minimal similarity to other lake types, especially in late summer. NMDS ordination showed that the seasonal effect increases with increasing lake trophic status. Summer and late summer phytoplankton communities were the most distinct, while spring communities were characterized by greater similarity between different trophic statuses.

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