Variability in a permanent cyanobacterial bloom: species-specific responses to environmental drivers

Cyanobacterial blooms are characterized by intense growth of one or few species that will dominate the phytoplankton community for periods of few months to an entire year or more. However, even during persistent blooms, important seasonal changes among dominant species can be observed. Pampulha reservoir is a tropical eutrophic reservoir presenting permanent blooms. To identify the main species in this environment, a closer analysis performed by microscopy and 16S-rRNA DGGE revealed Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii as highly dominant throughout the year. The second most abundant group comprised species belonging to the Microcystis genus. They followed a well-defined seasonal pattern described by interesting species-specific ecological trends. During thermal stratification in the rainy/warmer season, C. raciborskii dominated in the water column, while Microcystis spp. were abundant at the end of the dry season, a period characterized by higher total phosphorus concentrations. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the two dominant taxa and their seasonal trends. The results showed that cyanobacteria major controlling factors were strongly species dependent, shifting from physical/climate related (stratification) to more chemical driven (nutrients/eutrophication). Identifying these drivers is therefore essential for the understanding of the bloom dynamics and the real risks associated with each species, and to eventually adopt the most appropriate and effective management strategies.