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Cyanobacteria in a eutrophicated reservoir in a semi-arid region in Brazil: dominance and microcystin events of blooms

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Abstract

In semi-arid regions, eutrophic waters and stable climatic conditions favor the dominance of cyanobacteria, with frequent blooms. In this study, we hypothesized that the biomass of cyanobacteria will be higher during the dry period and assessed toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the Argemiro de Figueiredo Reservoir (Paraíba, Brazil). We conducted 22 samplings between August 2007 and July 2009 at three sites (PC, confluence of tributaries; PNC, net cages; and PD, dam site). Significant seasonal and spatial differences were not observed for abiotic variables; however, reduction in pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen occurred only during overflow events in the reservoir. Filamentous cyanobacteria were dominant mainly in the dry period, accounting for 90 % of the total biomass; six of eight dominant or co-dominant species of cyanobacteria were observed to be potential producers of toxins. Planktothrix agardhii (Gomont) Anagnostidis & Komárek was dominant at PC, PNC, and PD and formed perennial blooms, and microcystin-LR was identified in 14 of 16 blooming events. Thus, we suggest that stable conditions, availability of nutrients, and a reduced light regime during the dry period favors blooms of cyanobacteria.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development for the financial support through Universal Project MCT/CNPq O2/2006 and for Granting a PhD Scholarship to the first author (MCT/CNPq/CT-Hidro Public Notice 040/2006); the Sanitation Laboratory of the Federal University of Campina Grande; and the Microplankton Laboratory of the Marine Resources Study and Research Center of the Federal University of Paraíba.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Parnaíba, Avenue São Sebastião, n° 2819, São Benedito, Parnaíba, Piauí, CEP 64202-020, Brazil

    Ruceline P. M. Lins

  2. Agricultural Science Center, Laboratory of Limnology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, UFPB, Campus III, Areia, Paraíba, CEP 58397-000, Brazil

    Luciana G. Barbosa

  3. Human Resources Training Program of Petrobras (PFRH-PB), State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, UFMS, Street João Rosa Góes, 1761, Vila Progresso, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79825-070, Brazil

    Alessandro Minillo

  4. Biological Sciences Center, CCBS, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, State University of Paraíba, UEPB, Campus I, Avenue das Baraúnas-151, Three Marias, Campina Grande, Paraíba, CEP 58428-500, Brazil

    Beatriz S. O. De Ceballos

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  1. Ruceline P. M. Lins
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  2. Luciana G. Barbosa
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Correspondence to Ruceline P. M. Lins.

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Lins, R.P.M., Barbosa, L.G., Minillo, A. et al. Cyanobacteria in a eutrophicated reservoir in a semi-arid region in Brazil: dominance and microcystin events of blooms. Braz. J. Bot 39, 583–591 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-016-0267-x

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