SpringerLink
Log in

Trophic and saprobic diatom-based indices are not indicating the same ecological status in a shallow lake, Türkiye

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Community Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the ecological health of a RAMSAR site lake by leveraging diatoms as ecological indicators. Utilizing six trophic and four saprobic indices, we evaluate the lake's ecological status. Monthly samples were collected from five sites between June 2014 and May 2015. Our findings revealed that the lake exhibited hypereutrophic characteristics according to TN and TP concentrations, as well as trophic state indices, except TIDL. Notably, the TIVD index showed a significant correlation with TN and TP, while SISla correlated significantly with TN. Despite the substantial organic matter load, our analysis positioned  the lake at a beta mesosaprobic level with moderate ecological status across three saprobic indices. Interestingly, the annual average dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration classified the lake water as Class I in terms of water quality. The moderate saprobic index values suggest efficient organic matter oxidation, potentially influenced by high DO concentrations in the lake littoral. Our study underscores the importance of integrating trophic and saprobic indices to comprehensively evaluate ecosystem health and ecological status in shallow eutrophic lakes, offering insights into nutrient enrichment and organic pollution load, respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Canada)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Ács, É., Reskóné, N. M., Szabó, K., Taba, G., & Kiss, K. T. (2005). Application of epiphytic diatoms in water quality monitoring of Lake Velence-recommendations and assignments. Acta Bot Hung, 47(3–4), 211–223. https://doi.org/10.1556/abot.47.2005.3-4.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • APHA, (1998). Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. 20th edition, American Public Health Association.

  • Barinova, S. (2017). On the classification of water quality from an ecological point of view. International Journal of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources, 2, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.19080/IJESNR.2017.02.555581

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bennion, H., Kelly, M. G., Juggins, S., Yallop, M. L., Burgess, A., Jamieson, J., & Krokowski, J. (2014). Assessment of ecological status in UK lakes using benthic diatoms. Freshwater Science, 33(2), 639–654. https://doi.org/10.1086/675447

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bick, H. (1963). A review of central European methods for the biological estimation of water pollution levels. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 29(3), 401–413.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco, S., Ector, L., & Bécares, E. (2004). Epiphytic diatoms as water quality indicators in Spanish shallow lakes. VIE MILIEU, 54(2–3), 71–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Çelekli, A., Toudjani, A., Gümüş, E. Y., Kayhan, S., Lekesiz, H., & Çetin, T. (2019). Determination of trophic weight and indicator values of diatoms in Turkish running waters for water quality assessment. Turkish Journal of Botany, 43(1), 90–101. https://doi.org/10.3906/bot-1704-40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Çelekli, A., Lekesiz, Ö., & Çetin, T. (2022). Eco-assessment of least disturbed areas of the Antalya River basin: Application of diatom indices from different ecoregions. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(1), 790–804. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15394-0

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Çiçek, N. L., & Yamuç, F. (2017). Using epilithic algae assemblages to assess water quality in Lake Kovada and Kovada Channel (Turkey), and in relation to environmental factors. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 17(4), 701–711. https://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v17_4_06

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalkıran, N., Karacaoğlu, D., Dere, Ş, Şentürk, E., & Torunoğlu, T. (2006). Factors affecting the current status of a eutrophic shallow lake (Lake Uluabat, Turkey): Relationships between water physical and chemical variables. Chemical Ecology, 22(4), 279–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/02757540600856229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dalkıran, N., Zünbülgil, B., Karacaoğlu, D., & Dere, Ş. (2016a). The alternation of epiphytic diatoms at Lake Uluabat in the long period. Journal of Limnology and Freshwater Fisheries Research, 2(3), 153–163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalkıran, N., Karacaoğlu, D., Dere, Ş, Çınar, Ş, Bulut, C., & Savaşer, S. (2016b). Species composition and spatio-temporal variations of phytoplankton of Lake Uluabat. Journal of Limnology and Freshwater Fisheries Research, 2(3), 121–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeNicola, D. M., Eyto, E. D., Wemaere, A., & Irvine, K. (2004). Using epilithic algal communities to assess trophic status in Irısh lakes. Journal of Phycology, 40(3), 481–495. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8817.2004.03147.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dumnicka, E., Jelonek, M., Klich, M., Kwandrans, J., Wojtal, A., & Żurek, R. (2006) Ichtiofauna i status ekologiczny wód Wisły, Raby, Dunajca i Wisłoki (Ichthyofauna and Ecological Status of Vistula, Raba, Dunajec and Wisłoka Rivers). Instytut Ochrony Przyrody PAN, Kraków (in Polish). Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Science: Kraków, Poland, p: 164–166.

  • Elmacı, A., Özengin, N., Teksoy, A., Topaç, F. O., & Başkaya, H. S. (2009). Evaluation of trophic state of Lake Uluabat. Turkey. J Environ Biol, 30(5), 757–760.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eloranta, P., & Soininen, J. (2002). Ecological status of some Finnish rivers evaluated using benthic diatom communities. Journal of Applied Phycology, 14, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015275723489

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • EU, (2000). Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2000/60/EC Establishing a Framework for Community Action in the Field of Water Policy. European Commission (PECONS 3639/1/100 Rev 1), Luxembourg

  • Filik-Iscen, C., Emiroglu, Ö., Ilhan, S., Arslan, N., Yilmaz, V., & Ahiska, S. (2008). Application of multivariate statistical techniques in the assessment of surface water quality in Lake Uluabat, Turkey. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 144(1–3), 269–276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-007-9989-3

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guiry, M. D., & Guiry, G. M. (2023). AlgaeBase. World-Wide Electronic Publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. 2023. Available online: http://www.algaebase.org/ (accessed on 15 December 2023).

  • Gümüş, F. (2023). Aksaz sulak alanının bentik diyatome topluluğu ve indekslerine göre ekolojik değerlendirmesi. Iğdır Üniversitesi FBED, 13(1), 628–635. https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.1208907

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gümüş, F., & Gönülol, A. (2018). Epilithic diatom-based ecological assessment in Taşmanlı Pond (Sinop, Turkey). Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, 19(1), 71–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hacısalihoğlu, S., Karaer, F., & Katip, A. (2016). Applications of geographic information system (GIS) analysis of Lake Uluabat. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 188, 331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5332-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hacısalihoğlu, S., & Karaer, F. (2018). Evaluation of water quality in eutrophic shallow lakes: case study on Lake Uluabat, Turkey. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, 2(1), 18–28. https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.18004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hacısalihoğlu, S., & Karaer, F. (2020). Lake Uluabat point pollutant sources and pollution loads (in Turkish: Uluabat Gölü noktasal kirletici kaynaklar ve kirlilik yükleri). Journal of Natural Hazards and Environment, 6(2), 258–267. https://doi.org/10.21324/dacd.602385

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, G. (1999). Trophiebewertung von Seen anhand von Aufwuchsdiatomeen. In Von Tümpling W, Friedrich G (eds) Methoden der biologischen wasseruntersuchung 2: Biologische gewässeruntersuchung. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena.

  • Kamberović, J., Stuhli, V., Lukic, Z., Habibovic, M., & Mešikić, E. (2019). Epiphytic diatoms as bioindicators of trophic status of Lake Modrac (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Turkish Journal of Botany, 43(3), 420–430. https://doi.org/10.3906/bot-1808-65

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karacaoğlu, D., Dalkiran, N., & Dere, Ş. (2006). Factors affecting the phytoplankton diversity and richness in a shallow eutrophic lake in Turkey. Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 21(4), 575–581. https://doi.org/10.1080/02705060.2006.9664118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karaer, F., Katip, A., Ileri, S., Sarmaşık, S., Aksoy, E., & Öztürk, C. (2015). Spatial and temporal changes in water quality parameters of a shallow lake. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 14(10), 2263–2274.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Katip, A., Ileri, S., Karaer, F., & Onur, S. (2015). Determination of the trophic state of Lake Uluabat (Bursa-Turkey). Ekoloji, 24(97), 24–35. https://doi.org/10.5053/ekoloji.2015.06

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazancı, N., Leroy, S., Ileri, Ö., Emre, Ö., Kibar, M., & Öncel, S. (2004). Late Holocene erosion in NW Anatolia from sediments of Lake Manyas, Lake Ulubat and the southern shelf of the Marmara Sea, Turkey. CATENA, 57(3), 277–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2003.11.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M. G. (1998). Use of the trophic diatom index to monitor eutrophication in rivers. Water Research, 32(1), 236–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(97)00157-7

  • Kelly, M. G., Adams, C., Graves, A. C., Jamieson, J., Krokowski, J., Lycett, E. B., Murray-Bligh, J., Pritchard, S., & Wilkins, C. (2001). The trophic diatom index: A user’s manual. Revised edition. (Report No. E2/TR2). R&D Technical Report, Environment Agency.

  • Kelly, M. G., Juggins, S., Bennion, H., Burgess, A., Yallop, M. L., Hirst, H., King, L., Jamieson, B. J., Guthrie, R., & Rippey, B. (2007) Use of diatoms for evaluating ecological status in UK freshwaters (Report No. SC030103/SR2). Environment Agency.

  • Kennedy, B., & Buckley, Y. M. (2021). Use of seasonal epilithic diatom assemblages to evaluate ecological status in Irish lakes. Ecological Indicators, 129, 107853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107853

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kitner, M., & Poulícková, A. (2003). Littoral diatoms as indicators for the eutrophication of shallow lakes. Hydrobiologia, 506, 519–524. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:HYDR.0000008567.99066.92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kökmen, S., Arslan, N., Cansu, Filik, & Yilmaz, V. (2007). Zoobenthos of Lake Uluabat a Ramsar site in Turkey and their relationship with environmental variables. CLEAN – Soil Air Water, 35(3) 266–274. https://doi.org/10.1002/clen.200700006

  • Krammer, K., Lange-Bertalot, H. (1991a) Süβwasserflora von Mitteleuropa Bacillariophyceae 3 Teil: Centrales, Fragilariaceae, Eunotiaceae. Gustav Fischer.

  • Krammer, K., Lange-Bertalot, H. (1991b). Süβwasserflora von Mitteleuropa Bacillariophyceae 4 Teil: Achnanthaceae, kritische ergänzungen zu Navicula (Lineolatae) und Gomphonema. Gustav Fischer.

  • Krammer, K., Lange-Bertalot, H. (1997a). Süβwasserflora von Mitteleuropa Bacillariophyceae 1 Teil: Naviculaceae. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag.

  • Krammer, K., & Lange-Bertalot, H. (1997b). Süβwasserflora von Mitteleuropa Bacillariophyceae 2 Teil: Bacillariaceae, Epithemiaceae. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • LegendreLegendre, P. L. (1998). Numerical ecology (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nürnberg, G. K. (1996). Trophic state of clear and colored, soft-and hardwater lakes with special consideration of nutrients, anoxia, phytoplankton and fish. Lake Reserv Manag, 12(4), 432–447. https://doi.org/10.1080/07438149609354283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ongun Sevindik, T., Kinali, Z. D., & Tunca, H. (2023). Temporal and spatial changes in diatom community structure with the effects of environmental parameters, and ecological status assessment by diatom indices in three shallow lakes (Sakarya, Turkey). Biologia, 78(2), 373–387. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-022-01220-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ongun-Sevindik, T., & Küçük, F. (2016). Benthic diatoms as indicators of water quality in the Acarlar Floodplain Forest (Northern Turkey). Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 25(10), 4013–4025.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pantle, R., & Buck, H. (1955). Die biologische überwachung der gewasser und die darstellung der ergebnisse. Gas-u Wasserfach, 96, 604.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poulíčková, A., Duchoslav, M., & Dokulil, M. (2004). Littoral diatom assemblages as bioindicators of lake trophic status: A case study from perialpine lakes in Austria. European Journal of Phycology, 39(2), 143–152. https://doi.org/10.1080/0967026042000201876

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prygiel, J., & Coste, M. (1993). The assessment of water quality in the Artois-Picardie water basin (France) by the use of diatom indices. Hydrobiologia, 269(1), 343–349. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00028033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rott, E., Hofmann, G., Pall, K., Pfister, P., & Pipp, E. (1997). Indikationslisten für aufwuchsalgen in fließgewässern in österreich. Teil 1: Saprobielle indikation. Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft.

  • Rott, E., Duthie, H. C., & Pipp, E. (1998). Monitoring organic pollution and eutrophication in the Grand River, Ontario, by means of diatoms. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 55(6), 1443–1453. https://doi.org/10.1139/f98-038

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rott E, Pipp E, Pfister P, Van Dam H, Ortler K, Binder N, Pall K (1999) Indikationslisten für aufwuchsalgen in österreichischen fliessgewässern, Teil 2: Trophieindikation, geochemische reaktion, toxikologische und taxonomische anmerkungen. Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bundesministerium für Land und Forstwirtschaft.

  • Rott, E., Pipp, E., & Pfister, P. (2003). Diatom methods developed for river quality assessment in Austria and a cross-check against numerical trophic indication methods used in Europe. Algological Studies, 110, 91–115. https://doi.org/10.1127/1864-1318/2003/0110-0091

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanal, M., & Demir, N. (2018). Use of the epiphytic diatoms to estimate the ecological status of Lake Mogan. Applied Ecological and Environmental Research, 16(3), 3529–3543. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1603_35293543

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Stelzer, D., Vogel, A., Gutowski, A. (2012). Instruction manual for the assessment of runing water ecological status in accordance with the requirements of the EC water framework directive: Macrophytes and phytobentos. Bavarian Environment Agency.

  • Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Stelzer, D., & Vogel, A. (2014). Instruction manual for the assessment of lake ecological status in accordance with the requirements of the EU water framework directive: Macrophytes and phytobenthos. Bavarian Environment Agency.

  • Schaumburg, J., Schranz, C., Hofmann, G., Stelzer, D., Schneider, S., & Schmedtje, U. (2004). Macrophytes and phytobenthos as indicators of ecological status in German lakes—a contribution to the implementation of the water framework directive. Limnologica, 34(4), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0075-9511(04)80003-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seaby, R. M., & Henderson, P. A. (2007). Community Analyses Package; CAP 4.1.3; Pisces Conservation Ltd.: Lymington.

  • Sivaci, R. E., Barinova, S., Solak, C. N., & Çobanoglu, K. (2013). Ecological assessment of Great Lota Lake (Turkey) on the base of diatom communities. African Journal of Biotechnology, 12(5), 453–464. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB12.671

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sládeček, V. (1986). Diatoms as indicators of organic pollution. Acta hydrochimica Et Hydrobiologica, 14(5), 555–566. https://doi.org/10.1002/aheh.19860140519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soeprobowati, T. R., Purnaweni, H., Jumari, J., & Sari, K. (2022). The relationship of water quality to epipelic diatom assemblages in Cebong Lake, Dieng Indonesia. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 31(1), 281–295. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/137084

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Solak, C. N., Peszek, Ł, Yilmaz, E., Ergül, H. A., Kayal, M., Ekmekçi, F., Várbíró, G., Morkoyunlu Yüce, A., Canli, O., & Ács, B. M. S. (2020). Use of diatoms in monitoring the Sakarya river basin, Turkey. Water, 12(3), 703. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12030703

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stenger-Kovács, C., Buczko, K., Hajnal, E., & Padisák, J. (2007). Epiphytic, littoral diatoms as bioindicators of shallow lake trophic status: Trophic Diatom Index for Lakes (TDIL) developed in Hungary. Hydrobiologia, 589, 141–154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-007-0729-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Şahin, B., & Barinova, S. (2022). Role of altitude in formation of diatom diversity of high mountain protected glacier lakes in the Kaçkar Mountains National Park, Rize, Turkey. Environments, 9(10), 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/environmnts9100127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Şahin, B., Akar, B., & Barinova, S. (2020). Bioindication of water quality by diatom algae in high mountain lakes of the Natural Park of Artabel Lakes, (Gümüşhane, Turkey). Transylvanian Review of Systematical and Ecological Research, 22(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.2478/trser-2020-0001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ter Braak, C. J. F., & Smilauer, P. (2002) CANOCO reference manual and CanoDraw for windows user’s guide: Software for Canonical Community Ordination (version 4.5). Microcomputer Power, Ithaca, NY.

  • Van Dam, H., Mertens, A., & Sinkeldam, J. (1994). A coded checklist and ecological indicator values of freshwater diatoms from The Netherlands. Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology, 28, 117–133. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02334251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watanabe, T., Asai, K., & Houki, A. (1986). Numerical estimation to organic pollution of flowing water by using the epilithic diatom assemblage: Diatom assemblage index (DAIpo). Science of the Total Environment, 55, 209–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(86)90180-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Watanabe, T., Asai, K., & Houki, A. (1988). Biological information closely related to the numerical index DAIpo (Diatom Assemblage Index to organic water pollution). Diatom, 4, 49–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • WFD-UKTAG, (2008) UK environmental standards and conditions (Phase 2). Water Framework Directive - United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group.

  • WFD-UKTAG, (2014) Phytobenthos—Diatoms for assessing river and lake ecological quality (DARLEQ2). Water Framework Directive—United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group.

  • Yilmaz, M., Foss, A. J., Miles, C. O., Özen, M., Demir, N., Balcı, M., & Beach, D. G. (2019). Comprehensive multi-technique approach reveals the high diversity of microcystins in field collections and an associated isolate of Microcystis aeruginosa from a Turkish lake. Toxicon, 167, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.006

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zelinka, M., & Marvan, P. (1961). Zur prazisierung der biologischen klassifikation der reinheit fliessender gewasser (Towards a precise biological classification of the purity of flowing waters). Archiv Fur Hydrobiologie, 57, 389–396.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Enis Akay for his help during field studies and laboratory work. We would also like to thank the 2nd Regional Directorate Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for their logistic support in the field studies.

Funding

No funding was received for conducting this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Science, Bursa Uludağ University, Görükle Campus, 16059, Nilüfer, Bursa, Türkiye

    Nurhayat Dalkıran

  2. Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science, Bursa Uludağ University, Görükle Campus, 16059, Nilüfer, Bursa, Türkiye

    Burcu Zünbülgil-Ünsal

Authors
  1. Nurhayat Dalkıran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Burcu Zünbülgil-Ünsal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. ND: Methodology, laboratory analyses, diatom identifications, supervision, BZU: Field work, laboratory analyses, diatom identifications. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Nurhayat Dalkıran and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nurhayat Dalkıran.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent to publish

Not applicable.

Appendix

Appendix

See Table 7.

Table 7 Diatom species and abbreviations used in CCA analysis
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dalkıran, N., Zünbülgil-Ünsal, B. Trophic and saprobic diatom-based indices are not indicating the same ecological status in a shallow lake, Türkiye. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 25, 249–265 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42974-024-00199-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42974-024-00199-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation