Long-term changes of physicochemical parameters and benthos in Lake Qarun (Egypt): Can we make a correct forecast of ecosystem future?

Biotic changes and a salinity increase (from 13 to 40 g.L-1) occurred in Lake Qarun (Egypt) since 1901. Was salinity increasing a cause of observed biotic changes? To answer this question we used benthos as a model group. Benthos and water sampling was conducted in different seasons (2008–2013). Comparing our and literature data, we discuss the long-term trends and possible causes of benthos changes. Salinity reached 3 g.L-1 in middle of 19th century; and biotic changes caused by this were started. From middle 19th century to 1928 a biotic transformation was driven by the salinity increase; after 1928 a regular alien species introduction caused that a marine community formed. In 1970–2000 eutrophication played a main role in species composition changes. In 2014 ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi introduced in the lake; eutrophication, chemical pollution, and a population dynamics of this ctenophore may be main drivers of the ecosystem change now. Benthos biomass gradually decreased during interval 1975–2013 without any correlation with salinity change. A variety of other factors than salinity may be significant in determining the structure and dynamics of communities, and we conclude that we have a small chance to make a correct forecast of possible future ecosystem changes in Lake Qarun.

Auteurs du document :

N. V. Shadrin, G. M. EL-Shabrawy, E. V. Anufriieva, M. E. Goher, E. Ragab

Obtenir le document :

EDP Sciences

Mots clés :

Saline lake, long-term changes/alien species, eutrophication, Lac salé, changements à long terme, espèces exotiques/eutrophisation

Thème (issu du Text Mining) :

MILIEU NATUREL

Date :

2016-04-08

Format :

text/xml