Seasonal variation of the phytoplankton community structure in the São João River, Iguaçu National Park, Brazil

A study of the São João River, a tributary of the Iguaçu River within Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations in phytoplankton community structure. Over an annual cycle (August 2008 to July 2009), 221 taxa were identified, with Bacillariophyceae dominating both in density and biovolume. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) highlighted distinct differences between seasons and sampling sites, driven primarily by limnological factors such as temperature, transparency, and nutrient availability. While temporal heterogeneity was observed in diversity indexes and evenness, spatial similarity persisted due to the proximity of study stations and unidirectional flow characteristics typical of lotic environments.

Bortolini, JC., & Bueno, NC. (2013). Seasonal variation of the phytoplankton community structure in the São João River, Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 73(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842013000100002