Phytoplankton Cell Size in Saline Lakes

We studied 62 of the most abundant species from 7 lakes and 121 phytoplankton samples collected during 20072013. We compared the algal cell volumes in the studied lakes with the averaged species-specific cell volume. From all studied species, we observed a downward trend in cell size in the summer, when there was an active biomass production. Salinity is a regulatory factor for the value of cell surface and, thus, for the intensity of the metabolic processes of the organisms at the first trophic level. The cell volume for most studied species in partly ephemeral lakes (Levadne, Chervone, and Ozero) was generally higher than in perennial lakes (Ripne, Veysove, Garache, and Slipne) and thus it can be assumed that the ecological succession stage of ephemeral lakes has a more significant effect on the dimensional characteristics of algae than the factors related to seasonal summer desiccation and water salinity. Previously, dimensional characteristics of algal cells in non-marine water bodies has been calculated for freshwater lakes only, therefore the data obtained for the mineralized lakes are presented for the first time and can be used for the purpose of monitoring of saline lakes ecosystem.