Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Seasonality of Freshwater Phytoplankton pp 139–160Cite as

The seasonality of phytoplankton in African lakes

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 33))

Abstract

Although some study of the subject began in 1899, wide-ranging information from African water-bodies has only become available since 1950. Important developments included the establishment of long-term centres of research, the adoption of improved methods for quantitative algal sampling, the more intensive study of environmental conditions, the beginnings of experimental testing, and the improvement of taxonomic knowledge.

At higher latitudes (>20°) examples of pronounced algal seasonality are long-established; they are accompanied and influenced by marked changes in radiant energy income and so water temperature, and often by effects of seasonal water input. Illustrations are given from lakes in Morocco and South Africa.

More generally in Africa, including the tropical belt, annual patterns of phytoplankton seasonality are usually either dominated by hydrological features (water input-output) or by hydrographic ones (water-column structure and circulation). Examples of both types are discussed, together with instances (e.g. L. Volta) of combined hydrological and hydrographic regulation. In both the seasonal abundance of diatoms is often distinct and complementary to that of blue-green algae, with differing relationships to vertical mixing and water retention.

Horizontal variability in the seasonal cycle is especially pronounced in the larger or morphometrically subdivided lakes. Some inshore-offshore differentiation is also known to affect phytoplankton quantity (e.g. L. George) and species composition (e.g. L. Victoria). Longitudinal differentiation is common in elongate basins especially when with a massive or seasonal inflow at one end (e.g. L. Turkana, L. Nubia, L. Volta); occasional terminal upwelling can also be influential (e.g. southern L. Tanganyika). Such examples grade into the longitudinally differentiated seasonality of flowing river-reservoir systems, as studied on the Blue and White Niles.

The annual amplitude of population density, expressed in orders of magnitude (=log10 units), is one measure of seasonal variability. It can exceed 3 orders both in systems subject to hydrological wash-out (e.g. Nile reservoirs) and in the more variable species components of lakes of long retention (e.g. L. Victoria). Low amplitudes can be characteristic of some components (e.g. green algae in L. Victoria) or of total algal biomass (e.g. L. George, L. Sibaya).

Seasonal changes may be subordinated to inter-annual ones, especially in shallow and hydrologically unstable lakes (e.g. L. Nakuru).

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

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Abdin, G., 1948a. Physical and chemical investigations relating to algal growth in the River Nile, Cairo. Bull. Inst. Égypte 29: 19–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdin, G., 1948b. Seasonal distribution of phytoplankton and sessile algae in the River Nile, Cairo. Bull. Inst. Égypte 29: 369–382.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdin, G., 1948c. The conditions of growth and periodicity of the algal flora of the Aswan reservoir (Upper Egypt). Bull. Fac. Sci. egypt. Univ. 27: 157–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abu Gideiri, Y. B., 1969. The development and distribution of plankton in the northern part of the White Nile. Hydrobiologia 33: 369–378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akiyama, T., A. A. Kajumulo & S. Olsen, 1977. Seasonal variations of plankton and physicochemical condition in Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria. Bull. Freshwat. Fish. Res. Lab. Tokyo 27: 49–61.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beauchamp, R. S. A., 1939. Hydrology of Lake Tanganyika. Int. Revue, ges. Hydrobiol. 39: 316–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beauchamp, R. S. A., 1953. Hydrological data from Lake Nyasa. J. Ecol. 41: 226–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1966a. Oxygen and phytoplankton changes in the newly forming Volta Lake in Ghana. Nature, Lond. 209: 218–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1966b. Ecological studies of phytoplankton in the newly forming Volta lake of Ghana. J. W. Afr. Sci. Ass. 11: 14–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1968. Hydrobiology of the Volta River and some of its tributaries before the formation of the Volta Lake. Ghana J. Sci. 8: 152–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1969. The Volta Lake: some ecological observations on the phytoplankton. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 17: 259–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1970. Changes in the phytoplankton of the developing Volta Lake. Ghana J. Sci. 10: 85–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1972a. Ecology of phytoplankton of the Volta Lake. Hydrobiologia 39: 277–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1972b. Distribution of phytoplankton during the early development of Volta Lake (1964–1968). Hydrobiologia 40: 201–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1972c. Correlation between dissolved oxygen and phytoplankton in the lower reaches of Volta Lake, Ghana. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 18: 622–627.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1975. Phytoplankton in Volta Lake, Ghana, during 1964–1973. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 19: 1928–1934.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, S., 1977. Thermal stability and phytoplankton in Volta Lake, Ghana. Hydrobiologia 56: 195–198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brook, A. J. & J. Rzóska, 1954. The influence of the Gebel Aulyia dam on the development of Nile plankton. J. anim. Ecol. 23: 101–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burgis, M. J., J. P. E. C. Darlington, I. G. Dunn, G. G. Ganf, J. J. Gwahaba & L. M. McGowan, 1973. The biomass and distribution of organisms in Lake George, Uganda. Proc. r. Soc. B 184: 271–298.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Capart, A., 1952. Le milieu geographique et geophysique. Exploration hydrobiologique du Lae Tanganika. Inst. r. Sei. nat. Belg. 1: 3–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coche, A. G., 1968. Description of physico-chemical aspects of Lake Kariba, an impoundment, in Zambia-Rhodesia. Fish. Res. Bull. Zambia 5: 200–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coche, A. G., 1974. Limnological study of a tropical reservoir. In E. K. Balon & A. G. Coche (eds), Lake Kariba: A manmade tropical ecosystem in central Africa. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 1–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Compere, P. & A. litis, 1983. The phytoplankton, 6. In J-P. Carmouze, J-R. Durand & C. Leveque (eds), Lake Chad. Ecology and productivity of a shallow tropical ecosystem. Monogr. biol. (Junk) 53: 145–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulter, G. W., 1963. Hydrological changes in relation to biological production in southern Lake Tanganyika. Limnol. Oceanogr. 8: 463–477.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulter, G. W., 1968. Hydrological processes and primary production in Lake Tanganyika. Proc. Conf. Great Lakes Res. 11: 609–626.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, J. T., 1958. Evolution de la temperature de l’oxygene dissous et de la transparence dans la baie Nord du lac Tanganika. Hydrobiologia 10: 215–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, D. H., 1962. An internal wave in Lake Nyasa and its probable significance in the nutrient cycle. Nature, Lond. 194: 832–833.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, D. H., 1974. An outline of the physical limnology of Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa). Limnol. Oceanogr. 19: 730–742.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egborge, A. B. M., 1974. The seasonal variation and distribution of phytoplankton in the River Oshun, Nigeria. Freshwat. Biol. 4: 177–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Ayouty, E. Y. & E. A. Ibrahim, 1980. Distribution of phytoplankton along the River Nile Wat. Supply Mgmt 4: 35–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Entz, B., 1976. Lake Nasser and Lake Nubia. In J. Rzóska (ed.), The Nile, biology of an ancient river. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 271–298.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, J. H., 1961. A phytoplankton multi-sampler and its use in Lake Victoria. Nature, Lond. 191: 53–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, J. H., 1962. The distribution of phytoplankton in some Central East African waters. Hydrobiologia 19: 299–315.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fish, G. R., 1952. Hydrology and algology, In: Anon, (ed.), Annual Report for 1951, East African Fisheries Research Organisation, Jinja, Uganda. E. Afr. High Comm. 49 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fish, G. R., 1957. A seiche movement and its effect on the hydrology of Lake Victoria. Fish Pub., Lond. 10: 1–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fülleborn, F., 1900. Über Untersuchungen in Nyassa-See und in den Seen im nördlichen Nyassa-Land. Verh. Ges. Erdk. Berl. 28: 332–338.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganf, G. G., 1974. Phytoplankton biomass and distribution in a shallow eutrophic lake (Lake George, Uganda). Oecologia 16: 9–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gayral, P., 1954. Recherces phytolimnologiques au Maroc. Trav. Inst. Sci. Chérifien, Sér. Bot. 4, 306 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham, M., 1929. The Victoria Nyanza and its fisheries. Crown Agents for the Colonies, London. 255 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grass, R., A. litis & S. Lévêque-Duwat, 1967. Le plancton du Bas Chari et de la partie Est du lac Tchad. Cah. O.R.S.T.O.M., Ser. Hydrobiol. 1: 25–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammerton, D., 1972. The Nile River - a case history. In R. T. Oglesby, C. A. Carlson & J. A. McCann (eds), River Ecology and Man. Academic Press, N.Y., Lond.: 171–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hancock, F. D., 1979. Diatom associations and succession in Lake Kariba, South Central Africa. Hydrobiologia 67: 33–50.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harbott, B. J., 1982. Studies on algal dynamics and primary productivity in Lake Turkana. In A. J. Hopson (ed.) Lake Turkana. A report on the findings of the Lake Turkana Project 1972-1975. Overseas Development Administration, Lond.: 109–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harding, D., 1963. Report on the hydrology of Lake Nyasa and associated rivers. In P. B. N. Jackson, D. Harding, G. Fryer & T. D. lies (eds), A report on the fish and fisheries of Northern Lake Nyasa. Government Printer, Nyasaland: 8–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart, R. C. & R. Hart, 1977. The seasonal cycles of phytoplankton in subtropical Lake Sibaya: a preliminary investigation. Arch. Hydrobiol. 80: 85–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hecky, R. E. & H. J. Kling, 1981. The phytoplankton and protozooplankton of the euphotic zone of Lake Tanganyika: Species composition, biomass, chlorophyll content, and spatiotemporal distribution. Limnol. Oceanogr. 26: 548–564.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hecky, R. E. & H. J. Kling, 1986. Phytoplankton ecology of the Great Lakes in the rift valleys of Central Africa. In M. Munawar (ed. ), Proceedings of the symposium on the phycology of large lakes of the world. Arch. Hydrobiol. Beih.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hindak, F., 1985. Morphology of trichomes in Spirulina fusiformisVoronichin from Lake Bogoria, Kenya. Arch. Hydrobiol. (Suppl.) 71: 201–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • lies, T. D., 1960. Activities of the Organisation in Nyasaland. In: Annual Report No. 9 for 1959, Joint Fisheries Research Organisation, Northern Rhodesia. Government Printer, Lusaka: 7–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • litis, A., 1969. Phytoplancton des eaux natronees du Kanem (Tchad). I. Les lacs permanents a spirulines. Cah. O.R.S.T.O.M., Ser. Hydrobiol. 3: 29–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • litis, A., 1970. Phytoplancton des eaux natronees du Kanem (Tchad). III. Variations annuelles du plancton d’une mare temporaire. Cah. O.R.S.T.O.M., Ser. Hydrobiol. 4: 53–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • litis, A., 1977. Peuplements phytoplanetoniques du lac Tchad II. Stade petit Tchad (Avril 1974, Novembre 1974 et Fevrier 1975). Cah. O.R.S.T.O.M., Ser. Hydrobiol. 11: 53–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Imevbore, A. M. A., 1967. Hydrology and plankton of Eleiyele reservoir Ibadan, Nigeria. Hydrobiologia 30: 154–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalff, J., 1983. Phosphorus limitation in some tropical African lakes. Hydrobiologia 100: 101–112.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kalff, J., 1983. Phosphorus limitation in some tropical African lakes. Hydrobiologia 100: 101–112.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karim, A. G. A. & O. M. Saeed, 1978. Studies on the freshwater algae of the Sudan, 3. Vertical distribution of Melosira granulata (Ehren.) Ralfs, in the White Nile, with reference to certain environmental variables. Hydrobiologia 57: 73–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khan, M. A. & C. Ejike, 1984a. Limnological aspects of plankton variation and water characteristics of a tropical West African reservoir. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 22: 1584–1589.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khan, M. A. & C. Ejike, 1984b. Limnology and plankton periodicity of Jos Plateau water reservoir, Nigeria, West Africa. Hydrobiologia 114: 189–199.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lemoalle, J., 1979. Biomasse et production phytoplanctoniques du Lac Tchad (1968–1976). Relations avec les conditions du milieu. O.R.S.T.O.M., Paris, 311 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lind, E. M., 1968. Notes on the distribution of phytoplankton in some Kenya waters. Br. phycol. Bull. 3: 481–493.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Livingstone, D. A. & J. M. Melack, 1984. Some lakes of Subsaharan Africa. In E B. Taub (ed.), Lakes and reservoirs. Ecosystems of the world, 23. Elsevier Publishing Co 467–497.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lund, J. W. G., 1954. The seasonal cycle of the plankton diatom Melosira italica subsp. subarctica O. Mull. J. Ecol. 42: 151–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lund, J. W. G., 1966. The importance of turbulence in the periodicity of certain freshwater species of the genus Melosira. Bot. Zh. 51: 176–187. (in Russian).

    Google Scholar 

  • Meel, L., van, 1954. Le phytoplancton. Exploration hydro- biologique du lac Tanganika 1946-1947. Inst. r. Sci. Nat. Belg., Bruxelles. 4, 681 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M., 1976. Limnology and dynamics of phytoplankton in equatorial African lakes. Ph. D. Thesis, Duke Univ., 453 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M., 1979a. Photosynthesis and growth of Spirulina platensis (Cyanophyta) in an equatorial lake (Lake Simbi, Kenya). Limnol. Oceanogr. 24: 753–760.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M., 1979b. Temporal variability of phytoplankton in tropical lakes. Oecologica 44: 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melack, J. M., P. Kilham & T. R. Fisher, 1982. Response of phytoplankton to experimental fertilization with ammonium and phosphate in an African soda lake. Oecologia 52: 321–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moss, B., 1970. The algal biology of a tropical montane reservoir (Mlungusi Dam, Malawi). Br. phycol. J. 5: 19–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ostenfeld, C. H., 1909. Notes on the phytoplankton of Victoria Nyanza, East Africa. Bull. Mus. comp. Zool. Harv. 52: 171–181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prosser, M. V., R. B. Wood & R. M. Baxter, 1968. The Bishoftu crater lakes: a bathymetric and chemical study. Arch. Hydrobiol. 65: 309–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prowse, G. A. & J. F. Tailing, 1958. The seasonal growth and succession of plankton algae in the White Nile. Limnol. Oceanogr. 3: 223–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robarts, R. D., 1970. Underwater light penetration, chlorophyll a and primary production in a tropical African lake (Lake Mcllwaine, Rhodesia). Arch. Hydrobiol. 86: 423–444.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robarts, R. D. & G. C. Southali, 1977. Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton growth in seven tropical man-made lakes, with special reference to Lake Mcllwaine, Rhodesia. Arch. Hydrobiol. 79: 1–35.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robarts, R. D., P. J. Ashton, J. A. Thornton, H. J. Taussig & L. M. Sephton, 1982. Overturn in a hypertrophic, warm monomictic impoundment (Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa). Hydrobiologia 97: 209–224.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robarts, R. D. & J. Zohary, 1984. Microcystis aeruginosa and underwater light attenuation in a hypertrophic lake (Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa). J. Ecol. 72: 1001–1018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rzóska, J., 1978. On the nature of rivers. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague, 67 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rzóska, J., A. J. Brook & G. A. Prowse, 1955. Seasonal plank- ten development in the White and Blue Nile near Khartoum. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 12: 327–334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidle, W., 1902. Das Chloro- und Cyanophyceenplankton des Nyassa und einiger anderer innerafrikanischer Seen. Bot. Jb. 33 (1): 1–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuurman, J. F. M., 1932. A seasonal study of the microflora and microfauna of Florida Lake Johannesburg, Transvaal. Trans, r. Soc. S. Africa 20: 353–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, W. E., P. J. Ashton, R. D. Walmsley & M. T. Seaman, 1980. Hartbeespoort Dam: a case study of a hypertrophic, warm, monomictic impoundment. Dev. Hydrobiol. 2: 317–322.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinada, F. & A. G. A. Karim, 1984. A quantitative study of the phytoplankton in the Blue and White Niles at Khartoum. Hydrobiologia 110: 47–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Symoens, J. J., 1956. Sur la formation de ‘fleurs d’eau’ a Cyanophycees (Anabaena flos-aquae) dans le bassin Nord du lac Tanganika. Bull. Acad. Sci. colon, n.s. 2: 414–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F., 1957a. Some observations on the stratification of Lake Victoria. Limnol. Oceanogr. 3: 213–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F., 1957b. Diurnal changes of stratification and phytosynthesis in some tropical African waters. Proc. r. Soc. B 147: 57–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F., 1966. The annual cycle of stratification and phytoplankton growth in Lake Victoria (East Africa). Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. Hydrogr. 51: 545–621.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F., 1969. The incidence of vertical mixing, and some biological and chemical consequences, in tropical African lakes. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 17: 998–1012.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F., 1976. Phytoplankton: composition, development and productivity. In J. Rzoska (ed.), The Nile, biology of an ancient river. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 385–402.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F., 1976. Phytoplankton: composition, development and productivity. In J. Rzoska (ed.), The Nile, biology of an ancient river. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 385–402.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tailing, J. F. & J. Rzóska, 1967. The development of plankton in relation to hydrological regime in the Blue Nile. J. Ecol. 55: 637–662.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tuite, C. H., 1981. Standing crop densities and distribution of Spirulina and benthic diatoms in East African alkaline saline lakes. Freshwat. Biol 11: 345–360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vareschi, E., 1978. The ecology of Lake Nakuru (Kenya). I. Abundance and feeding of the lesser flamingo. Oecologia 32: 11–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vareschi, E., 1982. The ecology of Lake Nakuru (Kenya). III. Abiotic factors and primary production. Oecologia 55: 81–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viner, A. B., 1977. Relationships of nitrogen and phosphorus to a tropical phytoplankton population. Hydrobiologia 52: 185–196.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, R. B., 1968. The production of Spirulina in open lakes. Pap. Conf. Preparing nutritional Protein from Spirulina, Stockholm, pp. 11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Worthington, E. B., 1930. Observations on the temperature, hydrogen-ion concentration, and other physical conditions of the Victoria and Albert Nyanzas. Int. Revue ges. Hydrogr. 24: 328–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Freshwater Biological Association, The Ferry House, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 OLP, UK

    J. F. Talling

Authors
  1. J. F. Talling
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

M. Munawar J. F. Talling

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 Dr W. Junk Publishers, Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Talling, J.F. (1986). The seasonality of phytoplankton in African lakes. In: Munawar, M., Talling, J.F. (eds) Seasonality of Freshwater Phytoplankton. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 33. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4818-1_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4818-1_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8635-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4818-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation