Author(s): Szalay, Gy., Nemes-Kókai, Zs., Csépes, E. I., Lukács, Á., T-Krasznai, E., Bácsi, I., T-Nagy, M., Borics, G. & B-Béres, V.
Title: Methodological insights into the effects of different macrophyte stands on the assemblage structure of metaphyton in Lake Tisza (Hungary)
Year: 2025
Volume: 56
Pages: 25-40.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17110/StudBot.2025.56.1.25
Abstract: Metaphyton is one of the least studied aquatic communities, and little emphasis has been placed on its research so far. Our aim was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of metaphytic algae in different macrophyte stands and to identify the most suitable sampling method, as no standardized approach exists. Sampling was conducted in the Sarud Basin of Lake Tisza between June and August 2022, targeting coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum; submerged) and water caltrop (Trapa natans; floating) stands. Three methods were applied: grab sample (GS), benthic diatom protocol (DP), and a modified diatom protocol (MDP). We expected significant differences in community structure, habitat preference, and diversity across methods and plant types. Our findings confirmed that both structure and diversity differed depending on the sampling method. However, no compositional or diversity differences were observed between the algal assemblages inhabiting different plant stands, suggesting that both macrophyte types serve an
equally important ecological function in Lake Tisza.Keywords: taxonomic diversity, sampling methods, metaphyton, multi-purpose artificial lake
Subject: ecology, botany
Journal: Studia botanica hungaricaJournal abbreviation: Studia bot. hung.ISSN: 0301-7001Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, BudapestEditor(s): Papp, B., Buczkó, K., B-Béres, V. & Stenger-Kovács, Cs.