Phytoplankton biodiversity in the Atlangatepec Dam, a Ramsar Site of international importance

Abstract

The bodies of water provide ecosystem services such as: temperature regulation, hydric recharge, bird, terrestrial and aquatic species habitat, food, oxygen, landscape, tourism, among others. The objective of this work was to generate information on indicators of biological contamination in the Atlangatepec dam, which help to establish the Control and Management Plan (PCyM) for the Ramsar Site. The strategy consisted of determining physicochemical variables in situ and conducting a phytoplankton diversity study. The average temperature of the water body was 17.8 ° C, pH 8.23, dissolved oxygen 4.58 ppm and conductivity 215 µS.cm. These conditions favor the growth of cyanobacteria, which predominated in the body of water. The species Pseudanabaena galeata was the dominant species, followed by Plankthorix agardhii. 11 Chlorophytas, 15 Cyanobacteria, 1 Charophyta and 3 Bacillariophytas were identified. The cyanobacterial species identified have the potential to produce blooms and microtoxins, which negatively impact the food chains of the ecosystem. The impact of anthropogenic activities puts the dam's sustainable and sustained development at risk.