Zooplankton community of a small river under abnormal climatic conditions (on the example of the Kazanka river, Russian federation)

Abstract

© 2015 Begell House, Inc. Global warming is one of the peculiarities of climate changes at the present time. Prolonged periods with abnormally high temperature characterized by the absence of precipitation are responsible for the increase in dissolved solids content and in the degree of contamination. As a consequence, the species richness and numbers of zooplankton decrease, the complex of dominant species and zooplankton structure change, whereas the capability of aquatic ecosystems for self-purification decreases. A gradual restoration of the community is observed during next years. In the small river located within the temperate zone, the period of zooplankton community restoration is about two years.