Assessment of Zooplankton Community Structure and Trophic State in Boraboy Lake (Amasya, Türkiye)

Türkçe

This study is the first investigation to evaluate the zooplankton community structure of Boraboy Lake, a landslide-dammed freshwater ecosystem located in Amasya Province, Türkiye. Seasonal sampling was conducted in spring, summer, autumn, and winter at four stations. Physicochemical parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity (EC), Secchi depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll a (Chl-a), were measured and evaluated using Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI), OECD classification, and Turkish Surface Water Quality Regulation. Results showed that Boraboy Lake generally exhibits oligotrophic to mesotrophic characteristics, with an average TSI value of 31.6. A total of 36 zooplankton species were identified: 26 Rotifera, eight Cladocera, and two Copepoda. Dominant taxa included Eudiaptomus gracilis, Keratella cochlearis, and Bosmina longirostris, while Polyarthra vulgaris and Asplanchna priodonta showed seasonal peaks. These findings highlight the ecological significance of Boraboy Lake and underscore the importance of regular monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of its biodiversity and ecosystem services.