Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics of Microbial and Phytoplankton Communities and Factors Influencing the Surface Water and Sediments of the Ponjavica River in the Ponjavica Nature Park.

Microbial and phytoplankton communities in the Ponjavica River show significant seasonal and spatial variations, with Cyanobacteria dominating in autumn and higher microbial counts in sediments.

• Why it matters: Understanding these community dynamics is crucial for using microorganisms and phytoplankton as bioindicators of ecological status and pollution in aquatic ecosystems, especially in protected areas.
• What they did: Sampling at six sites in 2021 during spring and autumn revealed higher microbial numbers in sediments, seasonal shifts in phytoplankton composition, and correlations with physicochemical parameters like nutrients and metals.
• The result: Findings suggest that seasonal nutrient inputs and local physicochemical conditions influence microbial and phytoplankton communities, supporting their use in biomonitoring pollution and ecological assessment of the river.