Composition and functioning of benthic communities

Abstract

A characteristic is given of the species composition, numbers, biomass, production and destruction of the zoobenthos in the littoral and profundal zone of five heated lakes and channels of the system of power plants in Konin. Faunistic similarities of the five lakes have been noted as well as considerable differences as to the quantitative composition of the zoobenthos, the latter resulting from the biotope „heterogeneity" (temperature, water flow, water exchange, fertility, accumulation of organic matter). This heterogeneity resulted in different conditions for the development of particular species. Attention has been given to the specific role of large mussel Anodonta (Unionidae) in the self-purification processes in the heated lakes, and of D. polymorpha (Pall.) in the lake littoral.