Effects of freshwater salinization on a salt‐naïve planktonic eukaryote community

Freshwater salinization is a widespread issue, but evidence of ecological effects on aquatic communities remains scarce. We experimentally exposed salt-naive plankton north-temperate, freshwater lake to gradient chloride (Cl−) concentration (0.27–1400 mg Cl L−1) with in situ mesocosms. Following 6 weeks, we measured changes the diversity, composition, and abundance eukaryotic 18S rRNA gene. Total phytoplankton biomass remained unchanged, observed shift dominant groups increasing salt concentration, from Cryptophyta Chlorophyta at lower concentrations (< 185 Cl− Ochrophyta higher (> L−1). Crustacean zooplankton rotifers were sensitive salinity, disappeared low 40 While ciliates thrived L−1), fungal dominated intermediate (185–640 only highest 640