Phytoplankton Diversity of a Natural Karst Lake Combining Morphological and Molecular Approaches

Phytoplankton are considered to be one of the most sensitive indicators ecological status lakes. Nowadays, it is essential recognize prospects molecular approach (eDNA metabarcoding) in phytoplankton community assessments and combine them with existing traditional microscopy-based morphological before its standardization. In this study, aim was characterize a natural karstic lake by combining comparing check applicability eDNA metabarcoding as biomonitoring tool. A total 51 taxa were found using approach, whilst discovered 97 ASVs that corresponded algal community. The comparability both approaches describing communities evident designation centric diatoms, dinoflagellates cryptophytes descriptive taxa. Furthermore, proved reliable detecting functional groups (Lo, C, X2, X3) similar demands. Moreover, results have shown euphotic zone samples can reliably exchanged composite provide an accurate characterization zone. It confirmed applicable tool for biodiversity monitoring karst should used feasible supplement microscopy assessments, regards drawbacks each method.