Characteristics of Cladophora and coexisting filamentous algae in relation to environmental factors in freshwater ecosystems in Poland

Abstract Potential factors affecting the occurrence of filamentous algae include the morphometry of water bodies, the type of substrate and physicochemical conditions of the habitat. This study attempts to describe the individual filamentous algae species recorded in Poland, taking into account the trophic and ecological characteristics based on our own research and available literature data. Filamentous algae attached to the substrate as well as those forming free-floating patches (loose or dense mats) and crusts occur in all types of water bodies. Among the representatives of filamentous algae species, Cladophora have the greatest time-spatial range for they grow abundantly in all types of water bodies. In other parts of Poland, Cladophora species are most common in rivers and shallow lakes. In the typical filamentous algae community, Cladophora, Spirogyra and Oedogonium occur with the highest frequency; Zygnema, Mougeotia, Microspora and Rhizoclonium are also present, but with smaller frequency. According to our studies, distribution of filamentous algae species is correlated with the eutrophic index (PO43 -, N-NO3 -, Chl a), chlorides of anthropogenic origin and TDS.