Floating large-volume mesocosms as a simple, low-cost experimental design suitable for the variety of lakes and reservoirs

0394756 - BC 2014 RIV DE eng J - Journal Article
Šorf, M. - Brandl, Z. - Znachor, Petr - Vašek, Mojmír
Floating large-volume mesocosms as a simple, low-cost experimental design suitable for the variety of lakes and reservoirs.
Fundamental and Applied Limnology. Roč. 183, č. 1 (2013), s. 41-48. ISSN 1863-9135. E-ISSN 1863-9135
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : mesocosms * enclosures * methods * lakes * reservoirs
Subject RIV: DA - Hydrology ; Limnology
Impact factor: 1.000, year: 2013

Mesocosms represent a helpful tool enabling in situ experiments within the pelagic zone of lakes and reservoirs. Experimental studies using mesocosms are widely used in shallow lakes. Here, we describe an improved method suitable for deep freshwater ecosystems. We use a metal supporting framework carrying four polyethylene bags (circular cross-section, diameter 1.5 m, length 9.5 m). The mesocosm dimensions allow us to test hypotheses covering whole pelagic assemblages including the entire food chain up to fish as the top consumers. The floating construction is light, reusable and inexpensive. The suggested mesocosm design maintains conditions close to those occurring in the adjacent lake water and thus effectively simulates the pelagic environment for various experimental studies.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0223448