Epilimnion, Metalimnion, and Hypolimnion of a Mesotrophic Aquatic Ecosystem: Functional Role of the Vertical Structure of the Reservoir Ecosystem in Terms of Hydrochemical and Biological Parameters

Abstract

—Studies of epilimnion, metalimnion, and hypolimnion are of great importance for understanding the vertical structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The present article reports new facts related to the stratification of freshwater ecosystems. In particular, the concentration of dissolved oxygen, temperature, and hydrobiological parameters at depths from 0 to 30 m of Glubokoe Lake (Moscow oblast) were determined. The metalimnion (thermocline) which is characterized by a high vertical temperature gradient was found to accumulate a large amount of detritus and contain increased amounts of bacteria and algae cells (phytoplankton). The increased content of organic matter and aquatic organisms is responsible for intense degradation processes which lead to depletion of oxygen.