Contribución al conocimiento limnológico del Río Paraguay en su tramo inferior

Resumen

The main limnological feactures of the Paraguay river have been studied in two sampling sites: La Herradura and Puerto Bermejo stations. The former is situated above the confluence with the Bermejo river and the latter is located below the confluence.

The phytoplankton community has been dominated by Diatomophyceae (mainly Melosira granulala) and Chlorophyceae (mainly Monoraphídium, Schroederia and Scenedesmus). Crytophyceae (Cryptonomas) and Dinophyceae (Perldlnium) have always been present in low percentage. Cyanophyceae have usually been less than 4% of the total population density.

In the low water period of the summer 1978-1979, the maximun phytoplankton density was estimated in 4 000 ind./ml and the production in 750 mg C/m² d. During the flood period of May through October the lowest phytoplankton density (160 ind./ml) and production (60 mg C/m² d) were measured.

Variations in the suspended solid content and salinity of the water are discussed in relation to the hidrologic regime of the river.

The huge amount of sedimenta carried by the Bermejo river to the lower Paraguay produces a drastic decrease in the transparency, phytoplankton density and production of the waters. On the other hand, conductivity, suspended solids and nutrients are highly increased.