Diversity and Ecology of Freshwater Plankton

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years and past decades, extreme water regimes and unpredictable dry-out and refilling cycles of wetlands, exacerbated by climate change, have significantly altered plankton communities. Additionally, anthropogenic activities (such as retention, irrigation, urbanization, and recreational purposes, etc.) have further shaped these communities. The objectives of this Special Issue are threefold:

1. To present the changes occurring in plankton communities: We aim to document the transformations these communities are undergoing, capturing the nuances of their evolution in response to environmental stressors.
2. To examine how plankton diversity and ecological relations have changed: This will involve an in-depth analysis of species diversity, distribution, and community composition, as well as the genetic diversity within these populations. We will also explore how these changes impact ecological relationships and the overall quality of the ecosystem.
3. To identify indicator species: We seek to identify plankton species that can serve as operational tools for indicating newly shaped environmental conditions. These indicator species will provide valuable insights into the health and status of aquatic ecosystems, enabling us to assess the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities more accurately.

The scope of this Special Issue is broad and includes, but is not limited to, the following fields:

• Species diversity and distribution: An examination of the variety of plankton species present and their geographical distribution.
• Community composition: An analysis of the structure and dynamics of plankton communities.
• Indicator species and their relation to ecosystem quality: The identification and study of species that can serve as proxies for ecosystem health and resilience.
• Genetic diversity: An exploration of the genetic variation within plankton populations and its implications for ecosystem stability.
• Population and community ecology: An investigation of the interactions between plankton species and their environment, including competition, predation, and symbiosis.

We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting your research findings that align with these objectives and scopes. If you have any questions or are interested in this opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Dr. István Gyulai
Dr. Berta Csaba
Prof. Dr. István Grigorszky
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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