Seasonal and spatial changes of phytoplankton in relation to environmental variables affecting the water quality were investigated along the main channel of Lake Nasser throughout 2013. In total, 104 phytoplankton species, belonging to 7 classes, were identified. Phytoplankton assemblages were dominated by Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Chlorophyceae, whereas Dinophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Chrysophyceae and Cryptophyceae were infrequent. Cyclotella glomerata, C. ocellata and Aulacoseira granulata represented the most abundant species among Bacillariophyceae. Cyanophyceae was dominated by Planktolyngbya limnetica and Eucapsis minuta, and Chlorophyceae by Ankistrodesmus fusiformis and Staurastrum paradoxum. The water column was thermally stratified during summer, while being mixed throughout winter. Phytoplankton features and physicochemical variables were analyzed with the principal component analysis. Electrolytic conductivity and water temperature were the most common factors negatively controlling phytoplankton density. Phytoplankton density was positively associated with NO3, whereas it was negatively correlated with PO4 and HCO3. Cyanophyceae were strongly adapted to the environmental variables and NO2 was limiting their growth. Chlorophyceae were more dependent on PO4 than NO3. The vertical distribution of Chl a was associated with the summer thermal stratification and its concentration increased southwards. Chl a was affected by NO2 and linked to Chlorophyceae. The regional variations of phytoplankton reflected its response to varying environmental conditions. The annual average of the trophic state index indicated eutrophic waters of Lake Nasser.

20(4)2015