Temporal and spatial distribution of virioplankton in large shallow freshwater lakes

Virioplankton dynamics at seven sample sites (from two freshwater lakes) with different trophic states were monitored over the period of a year. Water was sampled monthly from August 2004 to July 2005, and the abundances of viruses and bacteria were measured using direct epifluorescence microscopy counting. Results indicated that both natural and anthropogenic factors could influence the distribution of virioplankton. Temporally, viral abundance was significantly correlated to bacterial density and water temperature. Spatially, viral abundance was significantly correlated to trophic state. This in turn indicated that viral abundance was directly dependant on host abundance in eutrophic lakes, while trophic state and temperature could drive the distribution of virioplankton. The virus-bacteria ratio was significantly lower in less productive water-bodies. The result implied that the control of virioplankton on their hosts may change according to the host density.