Biofilms as potential indicators of macrophyte-dominated lake health

The structural and functional attributes of biofilms from Lake Baiyangdian, China, were tested to evaluate the utility of biofilms as indicators of macrophyte-dominated lake health. Biofilms on artificial substrata were sampled at 8 sites in the lake during different seasons. The responses of biofilms to land use and water quality changes were analyzed. The biofilm structural and functional attributes fluctuated seasonally. All attributes we tested differed significantly with different land use. Generally, biomass and enzyme activities increased, whereas chl c/a decreased with human disturbance. Attributes were strongly correlated to environmental variables, especially the trophic status of the lake. Overall, biofilms were good indicators of macrophyte-dominated lake health. The proportions of Bacillariophyta and Cyanophyta, Chlorophyll-a, b, chlorophyll-b/a, chlorophyll-c/a, algal density, β-glucosidase, aminopeptidase and ash-free dry weight of biofilms are recommended as tools for assessing responses to land use changes, and for monitoring the effectiveness of ecosystem rehabilitation.