ECOSYSTEM OF KULUNDINSKOE LAKE IN THE PERIOD OF DEMINERALIZATION

Abstract

Research on hyperhaline lakes began in 1977. Commercial interest to Artemia (at the stage of cysts) as a starting feed for hydrobionts served as the basis for monitoring of hyper haline lakes in the Altai Territory. Kulundinskoe lake is recognized as one of the largest basins in the Kulundinskaya plain of Ob-Irtyshskoye interfluve with population of fairy shrimp Artemia Leach, 1819. Comprehensive hydrobiological surveys in the growing season (April-October) 2018 show the dynamics of phytoplankton, zooplankton and stages of Artemia salina development in Kulundinskoe Lake . The researchers analyzed the impact of temperature regime and water salinity in the vegetation period of 2018 on Artemia salina status and productivity of the basin. Water mineralization varied within 83.4 - 93.0 g/l, which indicates lower salts concentration in the leach compared to the average many-year value which is explained by the change of water regressive stage to transgressive one. Monitoring of hyperhaline basin in the vegetation period of 2018 showed a depressive status of Artemia salina development due to demineralization of the basin. At the beginning of vegetation period, the temperature regime was unfavorable for Artemia salina development in the lake. That resulted in low numbers of copepods. Due to depressive development of Artemia salina in Kulundinskoye Lake in the vegetation period of 2018, the basin is seen to have lost its economic relevance.