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8022413 
Journal Article 
A large river (River Loire, France) survey to compare phytoplankton functional approaches: Do they display river zones in similar ways? 
Abonyi, A; Leitao, M; Stankovic, I; Borics, G; Varbiro, G; Padisak, J 
2014 
Yes 
Ecological Indicators
ISSN: 1470-160X
EISSN: 1872-7034 
Elsevier B.V., The Boulevard Kidlington Oxford OX5 1GB United Kingdom 
46 
11-22 
English 
WOS:000342656100002 
Functional groups of phytoplankton make possible various classifications among taxa and this approach has been receiving a growing scientific interest. We compared three frequently used classifications as possible ecological tools in providing river zones along the large, Continental Atlantic River Loire. The different number of functional groups in each classification was synchronized into six clusters using the Self Organizing Map (SOM) method, which clusters (as river zones where relevant) were then compared in their response to geographical location, hydrological and chemical constraints. Our findings demonstrated that all the three classifications might serve as a rational tool, but at different level of understanding. Only approaches based on fine functional resolution in benthic and planctonic diatoms, as well as in cyanobacteria were able to provide reliable river zones at both whole river, and at spatio-temporal scales. Functional groups of these approaches followed different regional patterns in geographical, physical and chemical constraints, and were useful ecological indicators of natural river longitudinal processes, as well as of human impacts such as damming or agriculture. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. 
Functional groups; Potamoplankton composition; Phytoplankton river zonation; N:P ratio; Si:P ratio; River water quality management