Dataset from a mesocosm experiment assessing the effects of a simulated terrestrial runoff on the plankton food web in a Mediterranean lagoon

Phytoplankton biomass and diversity Zooplankton biomass and diversity Microbe biomass and diversity

Due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events are increasing in the Mediterranean region. As a result, terrestrial runoffs are expected to occur more frequently in the future, potentially impacting coastal aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a simulated terrestrial runoff on all components of the planktonic food web. In May 2021, an in situ mesocosm experiment was conducted in the Mediterranean Thau Lagoon. To simulate terrestrial runoff within the mesocosms, a mixture of forest soil (collected from the Puéchabon state forest; 43°44’29’’N, 3°35’45’’E) and river water (from the La Vène River; 43°30'56.4"N, 3°41'33.5"E) was added. For 18 consecutive days, we monitored planktonic communities in both control and runoff-simulated mesocosms to determine their responses. The dataset resulting from this experiment include: - chlorophyll-a concentrations measured by HPLC, - cytometric populations (viruses, bacteria, cyanobacteria, picophytoplankton, nanophytoplankton, and heterotrophic nanoflagellates), - taxonomic composition and abundances of phytoplankton and protozooplankton identified using an inverted microscope, - taxonomic abundances of metazooplankton assessed using a macroscope.

Data and resources

Quality controlled data

Cytometric population abundance (cells .mL-1) - 11 KB

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Quality controlled data

Chlorophyll-a concentration from HPLC analysis µg.L-1 - 1 KB

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Quality controlled data

Phytoplankton taxa abundance cells. mL-1 - 7 KB

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Quality controlled data

Microzooplankton taxa abundance cells. mL-1 - 4 KB

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Quality controlled data

Mesozooplankton taxa abundance individuals. L-1 - 4 KB

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DOI of the product

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Seanoe

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Additional information

Temporal extent	2021-05-03 – 2021-05-21
Date (publication)	2023-10-02
Date (revision)	2025-06-04
Status	onGoing
Update frequency	asNeeded
Metadata language	en
License	CC-BY-NC-SA (Creative Commons - Attribution, No commercial usage, Sharing under the same conditions)
Source metadata	ISO 19115 XML
Last updated	2026-11-04
Created	2026-11-04
API	package_show