To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of dinoflagellate cysts in surface sediment of Meizhou Bay, surface sediment was sampled at 7 stations in Meizhou Bay in May 2018 (spring), August 2018 (summer), November 2018 (autumn) and February 2019 (winter) for analysis of dinoflagellate cysts. In total, 42 species representing 6 groups, and 2 uncertain taxa were identified. The species number and abundance of heterotrophic species were higher than those of autotrophic species, and among them the species number and abundance of the protoperidinioid group were the highest. Seasonal difference was not obvious: the species number ranged from 34 to 38, and the abundance varied from 397.8 to 569.5 cysts/g with the annual average of 448.0 cysts/g. The species number and abundance of species at stations near the industrial zone were lower than those near the aquaculture area. There were 16 dominant species, among which the protoperidinioid group had an absolute advantage, but the dominance degree of all these dominant species was not large. Diversity index, richness index and evenness index were high, with the annual average of 3.45, 1.55 and 0.92, respectively. Compared with historical data, 19 new cysts were recognized, but the abundance was not much different. It should also be noted that a total of 6 toxic dinoflagellate cysts were found in the waters of the Meizhou Bay. Although the annual abundance was not high, there is still a risk of toxic red tides, which should be taken seriously.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |