Assessment of ecological risk in change of content of essential poluyunsaturated fatty acids in plankton of lakes during global warming

The ecological risk of changes in the content of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in plankton of lakes due to global warming is assessed. The analyzed hazards are temperature, dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen, and the phyto- and zooplankton structure. The main risks are related not only to the temperature increase, but indirect effects of warming. The critical link in PUFA risk assessment is the phytoplankton structure due to the particularly favorable growth conditions for cyanobacteria in nutrient rich waters in shallow lakes and reservoirs.