Microbial dynamics and flagellate grazing during transition to winter in Lakes Hoare and Bonney, Antarctica.

The planktonic microbial communities of Lakes Hoare and Bonney were investigated during transition into winter. We hypothesized that the onset of darkness induces changes in the functional role of autotrophic and heterotrophic microplankton. Bacteria decreased in Lake Hoare during March-April, while in Lake Bonney bacterial abundances varied.