The researchers studied the phytoplankton community in Fuxian Lake, China, to understand how it responds to environmental changes. They found 80 different species of phytoplankton, with Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta being the most common. The abundance of phytoplankton was higher in the northern part of the lake and in the shallow areas. Phytoplankton mainly accumulated in the top 30 meters of the lake, with Cyanophyta being the dominant group. The increase in nutrient levels in the lake led to changes in the phytoplankton community, with Mougeotia sp. becoming the dominant species.