Structure and spatial patterns of macrobenthic community in Tai Lake, a large shallow lake, China

•The clustering analysis method was used to compare macrobenthic communities.•We examined the impacts of Microcystin-LR on macrobenthic communities in Tai Lake.•Habitats play an important role in macrobenthic community structure and diversity.•Main factors that influenced the structure of macrobenthic communities were found.•It could provide a scientific basis for environmental management and protection.