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Changes in phytoplankton physiology and morphology in response to dissolved nutrients in Lough Neagh, N. Ireland
Author(s) -
GIBSON C. E.,
STEVENS R. J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
freshwater biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.297
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2427
pISSN - 0046-5070
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2427.1979.tb01494.x
Subject(s) - phosphorus , phytoplankton , nutrient , dry weight , phos , water column , phosphorus deficiency , chemistry , environmental chemistry , carbohydrate , sorption , zoology , ecology , biology , botany , biochemistry , organic chemistry , adsorption
SUMMARY. Cell phosphorus and anthrone‐reactive carbohydrate contents were measured over a 6‐month period in the phytoplankton of Lough Neagh, N. Ireland. When all the soluble reactive phosphorus had disappeared from the water column, cell phosphorus contents began to decrease, reaching a minimum value of 0.4% ash‐free dry weight. At this time, cell carbohydrate contents greatly increased and phosphorus sorption assays showed rapid uptake of orthophosphate. Following a presumed sediment phosphorus release, cell carbohydrate and phosphorus uptake rate decreased greatly and there was a subsequent increase in cell phosphorus content to 1.6% ash‐free dry weight. As the cell phosphorus content declined, blue‐green algal filaments became progressively shorter. On the basis of these responses it is likely that phosphorus limitation occurred over a 4‐week period.