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NUTRIENT LIMITATION OF SUMMER PHYTOPLANKTON GROWTH IN CAYUGA LAKE
Author(s) -
Hamilton D. H.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.1969.14.4.0579
Subject(s) - phytoplankton , phosphate , nutrient , photosynthesis , phosphorus , environmental chemistry , bloom , silicate , environmental science , assimilation (phonology) , silicon , chemistry , oceanography , ecology , botany , biology , geology , linguistics , philosophy , organic chemistry
The effect on natural phytoplankton populations of various components of a defined culture medium has been assayed by measurement of 14 C assimilation under controlled conditions. Phytoplankton populations in Cayuga Lake are at least partially nutrient limited during the period of stable conditions succeeding the vernal bloom. Sodium silicate consistently stimulated photosynthesis in June, July, and August; this is associated with the presence of silicon‐requiring plankters, including some nondiatomaceous forms, and correlated with nutrient levels in situ. Both phosphate anl silicate were present in low concentration—the silicon near the lowest values described in the literature. Despite low natural concentration, augmented phosphate did not stimulate photosynthesis, and some evidence is presented for inhibition by phosphorus. Inhibition and enhancement by other components of the medium are discussed, as well as modifications of the 14 C enrichment experiment technique.