Influence of inorganic nitrogen cycling on the δ15N of Lake Ontario biota
The seasonal variability in the δ15N of biota at the base of the pelagic food chain in Lake Ontario was studied during the period 1995-1997. Strong seasonal patterns were observed in the δ15N of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, different size fractions of particulate organic matter, and zooplankton split into size fractions of 110-210, 210-295, and >295 µm. Similar patterns were reflected in the δ15N of individual species: Diacyclops thomasi, Bosmina longirostris, Daphnia spp., and calanoid copepods. The seasonal fluctuation of primary producers was a function of the nitrogen enrichment of dissolved inorganic nitrogen during photosynthetic uptake and the δ15N of NH4+ and NO3- used by the algae. The large range in δ15N of primary producers suggests that recycling of nitrogen is an important determinant of δ15N at the base of the food web. The δ15N of individual species of zooplankton reflected the known feeding strategies and dietary preferences.