Linkage between Epilithic Algal Growth and Water Column Nutrients in Softwater Lakes

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 1641-1649 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Winfield Fairchild ◽  
John W. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Limitation ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Standing Crop ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Acidic Lakes ◽  
Softwater Lakes

We examined the dependence of epilithic algal standing crop, production, and nutrient limitation upon water column nutrients in 12 softwater lakes of northeastern Pennsylvania. Elevated dissolved inorganic nitrogen accompanied low dissolved inorganic carbon in the more acidic lakes, while P varied little within the study area. The growth of epilithon on clay flower pot substrata diffusing combinations of N (NaNO3), P (Na2HPO4), and C (NaHCO3) was compared with growth on control substrata to evaluate which of the three nutrients limited growth in each lake. Standing crop accrual as chlorophyll a on control substrata averaged 0.8 μg/cm2, with little variation among lakes. Nutrient limitation of growth, however, was strongly related to lake alkalinity. Chlorophyll a was typically enhanced by N and/or P only in lakes with alkalinity greater than ~100 μeq/L and responded strongly to C enrichment in the two most acidic lakes. Combined addition of all three nutrients produced the largest chlorophyll a accrual in all 12 lakes. Invertebrate grazer biomass, dominated by chironomids in the more acidic lakes and by snails at higher alkalinity, was negatively related to chlorophyll a on these NPC substrata (r = −0.57, p = 0.05) and may have reduced algal standing crop well below nutrient-sustainable levels in some lakes.

scholarly journals Modelling carbon overconsumption and the formation of extracellular particulate organic carbon

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Schartau ◽  
A. Engel ◽  
J. Schröter ◽  
S. Thoms ◽  
C. Völker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Particulate Organic Carbon ◽  
Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Phytoplankton Growth ◽  
Maximum Likelihood Estimates ◽  
Model Parameters

Abstract. During phytoplankton growth a fraction of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) assimilated by phytoplankton is exuded in the form of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which can be transformed into extracellular particulate organic carbon (POC). A major fraction of extracellular POC is associated with carbon of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP; carbon content = TEPC) that form from dissolved polysaccharides (PCHO). The exudation of PCHO is linked to an excessive uptake of DIC that is not directly quantifiable from utilisation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), called carbon overconsumption. Given these conditions, the concept of assuming a constant stoichiometric carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for estimating new production of POC from DIN uptake becomes inappropriate. Here, a model of carbon overconsumption is analysed, combining phytoplankton growth with TEPC formation. The model describes two modes of carbon overconsumption. The first mode is associated with DOC exudation during phytoplankton biomass accumulation. The second mode is decoupled from algal growth, but leads to a continuous rise in POC while particulate organic nitrogen (PON) remains constant. While including PCHO coagulation, the model goes beyond a purely physiological explanation of building up carbon rich particulate organic matter (POM). The model is validated against observations from a mesocosm study. Maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters, such as nitrogen- and carbon loss rates of phytoplankton, are determined. The optimisation yields results with higher rates for carbon exudation than for the loss of organic nitrogen. It also suggests that the PCHO fraction of exuded DOC was 63±20% during the mesocosm experiment. Optimal estimates are obtained for coagulation kernels for PCHO transformation into TEPC. Model state estimates are consistent with observations, where 30% of the POC increase was attributed to TEPC formation. The proposed model is of low complexity and is applicable for large-scale biogeochemical simulations.

scholarly journals Contrasting glacial meltwater effects on post-bloom phytoplankton on temporal and spatial scales in Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen

Elem Sci Anth ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem H. van de Poll ◽  
Gemma Kulk ◽  
Patrick D. Rozema ◽  
Corina P. D. Brussaard ◽  
Ronald J. W. Visser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Limitation ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Carbon Fixation ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Fixation Rate ◽  
Glacial Meltwater ◽  
Chl A ◽  
N Limitation

Glacial meltwater discharge in fjords on the west coast of Spitsbergen is increasing due to climate change. The influence of this discharge on phytoplankton nutrient limitation, composition, productivity and photophysiology was investigated in central (M) and inner (G) Kongsfjorden (79°N, 11°40’E). Freshwater influx intensified stratification during June 2015, coinciding with surface nutrient depletion. Surface nutrient concentrations were negatively correlated with stratification strength at station M. Here, nitrate addition assays revealed increasing N limitation of surface phytoplankton during the second half of June, which was followed by a pronounced compositional change within the flagellate-dominated phytoplankton community as dictyochophytes (85% of chl a) were replaced with smaller haptophytes (up to 60% of chlorophyll a) and prasinophytes (20% of chlorophyll a). These changes were less pronounced at station G, where surface phosphate, ammonium and nitrate concentrations were occasionally higher, and correlated with wind direction, suggesting wind-mediated transport of nutrient-enriched waters to this inner location. Therefore, glacial meltwater discharge mediated nutrient enrichment in the inner fjord, and enhanced stratification in inner and central Kongsfjorden. Surface chlorophyll a and water column productivity showed 3–4-fold variability, and did not correlate with nutrient limitation, euphotic zone depth, or changed taxonomic composition. However, the maximum carbon fixation rate and photosynthetic efficiency showed weak positive correlations to prasinophyte, cryptophyte, and haptophyte chlorophyll a. The present study documented relationships between stratification, N limitation, and changed phytoplankton composition, but surface chlorophyll a concentration, phytoplankton photosynthetic characteristics, and water column productivity in Kongsfjorden appeared to be driven by mechanisms other than N limitation.

scholarly journals Dynamics of dissolved inorganic carbon and aquatic metabolism in the Tana River basin, Kenya

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 6911-6928 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Tamooh ◽  
A. V. Borges ◽  
F. J. R. Meysman ◽  
K. Van Den Meersche ◽  
F. Dehairs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Production ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Community Respiration ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Stream Community ◽  
Tana River ◽  
Diurnal Fluctuations

Abstract. A basin-wide study was conducted in the Tana River basin (Kenya) in February 2008 (dry season), September–November 2009 (wet season) and June–July 2010 (end of the wet season) to assess the dynamics and sources of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) as well as to quantify CO2 fluxes, community respiration (R), and primary production (P). Samples were collected along the altitudinal gradient (from 3600 to 8 m) in several headwater streams, reservoirs (Kamburu and Masinga), and the Tana River mainstream. DIC concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 4.8 mmol L−1, with exceptionally high values (3.5 ± 1.6 mmol L−1) in Nyambene Hills tributaries. The wide range of δ13CDIC values (−15.0 to −2.4‰) indicate variable sources of DIC, with headwater streams recording more positive signatures compared to the Tana River mainstream. With with only a few exceptions, the entire riverine network was supersaturated in CO2, implying the system is a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere. pCO2 values were generally higher in the lower Tana River mainstream compared to headwater tributaries, opposite to the pattern typically observed in other river networks. This was attributed to high suspended sediment in the Tana River mainstream fuelling in-stream community respiration and net heterotrophy. This was particularly evident during the 2009 wet season campaign (median pCO2 of 1432 ppm) compared to the 2010 end of the wet season (1002 ppm) and 2008 dry season (579 ppm). First-order estimates show that in-stream community respiration was responsible for the bulk of total CO2 evasion (77 to 114%) in the Tana River mainstream, while in the tributaries, this could only account for 5 to 68% of total CO2 evasion. This suggests that CO2 evasion in the tributaries was to a substantial degree sustained by benthic mineralisation and/or lateral inputs of CO2-oversaturated groundwater. While sediment loads increased downstream and thus light availability decreased in the water column, both chlorophyll a (0.2 to 9.6 μg L−1) and primary production (0.004 to 7.38 μmol C L−1 h−1) increased consistently downstream. Diurnal fluctuations of biogeochemical processes were examined at three different sites along the river continuum (headwater, reservoir and mainstream), and were found to be substantial only in the headwater stream, moderate in the reservoir and not detectable in the Tana River mainstream. The pronounced diurnal fluctuations observed in the headwater stream were largely regulated by periphyton as deduced from the low chlorophyll a in the water column.

Epilithic algal abundance in relation to anthropogenic changes in phosphorus bioavailability and limitation in mountain rivers

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle F Bowman ◽  
Patricia A Chambers ◽  
David W Schindler
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Limitation ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Mountain Rivers ◽  
Nutrient Additions ◽  
P Limitation ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Algal Abundance

Low-level cultural eutrophication (0.1–3.8 µ·L–1 increase in total phosphorus (TP)) of oligotrophic mountain rivers resulted in 4- to 30-fold increases in benthic algal abundance. Because anthropogenic P was more bioavailable than naturally occurring P, there were higher algal abundances downstream relative to upstream of nutrient point sources at a given P concentration. Neither TP nor soluble reactive P concentrations were indicative of P bio availability. Of the measures studied, epilithic alkaline phosphatase activity was most strongly correlated with algal abundance, most indicative of P bioavailability and thus the most precise indicator of P limitation. Although changes in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to P ratios in river water and carbon (C) to P ratios in epilithon were consistent with changes in algal abundance and nutrient limitation, published water DIN to TP and tissue C to P ratio thresholds did not always yield accurate predictions of the type or degree of nutrient limitation. Epilithic N to P ratios and algal growth on nutrient-diffusing substrates were also inexact measures of epilithic nutrient limitation but, unlike other measures, were not strongly correlated with algal abundance. Thus, the predictability of the benthic algal response to anthropogenic nutrient additions in oligotrophic rivers will be improved by using measures indicative of both nutrient limitation and bioavailability.

scholarly journals Influences on Water Quality and Abundance of Cladophora, a Shore-Fouling Green Algae, over Urban Shoreline in Lake Ontario

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Howell
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Green Algae ◽  
Nutrient Loading ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Control Plant ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Lake Ontario ◽  
External Loading ◽  
Western Lake

Urban centers border western Lake Ontario, the terminus of the Laurentian Great Lakes, impacting water quality on the shores of this oligotrophic lake. The green algae Cladophora proliferates on the shallow lakebed and fouls the shoreline, presenting an eutrophication concern. The conditions over a typical urbanized shoreline were studied to assess linkages between Cladophora and area nutrient sources. The most pervasive of the mixing areas of varying extent identified using field sensor measurements was associated with the discharge of treated sewage from a Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). Phosphorus and nitrogen were enriched at times near the WPCP diffuser and also in shallow water along the shoreline. Dissolved nutrients were also measured directly above the lakebed in close proximity to Cladophora. Dissolved phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen were higher in proximity to the WPCP diffuser at times, however, spatial patterns were not as clearly aligned with external inputs as the patterns of enrichment in the water column. Biomass distribution of Cladophora was unrelated to nutrient levels in the water column or at the lakebed. Yet, concentrations of phosphorus in Cladophora, an indicator of nutrient sufficiency, were higher near the WPCP diffuser. This disparity, while possibly an artifact of variable loss rates of biomass among locations, may in part stem from variable water clarity among areas. Abundant dreissenid mussels also potentially obscure the effects of nutrient loading on algal biomass if the sequestering of phosphorus from offshore plankton, suggested by periods of onshore circulation, approaches the extent of external loading. Further study of phosphorus flux at the lakebed is required to establish clear linkages between external nutrient loading and algal growth in order to manage the proliferation of Cladophora over urban coastline.

scholarly journals Patterns in nutrient limitation and chlorophyll a along an anthropogenic eutrophication gradient in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Souchu ◽  
Béatrice Bec ◽  
Val H. Smith ◽  
Thierry Laugier ◽  
Annie Fiandrino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Limitation ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Nutrient Enrichment ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Coastal Lagoons ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Chl A ◽  
Mediterranean Lagoons ◽  
Ecosystem Comparison

A cross-ecosystem comparison of data obtained from 20 French Mediterranean lagoons with contrasting eutrophication status provided the basis for investigating the variables that best predict chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations and nutrient limitation of phytoplankton biomass along a strong nutrient enrichment gradient. Summer concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) comprised only a small fraction of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). On the basis of inorganic nutrient concentrations, the most oligotrophic lagoons appeared to be phosphorus-limited, with a tendency towards the development of nitrogen limitation as eutrophication increased, as evidenced by decreasing DIN:DIP ratios. A weak but significantly positive relationship was found between dissolved silicate (DSi) and Chl a, reflecting DSi accumulation in the water column along the trophic state gradient and implying a progressive shift away from potential Si limitation of phytoplankton growth. Observed concentrations of Chl a were far better explained by TN and TP than by DIN and DIP concentrations, suggesting that a total nutrient based approach is likely to be the most appropriate for managing eutrophication in Mediterranean lagoons and other coastal waters. These results give credence to the idea that marine and freshwater environments respond in a similar fashion to nutrient enrichment.

scholarly journals Dynamics of dissolved inorganic carbon and aquatic metabolism in the Tana River Basin, Kenya

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 5175-5221 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Tamooh ◽  
A. V. Borges ◽  
F. J. R. Meysman ◽  
K. Van Den Meersche ◽  
F. Dehairs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Production ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Community Respiration ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Stream Community ◽  
Tana River ◽  
Diurnal Fluctuations

Abstract. A basin-wide study was conducted in the Tana River Basin (Kenya), in February 2008 (dry season), September–November 2009 (wet season), and June–July 2010 (end of the wet season) to assess the dynamics and sources of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) as well as to quantify CO2 fluxes, community respiration (R), and primary production (P). Samples were collected along the altitudinal gradient (from 3600 m to 8 m) in several headwater streams, reservoirs (Kamburu and Masinga), and main Tana River. DIC concentrations ranged from 0.2 mmol L–1 to 4.8 mmol L–1 but with exceptionally high values (3.5 ± 1.6 mmol L–1) in Nyambene Hills tributaries. The wide range of δ13CDIC values (−15.0‰ to −2.4‰) indicate variable sources of DIC with headwater streams recording higher signatures compared to main Tana River. With few exceptions, the entire riverine network was supersaturated in CO2, implying the system is a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere. pCO2 values were generally higher in the lower main Tana River compared to headwater tributaries, opposite to the pattern typically observed in other river networks. This was attributed to high suspended sediment in the main Tana River fuelling in-stream community respiration and net heterotrophy. This was particularly evident during 2009 wet season campaign (median pCO2 of 1432 ppm) compared to 2010 end of wet season (1002 ppm) and 2008 dry season (579 ppm). First-order estimates show in-stream community respiration was responsible for the bulk of total CO2 evasion (59% to 89%) in main Tana River while in tributaries respiration accounted for 4% to 52% of total CO2 evasion, suggesting CO2evasion in tributaries was sustained by processes than respiration, such as CO2-oversaturated groundwater input. While sediment loads increase downstream and thus light availability decreases in the water column, both chlorophyll a (0.2 μg L–1 to 9.6 μg L–1) and primary production (0.004 μmol L–1 h–1 to 7.38 μmol L–1 h–1) increased consistently downstream. Diurnal fluctuations of biogeochemical processes were examined at three different sites along the river continuum (headwater, reservoir, and mainstream), and were found to be substantial only in the headwater stream, moderate in the reservoir and not detectable at main Tana River. The pronounced diurnal fluctuations observed in the headwater stream were largely regulated by periphyton as deduced from the low chlorophyll a in the water column.

scholarly journals Modelling carbon overconsumption and the formation of extracellular particulate organic carbon

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Schartau ◽  
A. Engel ◽  
J. Schröter ◽  
S. Thoms ◽  
C. Völker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Particulate Organic Carbon ◽  
Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Phytoplankton Growth ◽  
Maximum Likelihood Estimates ◽  
Model Parameters

Abstract. During phytoplankton growth a fraction of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) assimilated by phytoplankton is exuded in the form of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which can be transformed into extracellular particulate organic carbon (POC). A major fraction of extracellular POC is associated with carbon of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP; carbon content = TEPC) that form from dissolved polysaccharides (PCHO). The exudation of PCHO is linked to an excessive uptake of DIC that is not directly quantifiable from utilisation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), called carbon overconsumption. Given these conditions, the concept of assuming a constant stoichiometric carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for estimating new production of POC from DIN uptake becomes inappropriate. Here, a model of carbon overconsumption is analysed, combining phytoplankton growth with TEPC formation. The model describes two modes of carbon overconsumption. The first mode is associated with DOC exudation during phytoplankton biomass accumulation. The second mode is decoupled from algal growth, but leads to a continuous rise in POC while particulate organic nitrogen (PON) remains constant. While including PCHO coagulation, the model goes beyond a purely physiological explanation of building up carbon rich particulate organic matter (POM). The model is validated against observations from a mesocosm study. Maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters, such as nitrogen- and carbon loss rates of phytoplankton, are determined. The optimisation yields results with higher rates for carbon exudation than for the loss of organic nitrogen. It also suggests that the PCHO fraction of exuded DOC was 63±20% during the mesocosm experiment. Optimal estimates are obtained for coagulation kernels for PCHO transformation into TEPC. Model state estimates are consistent with observations, where 30% of the POC increase was attributed to TEPC formation. The proposed model is of low complexity and is applicable for large-scale biogeochemical simulations.

scholarly journals Nitrogen removal in maturation waste stabilisation ponds via biological uptake and sedimentation of dead biomass

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Camargo Valero ◽  
D. D. Mara ◽  
R. J. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Nitrogen Removal ◽  
Algal Biomass ◽  
Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Algal Cell ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Nitrogen Recycling ◽  
Dead Biomass

In this work a set of experiments was undertaken in a pilot-scale WSP system to determine the importance of organic nitrogen sedimentation on ammonium and total nitrogen removals in maturation ponds and its seasonal variation under British weather conditions, from September 2004 to May 2007. The nitrogen content in collected sediment samples varied from 4.17% to 6.78% (dry weight) and calculated nitrogen sedimentation rates ranged from 273 to 2868 g N/ha d. High ammonium removals were observed together with high concentrations of chlorophyll-a in the pond effluent. Moreover, chlorophyll-a had a very good correlation with the corresponding increment of VSS (algal biomass) and suspended organic nitrogen (biological nitrogen uptake) in the maturation pond effluents. Therefore, when ammonium removal reached its maximum, total nitrogen removal was very poor as most of the ammonia taken up by algae was washed out in the pond effluent in the form of suspended solids. After sedimentation of the dead algal biomass, it was clear that algal-cell nitrogen was recycled from the sludge layer into the pond water column. Recycled nitrogen can either be taken up by algae or washed out in the pond effluent. Biological (mainly algal) uptake of inorganic nitrogen species and further sedimentation of dead biomass (together with its subsequent mineralization) is one of the major mechanisms controlling in-pond nitrogen recycling in maturation WSP, particularly when environmental and operational conditions are favourable for algal growth.

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