An Assessment of Phytoplankton Nutrient Deficiency in Northern Minnesota Acid-Sensitive Lakes
Loading...
View/Download File
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
An Assessment of Phytoplankton Nutrient Deficiency in Northern Minnesota Acid-Sensitive Lakes
Published Date
1991
Publisher
University of Minnesota Duluth
Type
Technical Report
Abstract
The Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion of Minnesota contains thousands of lakes, characterized by their sensitivity to acid rain, and their typically low productivity. Four acid- sensitive lakes were studied for 1988-1991 to determine if phytoplankton were deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, or both N and P, and if nutrient input via atmospheric deposition could increase primary production. The relative accuracy of predictions based on growth response bioassays, physiological assays, and nutrient deficiency indices was also evaluated. Our results show that: (1) N enrichment generally caused a greater biomass response than P, although N+P almost always yielded the greatest effect and co-limitation was likely in two of the lakes; (2) predictions based on DIN:TP ratios generally agreed with the growth bioassays, TN:TP and DIN:SRP were not useful and could be misleading; and (3) atmospheric deposition could satisfy most of the daily algal N demand and increase the fertility of these lakes. These results suggest that although water quality protection based solely upon phosphorus may not protect against this non-point source of nutrients, without these control strategies, P-inputs would be expected to have a disproportionally greater impact on phytoplankton growth.
Description
Report date: December 1991
Related to
Replaces
License
Collections
Series/Report Number
Funding information
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Suggested citation
Axler, Richard P; Tikkanen, Craig A; Rose, Charles. (1991). An Assessment of Phytoplankton Nutrient Deficiency in Northern Minnesota Acid-Sensitive Lakes. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/187207.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.