Assessing the effects of nitrogen deposition on mountain waters: A study of phytoplankton community dynamics
1998; Pergamon Press; Volume: 38; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0273-1223(98)00743-4
ISSN1996-9732
AutoresSebastian J. Interlandi, Susan S. Kilham,
Tópico(s)Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
ResumoWe assessed the phytoplankton communities and the relevant aquatic chemistry in three large lakes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. While N limitation of phytoplankton is most common, it appears that a recent regional increase in atmospheric N deposition is causing both P and Si limitation to occur to some degree. N additions in semi-continuous laboratory bioassays of mixed diatom assemblages produced a dramatic increase in biomass in two of the three study lakes. Relative abundances of species were altered relative to control treatments with both added N and Si. Higher levels of N primarily favored the alga Fragilaria crotonensis . This result is consistent with previous laboratory and field observations which suggest that F. crotonensis is not a good competitor for N, and only thrives in N rich environments. We hypothesize that continued increases in N loading will alter natural species assemblages in all the study lakes.
Referência(s)