Optimal conditions for primary production in a polymictic tropical lake (Lake Xolotl´an, Nicaragua)
From 1987 to 1993we assessed the variation of phytoplankton biomass, underwater irradiance and primary production in Lake Xolotlán (L. Managua, Nicaragua). Chlorophyll-a averaged 65 mg m−3 and maximum and minimum concentrationswere 120 and 30mg m−3, respectively. The variability over depths and we...
| Autores Principales: | Erikson, Rolf, Hooker, Evelyn, Mejía Tellez, Mario, Zelaya Noguera, Ramona Argentina, Vammen, Katherine |
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| Formato: | Artículo |
| Idioma: | Español Español |
| Publicado: |
1998
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: |
http://repositorio.unan.edu.ni/2655/ http://repositorio.unan.edu.ni/2655/1/690.pdf http://repositorio.unan.edu.ni/2655/8/88x31_cc.png |
| Sumario: |
From 1987 to 1993we assessed the variation of phytoplankton biomass, underwater irradiance and primary production
in Lake Xolotlán (L. Managua, Nicaragua). Chlorophyll-a averaged 65 mg m−3 and maximum and minimum
concentrationswere 120 and 30mg m−3, respectively. The variability over depths and weeks was low (CV< 20%).
There were strong correlations between particulate carbon and chlorophyll-a (the ratio = 100: 1) and between
particulate carbon and particulate nitrogen and phosphorus (the ratio � 100: 11: 1). Gross primary production
averaged 6.8 g C m−2 d−1 and was stable over the years (CV�10%). Algal cell growth was approximately 4–5 g
C m−2 d−1.
Productivity was limited only by the availability of underwater light and the depth of the photic zone was
mainly regulated by the chlorophyll-a concentration. Therefore, areal photic zone chlorophyll-a was the only
factor directly correlated to the integral photosynthetic activity but, contrary to theoretical models, the production
did not increase in proportion to chlorophyll-a. Data from African lakes show a similar pattern. |
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