ENVIRONMENTAL-CONTROL OF PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTIVITY IN TURBULENT TURBID SYSTEMS

Factors affecting phytoplankton productivity are analysed in turbid systems, such as shallow lakes and rivers. When resuspension from the sediment or loading from the catchment significantly increases inorganic (non-algal) turbidity and hence light attenuation potentials for high production are not realised. Energy available for phytoplankton growth is strongly regulated by underwater light availability which depends on the critical mixing depth, fluctuating light intensities and algal circulation patterns. Higher production rates in shallow waters are often compensated by greater algal respiration due to higher water temperatures when compared to deeper lakes. Total daily integral production of turbulent, turbid environments can be predicted from a combination of easily measured Variables such as maximum photosynthetic rates, algal biomass, surface irradiance and some measure of underwater light attenuation.