Factors Influencing the Growth of Phytoplankton

Abstract

In reviewing the literature dealing with the influence of physical, chemical and biochemical factors on the development and decline of phytoplankton pulses, this paper first outlines the seasonal cycle of phytoplankton pulses which occurs in many parts of North America and then presents evidence that this cycle is caused chiefly by the seasonal change in water temperatures resulting from the change in solar radiation. The way in which this cycle is sometimes obscured by irregular changes in phytoplankton numbers caused by local conditions of weather or nutrient supply is next illustrated. The climate, weather and chemical conditions are then resolved into the components light intensity, duration of illumination, temperature, concentration of nutrients, ionic balance and pH, and these are classified according to specific effects on the growth and survival of plankton algae as limiting, controlling and lethal factors. The roles of factors originating within the organisms (i.e., autotoxins and antibiotics) are also considered. The discussion of laboratory investigations leads to certain criticisms of present culture methods and to some reinterpretation of observations obtained in some of these investigations. Finally, this paper illustrates the phenomenon of acclimation as it applies to phytoplankton, and it stresses the need for adequate prehistories of culture stocks in order that the results of different investigations can be validly compared.

Ecology of algae in a subarctic stream

“…The low standing crop of the phytoplankton was nonetheless related to low nutrient levels. For example, the concentration of NO,-N and SiO, fell well outside of the optimal range reported for a number of planktonic species (McCombie 1953;Shapiro and Glass 1975 densities many times greater than those recorded in this study (Silva and Papenfuss 1953).…”

“…These authors found that appreciable quantities of Na and K are required for extensive development of Cyanophyta. Perhaps utilization of Na and K was restricted by the low levels of other cations, particularly Mg as discussed by McCombie (1953).…”

The phytoplankton of Crose Mere, Shropshire

“…The pattern of seasonal succession of the dominant groups of algae is generally similar to that common to many other moderately eutrophic lakes and reservoirs in temperate lowlands (e.g. Vetter, 1937;McCombie, 1953;Rodhe, Vollenweider & Nauwerck, 1958;Ridley, 1970), but there are several points of difference in detail. The most notable of these are the earlier commencement of the spring increase, the relative paucity of Chrysophyceae, and the emergence of diatom populations in early summer.…”

Analysis of Phytoplankton Yields in Relation to Certain Physical and Chemical Factors of Lake Michigan

“…Many data, both qualitative and quantitative!, have accumulated during the last 20 years (see McCombie 1953, Pennak 1946, and Welch 1935, for bibliographies) on plankton productivity of freshwater areas. Many data, both qualitative and quantitative!, have accumulated during the last 20 years (see McCombie 1953, Pennak 1946, and Welch 1935, for bibliographies) on plankton productivity of freshwater areas.…”