Aquatic ecosystems - Phytoplankton

6 important questions on Aquatic ecosystems - Phytoplankton

What is the most used measure for the amount of phytoplankton in surface water?

The chlorophyll-a concentration, because it is easier to measure.

What are the most important factors for phytoplankton decrease?

Sedimentation, re-suspension, flushing, light limitation and grazing by zooplankton.

Why is re-suspension so important for phytoplankton?

Because they cannot move themselves they start to settle in the water, which causes a high reduction of the population. Waves and fish bring the population back in circulation.
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Why can the top layer of deep lakes during summer have low concentration of nutrients?

Because of the separation layer (metalimnion) between the top and bottom layer prevents circulation.

Why do cynobacteria form green layers at the surface water with calm and hot weather conditions?

Because they can controll their drijfvermogen. Especially Micorcystis.

Why are phytoplankton concentrations and turbidity generally much higher in shallow waters?

Because there is more light. Especially Oscillatoria.

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