Diurnal Fluctuations of Oxygen and pH In Two Small Ponds and A Stream

Abstract

Data are given of the diurnal fluctuations of oxygen, pH and temperature in two ponds and, a stream. One of the ponds was studied at two different seasons. The dependence of the oxygen concentration and its diurnal fluctuation on photosynthetic and respiratory activities of organisms of the habitats is pointed out. The effect of season on these activities was very marked in the one case studied. The diurnal fluctuation of pH in relation to that of oxygen concentration is discussed, and the dependence of the degree of pH fluctuation on the natural buffering of the water is pointed out. The importance of taking the diurnal pulse into account in comparing the physico-chemical conditions of different habitats is stressed.