Dynamics of Lake Michigan Phytoplankton: Primary Production and Growth

Abstract

Primary production was measured with the 14C technique during May through July–August 1982–84. 14C experiments varied from short-term incubations (1–2 h) in a photosynthesis–irradiance (P–I) chamber to 24-h in situ incubations. The maximum assimilation number from six P–I experiments during thermal stratification averaged 2.1 mg C∙mg Chl−1∙h−1 which agreed well with estimates from the 1970s. Chlorophyll-corrected P–I curves were combined with incident irradiation, chlorophyll concentrations, and extinction coefficients to estimate daily production (model estimate). Summer average integral production estimates in 1983 and 1984 were 615–630 mg C∙m−2∙d−1. Approximately 50% of summer primary production occurred below the epilimnion. Daily model production estimates were higher than 24-h in situ estimates at light intensities above Ik, the light saturation parameter, and similar at intensities below Ik. Comparisons of production estimates converted to growth rates suggest that 24-h in situ estimates provide a measure close to net production whereas model estimates provide a measure greater than net production. Summer epilimnetic growth rate estimates were low (range 0.06–0.60∙d−1), reflecting the limited availability of phosphorus.