Importance of Latitude and Organic Color on Phytoplankton Primary Productivity in Florida Lakes

Abstract

A characterization of primary productivity patterns in subtropical Florida lakes along increasing gradients of both dissolved organic color and phytoplankton biomass is presented. Volumetric expression of gross primary productivity was more strongly correlated with chlorophyll a and nutrient concentrations than was areal expression. Primary production in clearwater (<75 Pt units) lakes was more predictable than colored (>75 Pt units) lakes. Areal production in Florida lakes was intermediate to the tropical and temperate regions, although volumetric productivity during the vegetative season (May–September) was not significantly different from temperate zone lakes for the same period. Predictive abilities of empirical equations describing primary productivity in Florida lakes are improved by distinguishing colored and clear lakes.