Reproductive patterns and secondary production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gammaropsis japonicus</Emphasis> (Crustacea,Amphipoda) on the seagrass <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera marina</Emphasis> of Korea

It is essential to know the nutrient limitation status of biofilms to understand how they may buffer uptake and export of nutrients from polluted watersheds. We tested the effects of nutrient additions on biofilm biomass (chlorophyll a, ash free dry mass (AFDM), and autotrophic index (AI, AFDM/chl a)) and metabolism via nutrient-diffusing substrate bioassays (control, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and N + P treatments) at 11 sites in the Upper Snake River basin (southeast Idaho, USA) that differed in the magnitude and extent of human-caused impacts. Water temperature, turbidity, and dissolved inorganic N concentrations all changed seasonally at the study sites, while turbidity and dissolved inorganic N and P also varied with impact level. Chl a and AI on control treatments suggested that the most heavily impacted sites supported more autotrophic biofilms than less-impacted sites, and that across all sites biofilms were more heterotrophic in autumn than in summer. Nutrient stimulation or suppression of biofilm biomass was observed for chl a in 59% of the experiments and for AFDM in 33%, and the most frequent response noted across all study sites was N limitation. P suppression of chl a was observed only at the most-impacted sites, while AFDM was never suppressed by nutrients. When nutrient additions did have significant effects on metabolism, they were driven by differences in biomass rather than by changes in metabolic rates. Our study demonstrated that biofilms in southeast Idaho rivers were primarily limited by N, but nutrient limitation was more frequent at sites with good water quality than at those with poor water quality. Additionally, heterotrophic and autotrophic biofilm components may respond differently to nutrient enrichment, and nutrient limitation of biofilm biomass should not be considered a surrogate for metabolism in these rivers. Handling editor: D. Ryder     

Comparison of Freshwater Diatom Assemblages from a High Arctic Oasis to Nearby Polar Desert Sites and Their Application to Environmental Inference Models

Arctic oases are regions of atypical warmth and relatively high biological production and diversity. They are small in area (<5 km²) and uncommon in occurrence, yet they are relatively well studied due to the abundance of plant and animal life contained within them. A notable exception is the lack of research on freshwater ecosystems within polar oases. Here, we aim to increase our understanding of freshwater diatom ecology in polar oases. Diatoms were identified and enumerated from modern sediments collected in 23 lakes and ponds contained within the Lake Hazen oasis on Ellesmere Island, and compared with diatom assemblages from 29 sites located outside of the oasis across the northern portion of the island. There were significant differences in water chemistry variables between oasis and northern sites, with oasis sites having higher conductivity and greater concentrations of nutrients and related variables such as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Taxa across all sites were typical of those recorded in Arctic freshwaters, with species from the genera Achnanthes sensu lato, Fragilaria sensu lato, and Nitzschia dominating the assemblages. A correspondence analysis (CA) ordination showed that oasis sites generally plotted separately from the northern sites, although the sites also appear to plot separately based on whether they were lakes or ponds. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified specific conductivity, DOC, and SiO₂ as explaining significant (P < 0.05) and additional amounts of variation in the diatom data set. The most robust diatom‐based inference model was generated for DOC, which will provide useful reconstructions on long‐term changes in paleo‐optics of high Arctic lakes.     

Effects of hydrologic and water quality drivers on periphyton dynamics in the southern Everglades

Everglades periphyton mats are tightly-coupled autotrophic (algae and cyanobacteria) and heterotrophic (eubacteria, fungi and microinvertebrates) microbial assemblages. We investigated the effect of water column total phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, water depth and hydroperiod on periphyton of net production, respiration, nutrient content, and biomass. Our study sites were located along four transects that extended southward with freshwater sheetflow through sawgrass-dominated marsh. The water source for two of the transects were canal-driven and anchored at canal inputs. The two other transects were rain-driven (ombrotrophic) and began in sawgrass-dominated marsh. Periphyton dynamics were examined for upstream and downstream effects within and across the four transects. Although all study sites were characterized as short hydroperiod and phosphorus-limited oligotrophic, they represent gradients of hydrologic regime, water source and water quality of the southern Everglades. Average periphyton net production of 1.08 mg C AFDW⁻¹ h⁻¹ and periphyton whole system respiration of 0.38 mg C AFDW⁻¹ h⁻¹ rates were net autotrophic. Biomass was generally highest at ombrotrophic sites and sites downstream of canal inputs. Mean biomass over all our study sites was high, 1517.30 g AFDW m⁻². Periphyton was phosphorus-limited. Average periphyton total phosphorus content was 137.15 μg P g⁻¹ and average periphyton total N:P ratio was 192:1. Periphyton N:P was a sensitive indicator of water source. Even at extremely low mean water total phosphorus concentrations ( ≤ 0.21 μmol l⁻¹), we found canal source effects on periphyton dynamics at sites adjacent to canal inputs, but not downstream of inflows. These canal source effects were most pronounced at the onset of wet season with initial rewetting. Spatial and temporal variability in periphyton dynamics could not solely be ascribed to water quality, but was often associated with both hydrology and water source.     

The ecological effect of acid conditions and precipitation of hydrous metal oxides in a Rocky Mountain stream

Periphyton and benthic invertebrates assemblages were studied at the confluence of two Rocky Mountain streams, Deer Creek and the Snake River near Montezuma, Colorado. Upstream from the confluence the Snake River is acidic and enriched in dissolved trace metals, while Deer Creek is a typical Rocky Mountain stream. In the Snake River, downstream from the confluence, the pH increases and hydrous metal oxides precipitate and cover the streambed. The algal and benthic invertebrate communities in the upstream reaches of the Snake River and in Deer Creek were very different. A liverwort, Scapania undulata var. undulata, was abundant in the Snake River, and although periphyton were very sparse, there were as many benthic invertebrates as in Deer Creek. Downstream from the confleunce, the precipitation of hydrous metal oxides greatly decreased the abundance of periphyton and benthic invertebrates. This study shows that in streams metal precipitates covering the streambed may have a more deleterious effect on stream communities than high metal-ion activities.     

The distribution of dissolved DNA in an oligotrophic and a eutrophic river of Southwest Florida

The distribution of dissolved DNA concentrations and some microbial variables were compared in an oligo-mesotrophic river (the Crystal River) and a phosphate-rich eutrophic river (the Alafia River) in Southwest Florida over a 15 month period. Concentrations of phosphate and nitrate in the Alafia River averaged 135 and 18.2 times the respective phosphate and nitrate concentrations of the oligo-mesotrophic Crystal River. The seasonal average dissolved DNA concentration for the Alafia River exceeded that of the Crystal River by a factor of 1.8 (8.2 g 1^–1 compared to 4.6 g 1^–1, respectively). The greatest concentrations of dissolved DNA in the Alafia River were found in areas that contained the largest populations of phytoplankton and bacteria (a reservoir formed from an abandoned phosphate mining pit and two downstream stations near the mouth of the river). Differences in dissolved DNA concentrations between these environments and more pristine environments (i.e. all Crystal River Stations and upstream Alafia River stations) were of the same order of magnitude (1.8 to 2.2-fold) as the differences in bacterial abundance and activity, but considerably less than differences in phytoplankton abundance and activity between such environments. Seasonal variations in dissolved DNA concentrations in the Crystal River corresponded to seasonal variations in microbial populations, with minimal values in January and greater values in July. In the Alafia River, lowest concentrations for dissolved DNA occurred in July during the wet season, when seasonal flooding of area of leaf litter yielded high levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) which were low in dissolved DNA. These results suggest that: 1) in situ planktonic activity is a greater source of dissolved DNA than allochthonous or terrestrial sources of DOC; 2) factors that control the magnitude of heterotrophic bacterial populations are more likely to control dissolved DNA levels than factors regulating autotrophic population activity and abundance; 3) differences in dissolved DNA between eutrophic and oligo-mesotrophic environments are often much smaller than the differences in nutrient concentration between such environments.     

Evaluation of the Trophic Diatom Index for assessing water quality in River Gharasou,western Iran

Water quality, diatom species composition and biomass estimates were performed in the Gharasou River in western Iran. Five sites along the River Gharasou were sampled every month from April to September 2005. Physical and chemical factors (pH, NO₃–N, PO₄–P, dissolved oxygen, total suspend solids, total dissolved solids, conductivity, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand) were measured along with biological properties of the periphyton including biomass, ash-free dry mass, chlorophyll-a concentration and the taxonomic composition diatom assemblages. Information from the diatom assemblage was used to calculate the Trophic Diatom Index and biovolume. The TDI was significantly correlated with measures of human disturbance at the sites (e.g. PO₄–P, NO₃–N and dissolved oxygen) as well as to biomass measures (chlorophyll a, ash-free dry mass and biovolume). The sensitivity of the TDI and its component metrics to environmental stressors supports the use of this index for monitoring ecological conditions in streams in Iran and to aid diagnosis of the cause of their impairment. Handling editor: L. Naselli-Flores     

Freshwater diatoms from Ile de la Possession (Crozet Archipelago, sub-Antarctica): an ecological assessment

An ecological study of freshwater waterbodies on Ile de la Possession (Crozet Archipelago, Antarctica) was undertaken during the austral summer of 1997/1998. Both diatom and chemistry data were collected. A highly diverse diatom flora of 210 taxa, belonging to 32 genera, was identified from 127 samples. The most abundant genera were Fragilaria, Achnanthes and Navicula. Principal Component Analysis was used to classify the samples on the basis of their chemical characteristics. The analysis revealed that pH and chloride were the main factors dividing the samples into three categories: rivers, more acid lakes, and lakes with higher chloride content. Species assemblages correspond well with this division. Forward selection with Monte Carlo permutations selected pH, chloride, habitat and hardness. Based on the analysis, four groups of samples can be made: rivers, acid lakes, circumneutral lakes with low chloride concentrations and coastal pools with relatively high chloride levels. The results also indicate that a specific diatom flora exists on the island, which is comparable to that of other islands in the same area (Kerguelen and Macquarie). Accepted: 29 March 1999     

Sediment inputs from retrogressive thaw slumps drive algal biomass accumulation but not decomposition in Arctic streams,NWT

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基于着生藻类的太子河流域水生态系统健康评价

本研究以辽宁省太子河流域为研究范例,调查了全流域范围内69个样点的着生藻类群落和水环境理化特征,并在此基础上应用硅藻生物评价指数(DBI)和生物完整性评价指数(P-IBI),同时结合栖息地环境质量评价指数(QHEI),对太子河流域水生态系统进行健康评价。结果表明,太子河流域着生藻类群落结构具有明显的空间异质性,CCA结果显示驱动着生藻类群落结构形成的水环境因子为电导率、总溶解固体和总氮。虽然DBI、P-IBI和QHEI在太子河流域某些河段上的评价结果有较大出入,但从全流域尺度上看,DBI、P-IBI和QHEI的评价结果基本一致,表现为太子河上游健康状况较好,中游健康状况一般,而下游健康状况较差。文中讨论了水环境理化因子与着生藻类群落结构的相互关系,并对比分析了DBI、P-IBI和QHEI这三种河流健康评价方法。     

Nutrient limitation of algal periphyton in streams along an acid mine drainage gradient

Metal oxyhydroxide precipitates that form from acid mine drainage (AMD) may indirectly limit periphyton by sorbing nutrients, particularly P. We examined effects of nutrient addition on periphytic algal biomass (chl a), community structure, and carbon and nitrogen content along an AMD gradient. Nutrient diffusing substrata with treatments of +P, +NP and control were placed at seven stream sites. Conductivity and SO₄ concentration ranged over an order of magnitude among sites and were used to define the AMD gradient, as they best indicate mine discharge sources of metals that create oxyhydroxide precipitates. Aqueous total phosphorous (TP) ranged from 2 to 23 μg · L^?1 and significantly decreased with increasing SO₄. Mean chl a concentrations at sites ranged from 0.2 to 8.1 μg · cm^?2. Across all sites, algal biomass was significantly higher on +NP than control treatments (Co), and significantly increased with +NP. The degree of nutrient limitation was determined by the increase in chl a concentration on +NP relative to Co (response ratio), which ranged from 0.6 to 9.7. Response to nutrient addition significantly declined with increasing aqueous TP, and significantly increased with increasing SO₄. Thus, nutrient limitation of algal biomass increased with AMD impact, indicating metal oxyhydroxides associated with AMD likely decreased P availability. Algal species composition was significantly affected by site but not nutrient treatment. Percent carbon content of periphyton on the Co significantly increased with AMD impact and corresponded to an increase in the relative abundance of Chlorophytes. Changes in periphyton biomass and cellular nutrient content associated with nutrient limitation in AMD streams may affect higher trophic levels.     

Seasonal variations of metal concentrations in periphyton and taxonomic composition of the algal community at a Yenisei River littoral site

The concentrations of metals K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co and Cr, in the water and periphyton (epilithic algal communities) were studied at a site in the middle stream of the Yenisei River (Siberia, Russia) during three years using monthly sampling frequencies. Despite considerable seasonal variations in aquatic concentrations of some metals, there was no correlation between metal contents in the water and in periphyton. Seasonal concentration variations of some metals in periphyton were related to the species (taxonomic) composition of periphytic microalgae and cyanobacteria. Enhanced levels of Ni and Co in periphyton in late autumn, winter, and early spring were likely caused by the predominance of cyanobacteria in the periphytic community, and annual maximum levels of K in periphyton in late spring and early summer were attributed to the domination of Chlorophyta, primarily Ulothrix zonata.     

Periphyton responds differentially to nutrients recycled in dissolved or faecal pellet form by the snail grazer Theodoxus fluviatilis

1. We aimed to separate the effects of grazers on periphyton via grazing from that of nutrient recycling from their faecal pellets. 2. We set up three different experimental treatments (snails/no snails/faecal pellets) and sampled over 16 days. The ‘snail’ treatment contained a low density (snail biomass c. 14 g^?2) of the gastropod grazer Theodoxus fluviatilis and the ‘faecal pellet’ treatment received the same amount of faecal pellets as were produced in the ‘snail’ treatment. Whereas the ‘faecal pellet’ treatment provided extra nutrients to periphyton from the faeces, the ‘snail’ treatment provided nutrients in the form of both faeces and in excreta. There was also direct grazing on periphyton in the ‘snail’ treatment. The ‘no snail’ was not grazed and received no nutrients in faeces or excreta. 3. We measured periphyton C, N and P content, chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a), primary production, bacterial biomass, bacterial production and bacterial respiratory activity. In the water column we measured dissolved inorganic N and soluble reactive P. 4. Snails increased the amount of dissolved inorganic N in the water. On day 16, the periphyton N : P ratio in the ‘faecal pellet’ treatment was lower, and periphyton P content was higher, than in the other two treatments. N : P ratios decreased over time in the ‘faecal pellet’ treatment. Primary and bacterial production were positively correlated in all treatments. 5. Algal chl‐a and primary production of periphyton per unit area and periphyton chl‐a : C ratios increased over the 16 day in the ‘snail’ treatment, and thus excretion of dissolved N by snails had a stronger positive effect on the periphyton community than N and P in faecal pellets. 6. Our data show that excretion and egestion can have different effects on periphyton, probably because of the higher proportion of dissolved N in excreta and the higher proportion of P recycled in faecal pellets. The relative effect of nutrients recycled in egesta or in excretions, probably depends on the form of nutrient limitation of the periphyton. Further, the different components of the periphyton matrix could react differently to the different forms of nutrient recycling. 7. We conclude that direct grazing effects are less important than nutrient effects when nutrients are limiting and grazing pressure is low. Further, the spatial separation of different grazing effects can lead to differences in periphyton production and nutrient stoichiometry. This might be an explanation for the patchiness of periphyton in nature.     

Spatio-temporal variation of periphyton biomass and accumulation in a temperate spring-fed stream

Spatio-temporal variation of plant populations often can demonstrate synchronous patterns, particularly within highly connected landscapes. Periphyton biomass (chlorophyll a) and net accumulation were measured at five sites in a spring-fed fourth-order stream located in central Pennsylvania with a mixed land-uses watershed (Spring Creek, USA) to characterize longitudinal variation within the stream. Samples were collected at three-week intervals over one year to describe seasonal patterns of periphyton biomass and net production (n = 17 per site). Spring Creek periphyton biomass and net accumulation increased dramatically from the headwaters to downstream (range 10–1,000 mg/m²). The downstream reaches had exceptionally large algal biomass (chlorophyll a > 300 mg/m²) and potential for rapid turnover. Varying degrees of seasonality were observed among the sites, with upstream sites showing more temporal variation but no distinct seasonal pattern. Despite this, large-scale disturbances within the watershed seem to promote synchrony among sites throughout the stream as reflected by close correlations in chlorophyll values (Pearson correlation coefficient r > 0.50).     

Controls on periphyton biomass in heterotrophic streams

1. Headwater streams of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF) are typically characterised by a periphyton assemblage of low biomass and diversity. However, periphyton blooms have been observed following catchment deforestation experiments and occasionally during the annual spring thaw before canopy leaf‐out. 2. There is pronounced seasonal variation in both nutrient and light availability in HBEF streams. Stream water nitrogen (N) concentrations and light levels are higher before canopy leaf‐out and after leaf senescence and are lower during the growing season. Periphyton accrual rates also change seasonally; they are highest in spring prior to leaf‐out and significantly lower during summer and in autumn. 3. Periphyton biomass rarely responded positively to in‐situ experimental enrichment with nitrogen or phosphorus. In the summer, nutrient enrichment overall had no effect on periphyton biomass, while outside the growing season N enrichment had inhibitory effects on periphyton. 4. Despite these experimental results, surveys of ambient chlorophyll a concentrations in streams across the HBEF demonstrated no relationship between streamwater dissolved inorganic N or P concentrations and benthic chlorophyll a. 5. Our results suggest that HBEF periphyton communities are not closely regulated by nutrient availability, even during periods of high light availability. The inhibitory effects of nutrient enrichment outside the growing season are interesting, but further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms driving these responses.     

The contribution of flood disturbance, catchment geology and land use to the habitat template of periphyton in stream ecosystems

1. Periphyton chlorophyll a (chl a), ash-free dry mass, taxonomic composition, and cellular and water-column nutrients were analysed every 4 weeks for a year at sixteen stream sites in New Zealand. The hypothesis was investigated that broad-scale differences in mean monthly periphyton development are defined primarily by the frequency of flood disturbances and the periphyton's interaction with the nutrients. it us of the streams as determined by catchment geology and land use. 2. Overall, mean monthly chl a concentration declined with increasing flood frequency (r= -0.711, P < 0.001), and seasonality in chl a was better defined at sites with a low frequency of floods. Chlorophyll a concentration was generally low throughout the year at sites with frequent floods (> 15 yr^?1). 3. No relationship existed between inorganic nutrient concentrations and catchment geology or land development. However, conductivity declined significantly as a function of the percentage of the catchment underlain by nutrient-poor, hard rocks (plutonic and fine-grained metamorphic rocks) (r= -0.515, P < 0.05), but increased significantly with the percentage of the catchment in intensive agricultural land use (r= 0.799, P < 0.001). 4. Cellular nutrient concentrations suggested that nitrogen was the nutrient most commonly limiting periphyton production. In turn, cellular N concentrations declined significantly with increasing percentage of the catchment in hard rock (r= -0.5M, P < 0.05) and increased with percentage of the catchments in intensive agricultlural land use (r= 0.948, P < 0.001). 5.The sites were classified into three enrichment groups (high, moderate and low) based on their land use and underlying geology. Cellular N concentrations varied significantly among these enrichment groups (ANOVA F= 14.661, P < 0.001). 6. Log chl a decreased significantly with increases in the annual 80th percentile velocity. However, the relationship was significantly different among the enrichment groups. 7. A stepwise multiple regression on the full dataset identified that the frequency of floods, proportion of the catchment in high-intensity agricultural land use and proportion in alkaline rocks were the most significant factors explaining variation in mean monthly chl a among the sites (r²= 89%). 8. Overall, the results showed that flood disturbance and catchment enrichment regimes are probably the principal axes of the habitat template of periphyton among the study streams, and could be used to explain and predict broad-scale differences in periphyton development among other temperate stream ecosystems.     

Experimental Analysis of Grazing by the Mayfly Meridialaris chiloeensis on Different Successional Stages of Stream Periphyton

In this study we determined grazing effects of the South Andean endemic mayfly Meridialaris chiloeensis on periphyton at different stages of successional development. Grazing effects were studied through a two‐factor experimental design (colonization stages X grazer density) in a stream‐side channel in spring and winter. Our results showed an absence of proportionality between grazer density and periphyton decline in response to grazers at low and intermediate levels of periphytic biomass; however, when periphyton biomass was high a direct inverse relationship was observed between post‐grazing biomass and grazer density. The relationship between periphytic algae (chlorophyll a concentration) and periphyton (total periphytic ash‐free dry mass) (C/OM index) was used as an estimation of the autotrophic fraction in the total periphyton matrix. Grazing did not alter the C/OM index indicating that both autotrophic and heterotrophic fractions of the periphyton components were reduced in the same proportion. Ordination of samples using the relative abundance of diatom species showed that herbivore effect was less evident at intermediate and late stage of colonization than at early one. These results support the statement that the outcome of the herbivore‐periphyton interaction may depend on the successional stage of the periphyton community. In spring Fragilaria pinnata relative abundance, on the basis of cell counts, was reduced by grazing and Nitzschia palea was enhanced. In the winter experiment, grazing decreased Achnanthes minutissima relative abundance. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The role of canopy cover on the recovery of periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities after a month-long flood

We studied the recovery of periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities in a second order stream after a month-long spate that began as increased discharge due to snowmelt in April 2000 but continued through May as a result of frequent rainstorms. We sampled macroinvertebrates and periphyton in June 2000 at three different sites—an upstream site in a conifer tree plantation, a second site ca. 800 m downstream in a mixed hardwood forest, and a third site ca. 1.4 km downstream where there was an open canopy. Periphyton abundance was low on 6 June at all sites but increased 10-fold at the open canopy site the following week (13 June), appearing as a thick mat of Ulothrix. By 26 June, periphyton biomass (as both chlorophyll a and ash free dry mass) had decreased by 80% whereas densities of Chironomidae increased 50-fold and Baetidae increased 4-fold at the open canopy site; little change had occurred in periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities at the forested sites from early to late June. Our results suggest that baetids and chironomids rapidly responded to the increased algal resource at the open canopy site due to their life history characteristics and high growth rates. Chironomids decreased the green mat of Ulothrix by using this alga in tube construction and both chironomids and baetids likely consumed this alga. The varied responses of the periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities at the forested versus open sites demonstrate a resistance to impacts by floods at the forested sites, whereas at the open canopy site periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities were more resilient to the flood disturbance. Handling editor: R. Bailey     

酸性矿山废水对底栖藻类的影响

酸性矿山废水中低的pH和高浓度的重金属对水生态系统影响巨大.依据"参照(Control)-受损(Impaired)-恢复(Recovery)"的设计方法,对高岚河受酸性矿山废水影响的河段、不受影响的河段及恢复河段进行对比分析.结果表明底栖藻类密度、叶绿素a浓度、无灰干重及自养指数等受酸性矿山废水影响明显,且枯水期酸性矿山废水的影响更显著.相关分析表明自养指数与各金属显著正相关而与pH值显著负相关,可以很好地指示矿山酸性废水对底栖藻类的影响.     

Factors influencing periphyton growth in agricultural streams of central Illinois

Factors limiting periphyton accrual in east-central Illinois agricultural streams were investigated. Nutrient-diffusing substrata were used to examine periphyton macronutrient limitation in streams in two agricultural watersheds. Substrata consisted of sand-agar mixtures with one of six experimental treatments. Macronutrients included carbon, nitrate, phosphate and combinations of the three. Substrata were collected after a 5 and 9 day period and analyzed for chlorophyll a. None of the treatments were significantly greater than the controls at any of the seven stations, thus we conclude that periphyton in these streams was not nutrient limited. Highest periphyton colonization/growth rates were associated with the smaller upstream reaches, while lower rates occurred in the larger downstream reaches. Multiple regression showed that most of the variance in the rate of chlorophyll a accrual after five days was explained through water temperature and turbidity (r² = 0.91); whereas, stream nitrate and phosphate concentrations accounted for no significant portion of the variance. We conclude that instream primary production in agricultural streams of central Illinois is limited by temperature and light.     

Controls on chlorophyll-a in nutrient-rich agricultural streams in Illinois, USA

Nitrogen and phosphorus are the primary nutrients that affect water quality in streams in the midwestern USA and high concentrations of these nutrients tend to increase algal biomass. However, how nutrients interact with physical controls in regulating algal biomass is not well known in agricultural streams. Eighteen streams in east-central Illinois (USA) were sampled during June and September 2003 to analyze factors possibly regulating algal biomass. Additionally, two shaded and two non-shaded sites in the Embarras River in east-central Illinois were sampled intensively from June to December 2003. Both sestonic and periphytic chlorophyll-a (chl-a) were analyzed, and periphytic chl-a was assessed on natural substrata and unglazed ceramic tiles. Although high concentrations of nutrients were found in these streams (mean total P = 0.09–0.122 mg l⁻¹ and mean NO₃-N=4.4–8.4 mg l⁻¹), concentrations of sestonic chl-a were low among all sites and both sampling periods (<18 mg m⁻³, median values of 5 and 3 in June and September, respectively). Filamentous algae were an important component of the algal communities in streams with stable substrata. Periphytic chl-a was generally not related to the concentration of N or P in the water column, and in non-shaded streams periphyton appeared at times to be light-limited due to turbid water. Turbidity was found to be an important factor controlling chl-a on ceramic tiles across the 18 sites and for the Embarras River sites; chl-a decreased exponentially in concentration (132–0 mg m⁻²) as turbidity increased from 4 to 39 NTU (r ² = 0.80). In general, the interaction between hydrology and light (turbidity) likely controlled algal biomass in these nutrient-rich, agricultural streams.