A hypothesis on the role of Aphanizomenon in translocating phosphorus

A mechanism for the upward translocation of phosphorus by flake-forming Aphanizomenon is hypothesized. Aphanizomenon germinates on oxic sediments and rises into the water column, then the flakes diurnally migrate. Observations from Spring Lake, Minnesota, U.S.A., indicate that Aphanizomenon translocates phosphorus to the summertime epilimnion. However, the observations cannot discriminate between which of two mechanisms related to Aphanizomenon flakes, upon germination or with subsequent diurnal migrations, is more important.