The effects of nitrogen and phosphorus enrichments on phytoplankton in the region of Ubatuba (Lat. 23º30'S - Long. 45º06'W), Brazil

ARTIGOS

The effects of nitrogen and phosphorus enrichments on phytoplankton in the region of Ubatuba (Lat. 23º30'S - Long. 45º06'W), Brazil

Clóvis Teixeira^I; J. G. Tundísi^II

^IInstituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo

^IIDepartamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos

SYNOPSIS

Experiments of water enrichments with natural populations of phytoplankton were carried out at the region of Ubatuba (Lat. 23º30'S - Long. 45º06'W) during winter and summer time. Special attention was given to the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus on the standing-stock (chlorophyll-α) and ¹⁴C assimilation and dark fixation in situ conditions. The phytoplankton populations was analysed in terms of its composition and hydrographical parameters were made according to Strickland & Parsons (1968). The enrichments with surface waters reveal that nitrogen may be the major limiting factor for phytoplankton biomass sensu Liebig.

RESUMO

Uma serie de experimentos com águas su perficiais da região de Ubatuba contendo populações naturais de fitoplancton, foi utilizada para se avaliar o papel do nitrogénio e do fosforo sobre a síntese da clorofila-α e da assimilação do ¹⁴C na luz e da fixação do no escuro. A composição do fitoplancton foi analisada e alguns parâmetros hidrográficos determinados.

Pelos resultados obtidos, concluímos que o nitrogénio é o principal fator limitante, com relação a biomassa do fitoplâncton, segundo "sensu" de Liebig.

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Acknowledgments

Part of this research was supported by Organization of American States. Our thanks are also due to Mr. Renato Fernandes for his help throughout the course of this work carried out in 1972.

(Received 22 July 1981)

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  05 June 2012
• Date of issue
  1981

History

• Received
  22 July 1981