Comparison of different algal carbon estimates by use of the Droop-model for nutrient limited growth

Abstract

Three different estimates of algal carbon were derived from field experiments in plastic enclosures and tested as measure of algal biomass in the growth model of Droop. Fresh weight derived carbon and total paniculate organic carbon corrected for detritus were both found to behave as good estimates of algal biomass in the model, while total paniculate organic carbon did not. The study also provided results which suggested that the relation between growth rate and endogenous phosphorus differed for two species involved. Growth was maintained at lower Q _p -ratios in Staurastrum dominated communities compared with communities consisting mainly of Anabaena flos-aquae .