Ammonium regeneration: its contribution to phytoplankton nitrogen requirements in a eutrophic environment

Abstract

Ammonium regeneration, nutrient uptake, bacterial activity and primary production were measured from March to August 1980 in Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada, a eutrophic environment. Rates of regeneration and nutrient uptake were determined using 15N isotope dilution and tracer methodology. Although primary production, nutrient uptake and ammonium regeneration were significantly intercorrelated, no relationship was detected between these parameters and heterotrophic activity. The average contribution of ammonium to total nitrogen (ammonium+nitrate) uptake was similar in the spring and in the summer (approximately 60%). On a seasonal average basis, 36% of the phytoplankton ammonium uptake could be supplied by rapid remineralization processes. In spite of the high average contribution of NH4 regeneration to phytoplankton ammonia uptake, there is indirect evidence suggesting that other NH4 sources may occasionally be important.