Abstract
ABSTRACT The primary production in meromictic Lake Kivu is sustained by external nutrient inputs and by internal loading due to upwelling caused by sub-aquatic sources. We present here the results of external loading of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and silica (Si) by rivers and atmospheric deposition measured from 2006 to 2008. These external inputs are compared to internal loading. The input of soluble-reactive P (SRP), supplied in equal parts from rivers and atmospheric deposition, adds up to 230 t P yr-1, 20 times less than total P load. Ammonium (mainly via rainwater) and nitrate (mainly via rivers) are primary sources of the dissolved N load (5400 t N yr-1), with both species contributing ∼50%. Dissolved Si input (40,000 t Si yr-1) is unique in that only ∼60% enters by rivers, while the remaining ∼40% comes from sub-aquatic sources and atmospheric deposition is negligible. Based on the molar nutrient ratios, we identify P as the limiting factor for algae production. Despite the strong anthropogenic i...
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call