Abstract
The hypolimnetic oxygen deficits and carbon dioxide increments in three closed-basin, kettle lakes on Cape Cod were examined during summer stratification in 1976. Areal hypolimnetic 02 deficits ranged from oligotrophic (Gull and Hathaway Ponds) to distinctly mesotrophic (Mares Pond). Areal hypolimnetic dissolved inorganic carbon increments (assuming aerobic RQ = 0.85) ranged higher, to borderline eutrophic for Mares Pond. Both 02 uptake and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) release were correlated inversely with the amount of light reaching the hypolimnion. The observed ratios of DIC released to 02 taken up (respiratory quotient? RQ = C02/02) in the hypolimnia of the three lakes varied from 1.4 (Mares) to 3.4 (Gull), and appeared to correlate directly with the amount of light reaching the hypolimnion. Thus, underwater light appears to suppress 02 uptake more than DIC release. This raises the possibility that lakes significantly augment their inventories of alternate electron acceptors by donating electrons to anaerobic photosynthesis at or below the light compensation depth.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
