Linking chlorophyll-nutrient dynamics to the RedÞeld N:C ratio with a model of optimal phytoplankton growth

Abstract

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 287:33-43 (2005) - doi:10.3354/meps287033 Linking chlorophyll-nutrient dynamics to the Redfield N:C ratio with a model of optimal phytoplankton growth Markus Pahlow* Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, B3H 4J1 Nova Scotia, CanadaBedford Institute of Oceanography, PO Box, 1006 Dartmouth, B2Y 4A2 Nova Scotia, Canada *-Address for correspondence: Dartmouth Email: pahlowm@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca ABSTRACT: The Redfield N:C ratio is a fundamental quantity in marine biogeochemistry because it is a key determinant of the efficiency of the biological carbon pump, yet no convincing explanations have been put forward for its remarkable constancy over much of the world ocean. Phytoplankton growth models have so far been unable to account for the different relationships between growth rate and N:C ratio under nutrient and light limitation, and have not been able to predict the Redfield N:C ratio. A relatively simple model of coupled chlorophyll and nutrient dynamics is developed from the premise that phytoplankton maximize growth by optimally allocating nutrient and energy resources among competing metabolic requirements for nutrient uptake, light-harvesting, and growth. The model reconciles nutrient and light limitation and appears valid under both balanced and non-balanced growth conditions. The Redfield N:C ratio and its constancy are explained as a result of evolutionary pressure towards maximizing light-limited growth rates in relatively carbon-rich oceanic waters. KEY WORDS: Light limitation · Nutrient limitation · Phytoplankton growth model · Redfield N:C Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 287. Online publication date: February 18, 2005 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2005 Inter-Research.