Nutrient Limiting Factors in an Arctic Tundra Pond.

Abstract

The relationship between rates of phytoplankton photosynthesis and nutrient and growth factor deficiencies was investigated by the nutrient enrichment bioassay technique in a small tundra pond at Barrow, Alaska, Phosphate, nitrate, and ammonia deficiencies limited photosynthesis after the onset of a period of high sustained growth. Toward the end of this period, additional deficiencies for one or more trace elements and growth factors, with vitamin B( 12) being one deficient growth factor, were noted. No nutrient and growth factor deficiencies were found during the subsequent period of low carbon incorporation. Interactions between nutrients as well as between nutrients and light were found to complicate the recognition deficiencies. The utility of the enrichment bioassay in determining nutrient and growth factor deficiencies is briefly discussed.