The Composition of Particulate Organic Matter in the Euphotic Zone of Lake Superior

Abstract

The composition of particulate organic matter (POM) as living and dead material in the euphotic zone of Lake Superior, May to November 1973, was derived by a regression method. The regression method reported in the literature was modified because it had a conceptual bias and overestimated detritus. POM composition expressed as chlorophyll, particulate organic carbon, particulate organic nitrogen, and particulate organic phosphorus was also analyzed. This analysis showed that living seston was the major component of POM during the 7 months. Detritus was minimal during the year and increased to 39% of POM by fall. Most detritus was autochthonous. The lack of correlation between the particulate organic phosphorus and the other components of POM shows that the available phosphorus is rapidly recycled in an efficient manner and not significantly bound in detrital material. The coupling of statistical techniques and data collected during the intensive study of Lake Superior has provided a good insight into the interrelationships and seasonal patterns of nutrients and chlorophyll.