Abstract
SummaryThe annual means as well as the seasonal fluctuations of the overall photosynthetic efficiencies are compared in eight lakes of different trophic states and latitudes. They range from 0.035 to 3 % and are mainly controlled by the events in the upper layers where light energy inputs are high (light saturation and light inhibition). Biomass concentrations per unit volume have the greatest effects on efficiency by influencing the percentage of total light which is absorbed by photosynthetic pigments (9–50%). In oligotrophy lakes photosynthesis per unit of biomass is controlled by both abiotic and biotic factors and governs the seasonal efficiency fluctuation while in densely populated lakes biomass changes are most important. In extremely turbid, as well as in transparent lakes with extremely low populations, the efficiency fluctuations are controlled by the variations of total light attenuations since limitation by plant light attenuation is most pronounced here. Aquatic ecosystems normally produce less than terrestrial ones mainly because the amount of light which is absorbed by the medium exceeds the amount which is absorbed by the plant pigments.
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