The importance of nitrogen in Pyramid Lake (Nevada, USA) a saline, desert lake

Pyramid lake, Nev., is one of the largest saline lakes in North America. Increased development and urbanization in the upstream drainage basin is affecting water quality. Nutrient limitation studies were performed in Pyramid lake between October 1989 and October 1990. Water column ratios of dissolve...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia 1993-01, Vol.267 (1-3), p.179-189
Main Authors: REUTER, J. E, RHODES, C. L, LEBO, M. E, KOTZMAN, M, GOLDMAN, C. R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brackish
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Geochemistry
Marine and continental quaternary
Mineralogy
Silicates
Surficial geology
Water geochemistry
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Pyramid lake, Nev., is one of the largest saline lakes in North America. Increased development and urbanization in the upstream drainage basin is affecting water quality. Nutrient limitation studies were performed in Pyramid lake between October 1989 and October 1990. Water column ratios of dissolved and total nitrogen and phosphorus were examined. Seston ratios of carbon and nitrogen were compared. Monthly nutrient enrichment bioassays were conducted using natural phytoplankton populations. Seasonal rates of nitrogen fixation were determined. Additions of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) resulted in a 350-600 per cent stimulation of chlorophyll production. Phosphate addition had no effect. The response to DIN addition did not occur immediately after complete lake mixing in February or during an autumn bloom of the nitrogen fixing Nodularia spumigena. Particulate nitrogen:particulate carbon ratios suggested severe nitrogen deficiency from August to winter turnover. There are 51 references.
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1007/BF00018800