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Effects of phosphorus and nitrogen enrichment on the phytoplankton in a tropical reservoir (Lobo Reservoir, Brazil)

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Abstract

The effects of enrichment with phosphate (0–500 µg. 1−1) and forms of nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia an and urea) (0–3500 µgg. −1) on the phytoplankton growth of Lobo Reservoir (Brazil) were studied in July, 1979. Suspended matter, chlorophyll a, cell concentrations and the carotenoid:cchlorophyll ratio were estimated following 14 days of ‘in situ’ incubation. Phosphate alone caused no significant effects, but enrichment with nitrogen caused a substantial increase on the growth of phytoplankton. Comparison between the different forms of nitrogen showed insignificant effects after their additions with 350 µg. −1 and in combination with phosphate. However, when nitrogen was added in large quantities (3 500 µg. −1), significant differences between the nitrogeneous forms were found, with urea causing the strongest effect. In July, nitrogen is mhe main limiting nutrient to phytoplankton growth of Lobo Reservoir.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Instituto Básico de Biologia Médica e Agricola, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, SP, Brazil

    R. Henry

  2. Department of Biostatistics, Instituto Básico de Biologia Médica e Agricola, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, SP, Brazil

    P. R. Curi

  3. Laboratory of Limnology, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil

    J. G. Tundisi

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  1. R. Henry
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  2. J. G. Tundisi
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  3. P. R. Curi
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Supported by CNPq and FAPESP.

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Henry, R., Tundisi, J.G. & Curi, P.R. Effects of phosphorus and nitrogen enrichment on the phytoplankton in a tropical reservoir (Lobo Reservoir, Brazil). Hydrobiologia 118, 177–185 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00021041

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00021041

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