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Meteorological influences on algal bloom potential in a nutrient-rich blackwater river
Citation:
Phlips, E. J., J. Hendrickson, E. L. QUINLAN, AND M. Cichra. Meteorological influences on algal bloom potential in a nutrient-rich blackwater river. FRESHWATER BIOLOGY. Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA, 52:2141-2155, (2007).
Impact/Purpose:
The central objective of this study was to examine the role that changes in meteorological conditions, principally rainfall, play in regulating the potential for phytoplankton blooms. This objective was pursued within the context of two inter-related hypotheses: major cyclical and stochastic events that increase rainfall, such as El Nino or major storms, decrease the potential for algal blooms by increasing water replacement rates and reducing water residence times; and conversely, drought conditions decrease water replacement turnover rates, thereby increasing water residence time and the potential for phytoplankton biomass accumulation.
Description:
The effect of variability in rainfall on the potential for algal blooms was examined for the St. Johns River in northeast Florida. Water chemistry and phytoplankton data were collected at selected sites monthly from 1993 through 2003. Information on rainfall and estimates ofw ater urnover rates were used in the analyses of trends in phytoplankton biomass.