Abstract |
The review of 198 papers considers the many aspects of nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems. Because of the many transformations involved, the concentrations of various nitrogen species in lake waters vary widely and are the net result of numerous environmental factors influencing rate of nitrogen immobilization, mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification. The oxidation-reduction system in lakes is discussed extensively. The relative roles of various biological entities (bacteria, fauna, and flora) responsible for nitrogen assimilation and release will vary with the system and with changes in morphological, physical and chemical variables within a given system. Nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation with the organisms related to them are detailed. (Author) |