Journal of Plankton Research, Vol 21, 811-837, Copyright © 1999 by Oxford University Press
K Davidson, G Wood, E John and K Flynn
In order to test rigorously the transient behaviour of mathematical models
of algal growth, detailed laboratory data sets with good temporal
resolution are required. A series of algal growth experiments was conducted
in transient conditions. Monoculture growth of, and competition for
nutrients between, three contrasting species of phytoplankton (the diatom
Thalassiosira pseudonana, the harmful flagellate
Heterosigma carterae and the toxic dinoflagellate
Alexandrium minutum) were investigated in different
temperature, light and nutrient regimes. Although growth dynamics were
qualitatively similar in batch culture, quantitative differences were
evident in the growth response of the different species when grown in
single yield-limiting nutrient conditions in identical physical conditions.
Quantities such as the carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio and C and N per cell
varied between species and within species under different growth
conditions. Such results have particular significance to the development of
mathematical models, which commonly represent algal populations as a single
homogeneous group using a single currency such as numbers, C or N. Changes
in light and temperature regime influenced algal growth:
Alexandrium failed to grow at low temperatures, while
specific growth rates of Thalassiosira were more
sensitive to changes in temperature than those of
Heterosigma. Changes in the dominant organism(s)
and/or its size or nutrient status may influence the transfer of nutrients
within the food web. Commonly, mathematical models make cell growth a
function of a single yield-limiting nutrient. Decreased growth rates and
high residual nutrient concentrations in competition experiments indicate
that this approach is unlikely to be successful in conditions of limited
supply of more than one nutrient, where multiple nutrient stresses will be
significant.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
An investigation of non-steady-state algal growth. I. An experimental model ecosystem
School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; Present address: Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, PO Box 3, Oban PA34 4AD, UK
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