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Optimal conditions for primary production in a polymictic tropical lake (Lake Xolotlán, Nicaragua)

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Abstract

From 1987 to 1993 we assessed the variation of phytoplankton biomass, underwater irradiance and primary production in Lake Xolotlán (L. Managua, Nicaragua). Chlorophyll- a averaged 65 mg m-3 and maximum and minimum concentrations were 120 and 30 mg m-3, respectively. The variability over depths and weeks was low (CV < 20%). There were strong correlations between particulate carbon and chlorophyll- a (the ratio ≈ 100: 1) and between particulate carbon and particulate nitrogen and phosphorus (the ratio ≈ 100: 11: 1). Gross primary production averaged 6.8 g C m-2 d- 1 and was stable over the years (CV ≈ 10%). Algal cell growth was approximately 4–5 g C m-2 d- 1. Productivity was limited only by the availability of underwater light and the depth of the photic zone was mainly regulated by the chlorophyll- a concentration. Therefore, areal photic zone chlorophyll- a was the only factor directly correlated to the integral photosynthetic activity but, contrary to theoretical models, the production did not increase in proportion to chlorophyll- a. Data from African lakes show a similar pattern.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Limnology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 20, S-752 36, Sweden

    R. Erikson

  2. Centro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos de Nicaragua (CIRA), Apartado Postal 4598, Managua, Nicaragua

    E. Hooker, M. Mejia, A. Zelaya & K. Vammen

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  1. R. Erikson
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  2. E. Hooker
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  3. M. Mejia
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  4. A. Zelaya
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  5. K. Vammen
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Erikson, R., Hooker, E., Mejia, M. et al. Optimal conditions for primary production in a polymictic tropical lake (Lake Xolotlán, Nicaragua). Hydrobiologia 382, 1–16 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003271614344

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