The Dynamics of Nutrient Limitation of Phytoplankton Algae: A Model Reconsidered
1974
O'Brien, Walter J.
A model of phytoplankton nutrient dynamics similar to that proposed by Dugdale (1967) simulated the dynamics of phytoplankton—nutrient interactions in lakes. Phyoplankton population crashes similar to those commonly observed in spring phytoplankton blooms occur during simulation whenever large amounts of the limiting nutrient are initially provided. The model shows the phytoplankton death rate as an important influence on the steady state nutrient concentration and population density. Zooplankton grazing appears to be potentially important in triggering blue—green algal blooms and in maintaining high phytoplankton species diversity; phytoplankton mortality caused by settling may be a factor in the seasonal succession of plankton algae. Two potentially confounding factors–nutrient regeneration from dead cells and multiple limiting nutrients–are shown to have no significant effect on the properties of the model.
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