oEPA
•}.l
EPA 600 3 79-051
I 1979
Phytoplankton Water
Quality Relationships
in U.S. Lakes
Part VI:
The Common
Phytoplankton Genera
From Eastern and
Southeastern Lakes
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad categories
were established to facilitate further development and application of environmental
technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously planned to foster
technology transfer and a maximim interface in related fields. The nine sereies are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy—Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH series. This series
describes research on the effects of pollution on humans.plant and animal species, and
materials. Problems are assessed for their long-and short-term influences. Investiga-
tions include formations, transport, and pathway studies to determine the fate of
pollutants and their effects. This work provided the technical basis for setting standards
to minimize undesirable changes in living organisms in the aquatic, terrestrial, and
atmospheric environments.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Information
Service. Springfield. Virginia 22161
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EPA-600/3-79-051
April 1979
PHYTOPLANKTON WATER QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS IN U.S. LAKES,
PART VI: The Common Phytoplankton Genera
From Eastern and Southeastern Lakes
by
W. D. Taylor, S. C. Hern, L. R. Williams, V. W. Lambou,
K. K. Morris*, and F. A. Morris*
Monitoring Operations Division
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
*Department of Biological Sciences
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory-Las Vegas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and
approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products
does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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FOREWORD
Protection of the environment requires effective regulatory actions that
are based on sound technical and scientific information. This information
must include the quantitative description and linking of pollutant sources,
transport mechanisms, interactions, and resulting effects on man and his
environment. Because of the complexities involved, assessment of specific
pollutants in the environment requires a total systems approach that tran-
scends the media of air, water, and land. The Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory-Las Vegas contributes to the formation and enhancement of
a sound monitoring data base for exposure assessment through programs designed
to:
• develop and optimize systems and strategies for moni-
toring pollutants and their impact on the environment
• demonstrate new monitoring systems and technologies
by applying them to fulfill special monitoring needs
of the Agency's operating programs
This report analyzes and compares environmental conditions associated
with the 57 most common genera of phytoplankton encountered in the studies of
250 lakes in 17 eastern and southeastern states during 1973. These data may
be utilized to evaluate the trophic state of lakes based on their phyto-
plankton communities, as well as, to describe the environmental requirements
of commonly occurring phytoplankton genera. This report was written for use
by Federal, State, and local governmental agencies concerned with water
quality analysis, monitoring, and/or regulation. Private industry and indi-
viduals similarily involved with the biological aspects of water quality will
find the document useful. For further information contact the Water and Land
Quality Branch, Monitoring Operations Division.
George B. Morgan
Director
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas
111
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SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to identify environmental conditions
associated with more common phytoplankton genera and to evaluate their use
as indicator organisms for monitoring water quality and/or trophic condition
of lakes. Such indicators are highly desirable to aid states in meeting
lake classification requirements under Section 305b and monitoring the
success of Clean Lakes restoration efforts under Section 314 of the Water
Bill (PL92-500). The study follows the basic premise that identification
of the environmental conditions surrounding the occurrence of phytoplankton
is implicit in their development for, and application to, advanced biological
monitoring of lakes. To determine the conditions associated with the
absence, presence and dominance of the 57 most common algae genera identified
from 250 lakes in 17 eastern and southeastern states during 1973, approxi-
mately 25,000 phytoplankton records and 750,000 physical and chemical data
points were analyzed and compared.
An ideal indicator organism for a given set of environmental conditions
would always be present when all conditions in the set were within estab-
lished tolerances and never be present when any or all conditions were
outside these ranges. The results of this study clearly indicate that
the more common phytoplankton genera are found to thrive over such a
broad range of environmental conditions that no one genus emerges as a
dependable indicator of water quality or trophic condition in lakes.
As a result of this finding it is recommended that individual phytoplankton
genera not be used as sole or primary indicators of water quality/trophic
state in lakes. However, tendencies of some of the genera toward high
or low ends of specific parameter ranges suggest an opportunity for
development of community-based trophic classification indices which effect-
ively "sum the individual probabilities" of the genera in a community to
increase the resolution of trophic state estimates. Preliminary evalua-
tions of tentative community-based indices suggest that these indices offer
higher potential for water quality assessment than any of the commonly-used
phytoplankton-based water quality indicators and that further development
and refinement of their potential is warranted.
Most phytoplankton genera showed no distinct seasonality to their
general occurrence, although some forms achieved numerical importance
only during certain seasons. Flagellates and diatoms tend to dominate
the spring plankton while blue-green and coccoid green genera are most
common in summer and fall. The high nutrient levels in the spring were
not, in our study findings, accompanied by high phytoplankton populations,
probably as a result of seasonal sub-optimal light and temperature condi-
tions.
iv
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Blue-green algae, both nitrogen-fixing genera and non-, represented
9 of the 10 common genera that attained numerical dominance in waters with
mean inorganic nitrogen/total phosphorus ratio (N/P) of less than 10 (usually
suggestive of nitrogen limitation). Mote that low N/P in the study lakes was
invariably associated with high "P" rather than low "N" values.
. The physical and chemical lake data associated with the various
occurrence categories of common phytoplankton genera (non-occurrence,
non-dominance and dominance) are summarized. These summaries indicate
the environmental "requirements" for each taxon and can be used to develop
biological tools for monitoring and predicting lake water quality or trophic
state (e.g., community-based indices, above) and to suggest environmental
control methodologies for problem algal forms.
The information on phytoplankton environmental relationships derived
by this study constitutes valuable input for the development and periodic
update of water quality criteria required by the Agency under Section 304
and for prediction of biological responses to nutrient and other environ-
mental parameters to aid areawide planners responding to Section 208
of PL92-500.
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CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Summary iv
Figures and Tables ix
List of Abbreviations and Symbols x
Introduction 1
Conclusions 2
Recommendations 3
Materials and Methods 4
General 4
Data Selection 4
Results 6
Common Phytoplankton Genera 6
Seasonal ity 15
Environmental Requirements 20
Dominant Genera „ 39
Andbaena 39
Aphanisomenon 40
Asterionella 41
Chrooaoccus 42
Cryptomcnas 43
Cyolotella . - . 43
Dactylococcopsis 44
Dinobrycn 44
Fragilaria 45
Lyngbya 46
Melosira 46
Merismopedia 47
Miorocystis 47
JH-ltzschia 48
Osoillatoria 49
Raphidiopsis 49
Scenedesmus 50
Stephanodisaus 50
Syn&dra 51
Tabellaria 51
Discussion 53
References 56
Bibliography . 59
Appendix A 61
A-l. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
total phosphorus levels 62
vii
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A-2. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
total Kjeldahl nitrogen levels 66
A-3. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
chlorophyll a_ levels 70
A-4. Occurrence cf 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
N/P ratio values 74
Appendix E. Range of parameter values within three occurrence
categories for Anabaeria3 Cryptcmcnast and
Dinobvyon 78
viii
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FIGURES
Number Page
1-3 Illustrations of the corcmon phytoplankton genera observed
in NES samples 8
4 Percent occurrence of each genus by season 16
5 Percent dominant occurrence of each genus by season 18
TABLES
Number Page
1 Common Phytoplankton Genera by Division 5
2 The Number of Lake-Date Composite Samples in which a Genus
Occurred as a Dominant (DOM), Non-dominant (NONDOM),
and Irrespective of Dominance (OCC) during 3 Sampling
Seasons and Cumulatively (Annual) 14
3 Phytoplankton Genera Ranked by Frequency of Occurrence
and Associated Mean Parameter Values 22
4 Selected Genera Ranked by their Frequency of Dominant
Occurrence and the Mean Parameter Values Associated
with their Dominance 29
5 Comparison of Dominant, Non-dominant, and Non-
occurrence Mean Parameter Values for the 20 most
Common Dominant Genera 35
ix
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS
SPRING - data collected during the first sampling round (March 7 - July
1, 1973)
SUMMER - data collected during the second sampling round (July 5 -
September 18, 1973)
FALL - data collected during the third sampling round (September 19 -
November 14, 1973)
ANNUAL - cumulative data collected through the three sampling rounds
DOM - (numerical dominance) - genus constituted 10 percent or more of the
numerical total cell concentration cf each lake-date* sample in this
category.
NONDOM - (non-dominance) - genus was detected but constituted less than
10 percent of the numerical total cell concentration of each
lake-date sample in this category
OCC - (occurrence) - genus was detected in each lake-date sample repre-
sented in this category
NONOCC - (non-occurrence) - genus was not detected in any of the lake-date
samples represented in this category
MIN - minimum value of a given parameter for the nature of occurrence
indicated
MAX - maximum value of a given parameter for the nature of occurrence
indicated
MEAN - mean value of a given parameter for the nature of occurrence indicated
STOV - standard deviation of the mean
CHLA - chlorophyll a. (yg/1)
TURB - turbidity (% transmission)
*Lake-date (sample, value, information, etc.) denotes specificity for a
given lake on a single sampling date.
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SECCHI - Secchi disc (inches)
PH - standard pH units
DO - dissolved oxygen (mg/1)
TEMP'- temperature (degrees Celsius)
TOTALP - total phosphorus (yg/1)
ORTHOP - dissolved orthophosphorus (yg/1)
N02N03 - nitrite-nitrate nitrogen (yg/1)
NH3 - ammonia nitrogen (yg/1)
KJEL - total Kjeldahl nitrogen (yg/1)
ALK - total alkalinity (expressed as CaC03, mg/1)
N/P - inorganic nitrogen (N02N03 + NH3)/total phosphorus (TOTALP)
CONC - number of cells, colonies, or filaments/ml
PERC - percent composition of numerical total
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INTRODUCTION
During the spring, summer, and fall of 1973, the National Eutrophication
Survey (NES) sampled 250 lakes in 17 states, and collected approximately
750,000 physical and chemical data points. About 180 genera and over 700
phytoplankton species and varieties were observed in the 692 water samples
examined, resulting in nearly 25,000 phytoplankton occurrence records. To
determine phytoplankton water quality relationships in eastern and south-
eastern lakes, the physical, chemical, and biological data collected were
merged. From this merger it has been possible to establish the ranges of
environmental conditions determining the occurrence and relative importance
of phytoplankton taxa.
The physical and chemical lake data were summarized on a seasonal basis
and organized according to phytoplankton numerical dominance or non-dominance
and occurrence or non-occurrence. The summaries provide knowledge of the
specific environmental requirements for each taxon and are useful for the
development of biological tools for monitoring and predicting of water
quality or trophic status.
Summaries of these data were published as a series. Part I (Taylor et
al., 1979) was the first publication of the series "Phytoplankton Water
Quality Relationships in U.S. Lakes." It presents the methods used, rationale
under which the study was carried out, and limitations of the data. Parts
II-V (Williams et al., 1979; Hern et al., 1979; Lambou et al., 1979; Morris
et al., 1979) present environmental conditions associated with absence,
occurrence, and dominance of specific genera in lakes sampled by the NES
in 1973. The purpose of this report is to analyze and summarize the environ-
mental relationships of the 57 most common phytoplankton genera presented
in Parts II-V of this series. A future report, Part VII, will investigate
the utility of information presented here in the development of biological
trophic state indices. Additional interpretative reports and water quality
relationships by species will be published later.
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CONCLUSIONS
1. Phytoplankton genera thrive over such a broad range of environmental
conditions that they cannot be used as indicator organisms.
2. No phytoplankton genera emerged as dependable indicators of any one
or combination of the environmental parameters measured. Some taxa,
however, showed mean values for a number of parameters that consis-
tently reflected either nutrient-enriched or nutrient-poor conditions.
3. Tentative trophic classification indices based upon phytoplankton commu-
nity composition show strong early promise for trophic state assessment.
Preliminary analyses suggest that these new phytoplankton community-based
indices provide more dependable water quality assessment than any of the
commonly-used biological water quality indicators.
4. Some taxa, e.g. Pediastmm and Euglena, were very frequent components of
phytoplankton communities, but rarely achieved high relative numerical
importance within those communities.
5. Most phytoplankton genera were found in samples from all three seasons
and showed no distinct seasonal preference to their occurrence. The
attainment of numerical dominance by a few genera did show strong
seasonality.
6. Flagellates and diatoms were the most common springtime plankton genera,
while the blue-green and coccoid green genera were most common in the
summer and fall.
7. High spring nutrient levels are generally not accompanied by high phyto-
plankton populations. Light and temperature conditions in spring are sub-
optimal for most phytoplankters encountered, and are probably responsible
for this unfulfilled potential.
8. Blue-green algal forms, including several not known to fix elemental
nitrogen, contributed 9 of the 10 genera which attained numerical
dominance in water with a mean inorganic nitrogen/total phosphorus
ratio (N/P) of less than 10 (generally suggestive of nitrogen-limitation).
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RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The occurrence of specific phytoplankton genera, even in high relative
concentration, should not be used as a sole or primary criterion in water
quality assessment or trophic classification of lakes.
2. The potential of phytoplankton community-based trophic indices should be
actively explored, developed and refined. Relationships between phyto-
plankton community structure and composition and environmental conditions
should be examined to determine if they can provide useful indices for
water quality prediction and trophic state characterization.
-------
MATERIALS AND METHODS
GENERAL
This report is based entirely on the information presented in
Parts II-V of the report series Phytgplankton Hater Quality Relationships
in U.S. Lakes that contains data collected during the 1973 MES sampling
year from 250 lakes in 17 states. The states include Alabama, Delaware,
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New
Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Virginia, and West Virginia. For a more complete description of NES rrethods
and the process by which the summary reports (Parts II-V) were developed
see Taylor et al., 1979. Parts II-V summarize in tabular form the range of
physical and chemical conditions associated with the occurrence of each
genus. Four occurrence categories were established for each genus to allow
for comparison between numerical dominance, non-dominance and total occur-
rence, as well as a non-occurrence category that summarizes data associated
with all samples where the genus was not found. Numerical dominance was
assigned to a genus when it constituted 10 percent or more of the numerical
total cell concentration in a lake sample. Non-dominance was assigned to
a genus when it constituted less than 10 percent of the numerical total
cell concentration in a lake sample. Total occurrence is a category that
included all occurrences of each genus whether they be dominant or non-
dominant.
DATA SELECTION
Fifty-seven genera were selected for comparative analysis in this
report (Table 1). Their inclusion and designation as "common" is based
upon their occurrence in at least 10 percent of the 692 samples obtained
during 1973.
This report relies primarily on "ANNUAL" data (all data from all
seasons) from the photic zone. Using data restricted to the photic zone
effectively eliminates extreme conditions from greater depths that have
uncertain short-term effects on the phytoplankton community structure.
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TABLE 1. COMMON PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA BY DIVISION
CHLOROPHYTA Ochrc-ironadales
Chlorococcales Dinobryon
Aetinastman Mallomcnas
Arik-is trodesmus
Coelaetrurr. CYANOPHYTA
Cruc-igen-ia Oscil laton'ales
Dictyosphaerium Lyrgbya
Golenkin-ia Csci I latoria
Ktrehnerie lla
Lagerheimia Nostocales
Oocystis Anabaena
Pediastrwn Anabaencpsis
Eeenedesmus Aphanizomenon
Schroederia Raphidiopsis
Tetraedron
Treubaria Chroococcales
Chroc coccus
Vol vocal es Coelosphaeriim
Chlamydomonas . Dactylococccpsis
Chlorogoniwn Merisnioped-ia
Fandorina MicTocystis
Zygnematales PYRROPHYTA
Closterium Ceratiwn
Ccsmarium Glenod-ir.-iim
Euastnm Gymnodinium
Staurastrtm
CHRYSOPHYTA EUGLENOPHYTA
Central es Euglena
CyloteZla Phacus
Melcsira Trackelcmonas
Stephanodiscus
CRYPTOPHYTA
Pennales Cryptomonas
Achnanthes
Asterionella
Cocoone-is
Cymbella
Fragilaria
Gamphonema
Gurosigma
Navicula
H-itzschia
Surirella
Synedra
Tabellaria
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RESULTS
COMMON PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA
Table 1 lists the 57 common phytoplankton genera by taxonomic division
that were selected for discussion in this report. Figures 1-3 provide
illustrated examples of representative species of each genus. That green
algae (Chlorophyta) contributed the most genera of any division is not sur-
prising, as it is a large and diverse grouping. Most of the genera, however,
were from one order, the Chlorococcales, widely recognized for its contri-
bution to planktonic communities. Several flagellated and desmid genera were
also common planktonic green algae.
The pennate diatoms are much more diverse than the freshwater centric
diatoms at the generic level as well as the species level, hence, the
seemingly disproportionate number of pennate diatom genera on the list. It
should be noted, however, that Melosira, a centric diatom, was the most
common genus encountered in the survey. It occurred in 88 percent of the
samples examined (Table 2). Other Chrysophyta included the flagellated genera
Dinobryon and Mallomonas.
The blue-green algae (Cyanophyta) were also widely distributed, often
forming dominant constituents in the phytoplankton community structure.
Several genera from each of three major orders (Oscillatoriales, Nostocales,
and Chroococcales) were represented in the lake samples.
The two remaining algal divisions, Euglenophyta and Cryptophyta, were
represented by just four genera between them. Euglena and Cryptomonas,
however, were among the ten genera most commonly encountered (Table 2).
Table 2 is an alphabetical list of the 57 genera under discussion
including the number of samples within which each occurred. It is organized
by season (spring, summer, and fall) with an additional category (annual)
listing the total number of sample occurrences. Each seasonal category is
subdivided to show the number of times a given genus occurred as a dominant,
a non-dominant, and without regard to dominance. The category OCC RANK denotes
the taxon's relative position in a ranking of the 57 genera from highest
frequency of total occurrence to lowest.
Melosira was the most common genus encountered in NES lakes sampled in
1973 (Table 2). Other genera of importance, in descending order of total
sample occurrences are Scenedesmust Synedra, Cyclotella, Oscillatoria,
Euglena, Cryptomonas, Naviculat Nitzsch-ia, Andbaenaf and Mierocystis. All
occurred in 50 percent or more of the samples examined. Pediastmm,
Merismopedia, Tetraedron, Coelastrwr., Dactylococcopsis and Lyngbya occurred
in 40 to 50 percent of the samples examined.
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Figure 1. Illustrations of the common phytoplankton genera observed
in NES samples.
1. Actinastrttm
2. Ariki-strodesmus
3. Coetastnan
4. Crucigenia
5. Dictyosphaerium
6. Golerikinia
7. Kirchnerie1 la
8. Lagerheimia
9. Oocystis
10. Pediastrum
11. Scenedesmus
1 2 ,
13.
1 4 ,
15.
1 6 .
1 7 .
18.
1 9 .
20,
21.
Schroederia
Tetvaedron
Ch lamydomonas
Chlorogontwn
Pandorina
Closteriim
Cosmarium
Euastmm
Staurastrum
1 from "The Freshwater Algae of the United States" by G, M. Smith.
Copyright 1950 by McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc, Used wtth per-
mission of McGraw-Hill Book Company.
2, 5, 7-9, and 19 from Taylor (in press).
17 from "Algae of the Western Great Lakes Area" by G. W, Prescott,
Copyright 1962 by G. W. Prescott. Used wtth permission of tfie
author.
20 from "A Synopsis of North American Desmids" by G, W. Prescott,
H. T. Croasdale, and W. C. Vinyard. Copyright 1977 by University
of Nebraska Press. Used with permission of the author,
18 and 21 from "The Algae of Illinois" by L. H, Tiffany and M, E,
Britton. Copyright 1952 by Mrs. L. H. Tiffany. Used with per-
mission of the administrator of Mrs. L. H. Tiffany's estate.
8
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Figure 2. Illustrations of the common phytoplankton genera observed
in NES samples.
1. Cyototelta 9. Gomphonema
2. Uelosiva 10. Gyposigma
3. StephanodLscus 11. Navicula
4. Aohncmthes 12. Nitsschia
5. Asterionella 13. Surirella
6. Cocooneis 14. Synedra
7. Cymbella 15. Tdbellaria
8. Fragi'lorla
1, 2, 8, and 11-13 from Weber 1966.
3-6, 9, 10, and 14 from "The Algae of Illinois" by L. H. Tiffany
and M. E. Britton. Copyright 1952 by Mrs. L. H. Tiffany. Used
with permission of the administrator of Mrs. L. H. Tiffany's
estate.
15 from "The Freshwater Algae of the United States" by G. M.
Smith. Copyright 1950 by McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc.
Used with permission of McGraw-Hill Book Company.
10
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xllOO
11
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Figure 3 Illustrations of the common phytoplankton genera observed
in NES samples.
1. Dinobryon
2. Mallomonas
3. Anabaenopsis
4. Raphidiopsis
5. Oscillatoria
6. Anabaena
7. Aphanizomenon
8. Lyngbya
9. ChrooGOoaus
10. Coelosphaerium
11. Dactylococcopsis
12. M-icrocystis
13. MeirismopedLa
14. Ceratium
15. Glenodinium
16. Gymnodiniiffn
17. Trachelomonas
18. Peridiniwn
19. Crn/p tomonas
20. Phacus
21. Euglena
1, 2, 7-10, 12, 13, 15, 18, and 21 from "Algae of the Western
Great Lakes Area" by G. W. Prescott. Copyright 1962 by G. W.
Prescott. Used with permission of the author.
3 from "The Freshwater Algae of the United States" by G. M.
Smith. Copyright 1950 by McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. Used
with permission of McGraw-Hill Book Company.
5 and 17 from Taylor ( in press).
6 and 20 from "The Algae of Illinois" by L. H. Tiffany and
M. E. Britton. Copyright 1952 by Mrs. L. H. Tiffany. Used
with permission of the administrator of Mrs. L. H. Tiffany's
estate.
16 from "Handbook of Algae" by H. S. Forest. Copyright 1954 by
The University of Tennessee Press. Used with permission of The
University of Tennessee Press.
12
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O x600
13
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TABLE 2.
THE NUMBER OF LAKE-DATE COMPOSITE SAMPLES IN WHICH A GENUS OCCURRED
AS A DOMINANT (DOM), NON-DOMINANT (NONDOM), AND IRRESPECTIVE OF
DOMINANCE (OCC) DURING 3 SAMPLING SEASONS AND CUMULATIVELY (ANNUAL).
A RANKING (OCC RANK) OF THE GENERA BY OCC, HIGHEST TO LOWEST, IS
PRESENTED FOR EACH SEASONAL GROUPING.
GENUS
AchnanifiGS
Actinastnm
Anabaenopeia
Ankiatrodeanoia
Aphanizcmeron
Ceratitfi
Chlaajdomnas
Chlorogomim
Chrooeoccua
CZoateriwt
Coflosphoerimt
Cnurigenia
CryptavmcB
Cyolottlla
Cyntelta
Dacty locooeopeia
Diotyoephaeriiri
Dinobryor.
Euastnan
Buglma
Ffagilana
Glercdiniaa
Garxhcneria
Oymtodin-ivn
Gyrcsigpxz
Kircnneriella
lyngbga
Mcllononas
Mflcsira
Heriemcpedia
tticrocystie
Savicula
Ktxeclritx
Ooayatia
Oaoillatoria
Pandorina
PfdiastruK
Pfridiniua
Fhacue
Paphidiopeis
Semedeamts
Sohroedaria
Staufaatmn
Sttptumodiaaia
Surirella
Sj/ntdra
Tabfllaria
Tttraidron
Trachtlononaf
Trmtaria
SPRING (ZOZ saapl
NOM
DOM DOM OCC
0
2
5
2
5
7
27
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
36
18
0
7
0
15
0
3
15
0
2
0
2
0
1
0
15
2
92
1
6
3
4
2
21
0
0
2
0
2
12
1
0
30
0
18
7
1
2
0
41
26
62
B
71
19
87
16
33
11
30
44
45
47
11
34
38
100
105
77
69
41
71
11
103
61
33
20
38
34
30
31
21
39
49
87
46
43
134
119
38
99
38
61
34
44
24
124
33
52
66
48
137
34
56
60
10
41
28
67
10
76
26
114
16
33
11
30
45
45
47
11
35
39
136
123
77
76
41
86
11
106
76
33
22
38
36
30
32
21
54
51
179
47
49
137
123
4O
120
38
61
36
44
26
136
3ft
52
96
48
155
41
57
62
10
OCC
SANK
31
47
17
56
14
48
9
52
42
53
45
28
29
26
54
40
35
4
6
13
15
32
12
55
10
16
43
50
36
38
46
44
51
21
23
1
27
24
3
7
34
8
37
19
39
30
49
5
41
22
11
25
2
33
20
18
57
NOM OCC
DOM DOM OCC RANK
5
0
14
4
1
19
6
0
2
0
7
1
0
5
2
1
0
16
38
0
20
1
7
0
2
16
3
0
1
0
0
2
0
49
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74
10
22
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11
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104
112
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115
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168
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52
206
148
148
117
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10
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DOM
1
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14
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DON
DOM
53
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31
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96
98
110
123
51
88
77
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40
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48
31
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70
32
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56
133
122
124
136
108
68
121
37
142
39
109
55
193
69
110
80
31
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40
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1 7
OCC
OCC RANK
54
38
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33
94
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ANNUAL (692 samcles")
SON
DOM DOM OCC
6
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93 95
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76 83
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113 154
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156 158
136 140
76 76
160 179
234 238
115 115
281 287
78 84
233 236
240 242
322 393
358 441
170 170
229 287
184 185
190 221
77 77
400 408
170 215
107 111
124 126
76 77
85 87
79 80
155 163
84 84
187 286
156 162
352 607
306 328
293 346
385 391
344 372
177 182
323 428
116 116
333 333
148 154
251 253
132 177
503 553
177 179
270 271
202 275
99 99
414 462
102 122
319 324
94 94
OCC
RANK
40
47
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14
-------
The number of samples in which a genus is detected is not necessarily an
indication of its ability to attain community dominance. While Melosira
occurred more frequently than any other genus both as a dominant and non-
dominant, Ecenedesmus, the second most common genus, attained dominance only
9 percent of the tirr.e. Several other genera (Euglena* No,viculat fediastrurr^
Tetraedron, and Coelastrwn] are of special interest because they occurred
in more than 40 percent of the samples (>_ 277/692), but were dominant in less
than 2 percent of the samples. Pediastrurr. never occurred as a numerical
dominant.
SEASONALITY
All 57 genera occurred during each season (Table 2), SPRING (3/7-7/1),
SUMMER (7/5-9/18), and FALL (9/19-11/14) of 1973. In fact, many of the genera
occurred as dominants in all three of the seasons. The lack of clear seasonal
preferences by various genera may be the result of several factors: (1) Data
presented at the generic level, in many cases, lumps species with wide differ-
ences in environmental requirements, resulting in seasonal occurrence overlap,
(2) Because of abnormal weather conditions in the south during 1973, several
lakes received their first sampling as late as July 1, (3) Also, the length
and nature of seasons vary between states, e.g., Florida versus Pennsylvania,
(4) A wide range of lake-types were encountered in the study, varying consider-
ably with respect to morphornetry, residence time, turbidity, heat budget, and
other lake-type descriptors, and (5) Perhaps the most important reason that
many forms were less than discriminating with respect to seasonal occurrence
is that the ranges of conditions permitting at least limited growth of most
phytoplankton genera are very broad and reflect the range of normal lake
conditions encountered in a particular season.
There are, however, some seasonal trends for each genus that are infor-
mative when examined closely. To illustrate seasonal preference, percent
occurrence and percent dominant occurrence were calculated for each genus by
season and are presented in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. The percentages
should be interpreted in conjunction with the total number of occurrences (N)
since the total number of samples containing specific forms varied consider-
ably, e.g., 76 for Chlorogonivm, 607 for Melosira (Figure 4).
Only 5 genera (Asterionella, Gorrphonema, Surirella, Cymbella, and
Gyrmcdiniwn] had at least 40 percent of their occurrences in spring samples
(Figure 4). This is in sharp contrast with summer and fall samples where 21
and 25 genera, respectively, had at least 40 percent of their occurrences.
These data reflect the more restrictive environmental conditions found in
spring that are conducive to good growth for a limited range of phytoplankton
organisms occupying lake systems. Light conditions during the summer and
temperature conditions during summer and fall generally favor a greater
variety of forms.
Asterionella and-Raphidiopsis are the only forms among those showing
strong seasonal preferences in their general occurrence (Figure 4) that fre-
quently appeared as dominants. Seventy-seven percent of the Asterionella
dominant occurrences were in spring samples (Figure 5). By comparison,
Osaillatoria did not show strong seasonal preference in general occurrence
15
-------
0%
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Closteviwn
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Crucigenia
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Cyolotella
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Figure 4. Percent occurrence of each genus by season: SPRING f1. SUMMER
CUD > and FALL fc::::::::3. N is the total number of samples in which
the genus was detected. (Continued on page 17)
-------
0%
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Gyrmodinium
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Figure 4. (Continued) Percent occurrence of each genus by season: SPRING I
SUMMER CUD, and FALL EH3- N is the tota'i number of samples in
which the genus was detected.
17
-------
Aohnanthes
Aot-inastnm
Anabaena
Anabaenopsis
Ankistrodesmus
Aphanizomenon
Asterionella
Ceratiwn
Chlamydomonas
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Coelastrwn
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Dinobryon
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Percent dominant occurrence of each genus by season: SPRING I""• i
SUMMER f 1. and FALL ESiD. N is the total number of samples in
which the genus represented 10% or more of the total cell count.
(Continued on page 19)
18
-------
0%
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Merismopedia g 45 ' i. 22
MieroeysUs W\ 42 I. JP ^Sljj^liifS 53
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ScenedesntUS ** ^ g:::::::::::::::;:::::;::::^?;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:::;:;:^^ 50
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Figure 5. (Continued) Percent dominant occurrence of each genus by season:
SPRING CIDt SUMMER I ). and FALL EB. N is the total number of
samples in which the genus represented 10% or more of the total cell
count.
19
-------
but as a dominant is an important summer form. Similarly, the preference of
Dinobryon for spring conditions is only apparent in data from its occurrence
as a dominant (Figure 5). It should be noted that little can be inferred
from apparent "uniseasonal" relationships (e.g., Actinastrum and Ceratium)
derived from only one or a few occurrences.
Flagellates and diatoms were the most common springtime plankton genera
while blue-green and chlorococcalean genera were most common in the summer
and fall. Diatoms were quite important in all three seasons. However, their
outstanding prevalence over other groups in the spring is most probably due
to the relative inability of members of the other groups to grow as well as
diatoms under springtime conditions. As mentioned earlier, nutrient levels
in the spring would generally support higher phytoplankton populations than
were noted.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
As would be expected, most genera were found to occur over extremely wide
ranges or conditions. To illustrate the point, range diagrams for the respec-
tive occurrence categories of each genus have been prepared for the following
parameters: total phosphorus (TOTALP), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (KOEL),
chlorophyll a (CHLA), and inorganic nitrogen/total phosphorus ratio (N/P)
(Appendices A~-l through A-4, respectively). Direct comparisons of the ranges
of conditions, in which a genus occurred or attained numerical dominance with
those conditions under which it was not detected at all, clearly demonstrate
the breadth of both the conditions favorable to the phytoplankton genera and
the overlap of conditions supporting widely dissimilar genera. In many cases
the ranges of conditions supporting a given genus were no different than
those under which that genus was not detected. In Appendix B, the range of
all available parameter values associated with dominance, non-dominance, and
occurrence (general occurrence without respect to dominant status) are pre-
sented using Andbaena, Cryptomcnas* and Dinobryon as representative examples.
To illustrate the range overlap typically encountered when making
generic comparisons, the two genera having the largest and smallest mean
total phosphorus values were examined. Actinastman had the highest mean
TOTALP (287 vg/liter) associated with its distribution while Tdbellaria had
the lowest mean TOTALP (42 yg/liter) of the 57 genera considered in this
report (Appendix A-l). Even though they represent the extremes in mean
total phosphorus, enough overlap occurred in their ranges to substantially
reduce their usefulness as general indicators of either high total phosphorus
in the case of Actinastwm or low total phosphorus in the case of Tdbellaria.
Considering dominant occurrence, Scenedesmus and Tabellaria were the
genera with the largest and smallest TOTALP values, 351 yg/1 and 22 yg/1
respectively (Appendix A-l). One might expect ranges to narrow appreciably
since attaining dominance presumably requires near optimal conditions for
growth and reproduction. What was found, however, is that the range of TOTALP
values for the two genera overlapped. Although the upper end of the Tdbellaria
range was well below the mean value of Scenedesmus, the entire range of
Tabellaria was encompassed by the range of Saenedesmus.
20
-------
The wide bands of overlap, even with genera seemingly at opposite ends
of the spectrum, practically eliminate the more common phytoplankton genera
as effective, stand-alone indicators of environmental conditions. A number
of genera appear to have a narrow range of TOTALP values as dominants (e.g.,
AchnantheS} Aotinastnant and Gyrmodiniwn). The narrow ranges may have
resulted from the small number of dominant occurrences recorded rather than
truly restrictive requirements. If an organism has such unique requirements
or is able to outcompete other organisms only under very unusual conditions,
it will generally be quite rare in the "normal" range of lake conditions and
therefore relatively useless in classifying most lake waters.
It is desirable to identify trends in the physical and chemical conditions
associated with specific genera and to provide means for comparative analysis
among genera. To accomplish these, a series of tables was constructed which
rank the 57 genera by mean parameter values (Table 3).
The first column in Table 3 presents, in rank order, the total number
of occurrences of each of the genera. There is a total of 692 sample possi-
bilities in which each genus could have occurred. In subsequent columns the
genera are ranked by their mean values on a parameter-by-parameter basis.
Assuming total phosphorus levels to provide a general index of nutrient
enrichment, and chlorophyll a_ levels as a best estimate of the biological
manifestations of such nutrients, several interesting trends can be noted.
Based upon these criteria two groups of genera, one at each extreme for both
parameters, were identified. Each group with few exceptions, retained its
integrity for the remaining parameters as well. .
The seven genera associated with levels of TOTALP >200 yg/1 (see Table 3)
were tracked through the other physical and chemical factor rankings. Note
that they represent seven of the eight highest CHLA values. Similarly, five
genera associated with levels of TOTALP <70 yg/1 (the same five represent the
five lowest CHLA values) were tracked. These two groups will be referred to
as the nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor groups, respectively. The final group
specifically tracked through the various rankings of mean parameter values is
comprised of the blue-green algal representatives. The blue-greens are well
known in their role as problem algae in lakes and reservoirs.
Among the seven nutrient-rich genera, Actinastman and Anabaenopsis were
in the top 10 for 10 of 13 parameters, Sohroederia and Raphidiopsis for nine,
Chlorogonium for eight, and Golerikinia and Lagerheimia for seven of the 13
parameters. Raphidiopsis was the only genus among the seven that occurred
commonly as a numerical dominant (45 dominant occurrences). The others, al-
though quite common, rarely attained numerical dominance.
The nutrient-rich group consists of four chlorococcaleans (Chlorcphyta),
one green flagellate (Chlorophyta) and two filamentous blue-green (Cyanophyta)
genera. While Lagerheimia has about 10 species reported in the United States,
the other genera have very few species and not all of these were detected in
NES samples. Therefore data trends suggested at the genus level oftentimes
may be attributed to the influence of only one of two species. All seven
genera were summer and fall forms while Actinastnan and Lagerheimia also
occurred equally in spring.
21
-------
TABLE 3. PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA RANKED BY FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE AND
ASSOCIATED MEAN PARAMETER VALUES
FREQUENCY TOTALP
GENUS OF OCCURRENCE (yg/1)
Meloeira
Soenedesmus
Eynedra
Cyclotella
+Cecillatoria
Euglena
Cryptomonae
Navicula
Kitzechia
*Anabaena
* MicrocyetiB
Pediaatrum
* Merismopedia
Tctraedron
Ccelastner.
* Daaty lococcopaie
^P- JjUflffGIJG
Stephanodiscua
Stccurastrum
AnkiBtrodesmie
Phacus
Crucigenia
CloBteriten
Coemariim
Trachelomonae
•$ Dinobrycn
Fragilaria
•$ Aeterione I la
Dictyoephaeriitn
Oocyetie
+Chroococcu8
®Schroederia
ft+Raphidiopeia
Cymbella
Kirchneriella
Mallomonas
QCeratium
*Aphanizomenon
^Peridinium ,
Achnonthee
Chlamydomonaa
® Golenkinia
QTabellaria
Pandcrina
Coceoneie
- Glenodinivm
Surirella
® Actixastrum
Treubaric
Gyrmodinium
i- Coe losphaerium
®Lagerheimia
&>*Anabaenopie
Gyroeigma
Euaatrum
Gomphonera
® Chloroganiun
607
553
462
441
428
408
393
391
374
356
346
333
328
324
287
287
286
275
271
255
253
242
238
236
228
221
215
198
185
182
179
179
177
170
163
162
158
154
154
144
140
126
122
116
115
111
99
95
94
87
84
84
83
80
77
77
76
«•> Actinaetrum
sis Chlorogonium
® Golenkinia
® Lagerheitnia
(*>* Anabaenopeis
®Schroederia
®+Raphidiop8ie
Chlamydomonae
Diatyoephaeriien
Phacus
+ Chroococous
Kirehneriella
i-tieristnopedia
^•MiorooyBtis
PediaBtnen
Tetraedron
vDacty lococaopeie
CloBterium
'Euglena
Treubaria
Coelaetnm
Pandorina
ScenedeemuB
Surirella
f-Oecillatoria
Crucigenia
Ankistrodesrms
Oocyetie
*Anabaena
Cyclotella
Stephanodiecua
Co'Bmarium
Trachelomonaa
Cryptomonae
Kiteechia
Glenodinivm
Cocconeis
iLyngbya
Meloeira
f-Aphanisomenon
Gymnodiniian
Synedra
Gyroaigma
fkcviaula
f- Coe loephaariien
Stouraatnen
Cymbella
Gomphonena
EuaBtnm
Mallcmonae
Fragilaria
Achnanthee
® Peridinium
Q> Cerativm
QDinobryon
® Aetericnella
QTabellaria
287
271
245
243
238
227
212
199
197
192
191
184
176
167
166
165
164
156
153
146
142
138
135
135
135
133
129
129
127
126
126
125
118
116
116
113
112
110
109
103
101
98
95
94
93
91
91
91
89
85
82
74
66
62
60
56
42
ORTHOP
GENUS (yg/1)
Qtotbwtrm
t§ Chlorogonium
® Golenkinia
® Lagerheimia
® Schroederia
® *Anabaenopsie
® * Raphidiopeis
+Chroocoacu8
Chlamydomonas
Dictyosphaerium
Kirchneriella
* Meriemopedia
* Daaty loaocaopeis
* Microcys tia
Tetraedron
Pediaetnm
Phacue
Cloeterium
Pandorina
Treubaria
Euglena
Scenedeemue
Coelaetnan
f Oaail latoria
Cyalotella
Surirella
Cruoigenia
AnkietrodeenruB
Coemarivm
Oocyetis
StephanodiacuB
Coceoneie
Cryptomonae
NitzBchia
Melosira
Glenodiniwn
Euaetnm
Troche lomonae
* Coeloaphaerium
* Aphanizomenon
StauraBtrum
Navicula
Cymbella
Synedra
Fragilaria
Gyroaigma
Aahnanthee
Mallomonas
Gomphonetna
Gymnodinium
^> Peridinium
3> Ceratium
<& Dinobryon
<*> Aeterionella
$ Tabellaria
149
147
142
126
115
114
109
107
105
105
94
87
87
83
81
80
79
71
70
64
63
63
63
62
60
58
57
57
56
53
52
50
49
49
48
47
45
43
41
41
40
38
35
34
34
34
31
30
29
29
28
27
26
24
24
17
14
^Continued)
® ntitrient-rlch group: mean TOTALP > 200 u9/1
(•} nutrfent-poor group: mean TOTALP < 70 wg/1
* blue-green algae
22
-------
TABLE 3. PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA RANKED BY FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE AND
ASSOCIATED MEAN PARAMETER VALUES (Continued)
NC2N03
GENUS (yg/l)
Surirella
Gomphonema
Gyrosigma
Stephanodiecus
®Actinastrum
Gyrnnodinium
Trache lomonas
Euglena
Cryptomonae
Synedra
Navicula
Nitzschia
Cyclotella
QAaterionella
Glenodiniian
Cymbella
Chlamydomonas
Phacus
Pandorina
Meloeira
+Dactylococcopaia
Cocconeis
Cloaterium
Ankia trodeamua
Fragilaria
+Cscillatoria
Coelaetrum
® Schroederia
Scenedeemua
QDinobryon
* Aphanizcmenon
Achnanthes
® Chlorogoniim
Kirchneriella
Cruaigenia
® Lagerheimia
Pediaetrum
*Meriemopedia
Mai lomonae
QCeratium
Oocyatia
Treuboria
QTabellaria
® *Raphidiopeie
+Anabaena
Dictyoephaerium
+Miarocyetis
Tetraedron
QPeridinium
®Golenkinia
Staurastrm
+Lyngbya
CoBmariien
+Coelo8phaerium
t-Chroococcue
® * Anabaenopeie
Euaetrum
(Continued)
1146
963
925
850
799
714
701
693
683
634
634
629
611
605
599
572
568
565
558
531
523
520
512
508
499
496
492
489
481
478
464
456
453
434
425
423
422
413
406
383
379
371
363
361
351
348
347
335
334
330
325
310
287
274
239
197
145
GENUS
® Aotinaetnm
Surirella
® Lagerheimia
®+Raphidiopsie
® Schroederia
Pandorina
Coelaetnan
Phacus
Ch lamydomonae
Pediaetrum
Dictyoephaerium
Trachelomonae
iMeriemopedia
Oocyetis
Euglena
®Golenkinia
^Aphanizcmenon
tGscillatoria
Gyroeigma
Cloaterium
+Dactylococccpeie
*Anabaena
Cyclotella
Tetraedron
Cryptomonae
Stauraatrum
*Chroococcii8
Navicula
Meloeira
Scenedeemua
Cocconeie
Kirohneriella
'Gofftphonetna
Cruaigenia
Ankie trodeemue
Synedra
Cymbella
Nitzechia
Glenodiniian
® * Anabaenopeie
Coemariwn
Fragilaria
® Chlorogoniim
Stephanodiecue
* Coeloephaerium
Mallcmonae
+Lyngbya
<*> Cerativm
Gymnodinium
Achnanthee
QDinobryon
Treubaria
{«} Asterionella
<&Tabellaria
Euaetrum
QPeridinitan
NH3
(ug/i)
157
154
149
145
137
136
133
132
132
130
130
128
128
128
126
125
124
124
123
122
122
121
119
119
118
117
116
116
116
116
116
115
115
114
114
113
113
113
113
113
112
111
110
108
108
106
106
106
103
103
100
100
99
96
95
91
91
GENUS
® Lagerheimia
® * Anabaenopeie
® Chlorogoniim
* Chcoococcus
® Schroederia
® Actinas trim
® Golenkinia
Dictyoephaerium
® ^Raphidiopsie
Oocyatia
+MicrocyetiB
+Meriamopedia
Kirchnerie lla
Tetraedron
Phacue
Pediastnm
Tfeubaria
Coemariwn
Closterium
Chlamydomonas
Coelastrum
+Lyngbya
+Aphanizomencn
Crucigenia
* Coeloephaerium
*Dacty loooccope is
Glenodiniim
Scenedesmus
Euglena
Staurastfum
Ankia trodesrnue
+0aoillatoria
Gyrnnodinium
Cyclotella
Stephanodiscue
Troche lomonas
Cryptomonaa
Meloaira
Surirella
Fragilaria
Nitzechia
Cocconeie
Euastmm
Gyroaigma
Mallomonas
Navicula
Synedra
® Ceratiian
Gomphonema
Pandori na
^> Peridinium
Cymbella
•$• Dinobryon
® Asterionella
QtTabellaria
KJEL
(yg/D
1717
1697
1592
1529
1526
1523
1515
1398
1386
1380
1367
1363
1347
1326
1307
1307
1300
1285
1279
1232
1207
1202
1175
1155
1146
1141
1138
1133
1125
1109
1104
1087
1081
1032
1018
. 1016
1006
1001
999
996
990
975
958
930
923
923
921
870
850
845
830
828
010
OAO
807
707
627
582
® nutrient-rich group: mean TOTALP > 200 ug/1
{«}nutrient-poor group: mean TOTALP < 70 ug/1
* blue-green algae
23
-------
TABLE 3. PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA RANKED BY FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE AND
ASSOCIATED MEAN PARAMETER VALUES (Continued)
GENUS
® Chlorogonium
® Schroederia
® Aotinaetnan
$ Lagerheimia
® *Anabaenopsie
®GolerJcinia
Treubaric
®+Raphidiopsis
+Chrooeoccue
Dictyoephaeriwn
Tetraedron
Kirchnerie I la.
t-Kicrocyetis
Phaeus
*Meriemopedia
Pediastrum
Oooystie
Coelastnor.
Chlcanydcmcmae
Cosmariian
Cloeteriutn
Cmtcigenia
Ankistrodeemue
Gtfmodinivm
*Aphani samenon
Euglena
Glenodiniim
Stepbanodiacus
Soenedeemte
*DaetylecoccopsiB
*0acillatoria
*Coe losphaeriim
+Anabaena
*Lyngbya
Stauraatrua
Traahelanonae
Sitxschia
eurirella
Cyolotella
Cryptemonaa
Uallomonoe
Heloeiro.
Bovicula
Gyrosigma
Coaconeie
Fragirlana
Synedra
Cymbella
Achwnthes
Gctitphonemct
Euastnm
Pandorina
®Peridi.niim
QCgratium
QAsterionella
QDincbryon
QTabellar-ia
CHLA
(yg/D
54.6
52.8
52.3
52.0
50.6
50.2
44.1
43.6
42.4
39.9
37.9
37.8
37.5
37.5
37.1
37.0
36.9
34.0
33.1
33.0
32.9
31.1
30.7
30.7
30.2
30.0
29.9
29.6
29.6
29.4
29.0
28.9
28.5
28.2
26.9
26.7
26.7
26.2
25.9
25.3
24.8
24.8
23.3
22.7
22.3
21.8
21.4
19.8
18.5
18.4
18.3
18.0
17.9
16.6
13.4
12.9
10.5
GENUS
® * Arabaenopeie
Euaatrum
+Chrooooooue
®Golenkiiria
® +Baphidiop8ia
Dictyoephaefiun
® Lagerheimia
Treuboria
Tetraedron
Coemarium
®Schroederia
Pediastrum
Kircknerie lla
® Actinaatmm
Chlconydomonoa
* Meriemopedio.
tMicrocyatie
^Lyngbya
®Chl orogoniim
+Anabaena
t-Daa-tyloooeoopeia
Stcnofaetnan
Oooyetia
Phooue
'Cloaterium
Crueigenia
fartdorina
*0aaillatoria
Coooonsia
Scenedeemte
Coeloatmm
Ankiatrodeemuo
Bugle-no.
* Aphon-iscmenon
* Coe loephaerium
Achnanthee
TraohelanonaB
SitzBchia
Helosira
HallcmonoB
Gyrveigma
GyrnnodinUan
Fragilaria
Czyptomonaa
Hooicula
Cymbella
QPerdinium
Stephanodiecue
Cyolotella
Synedra
Surirella
GlentxKnium
QCeratiw
Gamphonema
•$ Aeterionella
QTabellaria
fyDinobryon
N/P
3.3
4.7
6.0
6.0
7.1
7.1
7.6
7.9
7.9
8.1
8.3
8.4
8.6
8.9
9.1
9.1
9.3
9.4
9.7
9.8
9.9
9.9
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.6
10.6
10.6
10.9
11.1
11.3
11.3
12.2
12.2
12.3
12.3
12.5
12.8
13.0
13.4
13.4
14.3
14.3
14.6
14.6
14.7
14.7
14.9
14.9
15.1
15.2
15.4
15.7
16.3
16.9
18.0
19.2
ALK
GENUS (mg/1 as CaCO-})
* Aphxni-zonenon
Stephanodiscue
Cocaoneis
Ooayetie
Cloeteriim
Phacue
®Sehroederia
® Chlofogonvum
®Aatinaet]nim
Cryptcmoxas
® Lagerheimia
QCerativm
Gomplnonema
Gymrtodinivn
Siarirella
Glenodinium
Fragilaria
Dictyoephaeriian
* Miaroaye tie
Coelastpum
* Coeloephaeriim
Chlamydomonae
Traohelomonae
Cymbella
Euglena
+0acillat0ria
® +Raphidiopei8
Gyroeigma
Navicula
Cmoigenia
Mallomonae
* Merismapedia
Cyalotella
Soenedesmue
Pediaetnm
•& Dinobryor.
Nitsteahia
Melosira
Ankietrodeernue
® * Anabaenopai B
Synedra
* DaetylococcopB-is
Coemxriwn
*Anabaena
Achnanthee
+Lyngbya
Rirchnevie I la
Tetraedron
+Chroococcite
Treuboria
Stauraetrw
QAeterionella
QtPeridiniw
® Golenkinia
Pandorina
Euaetmm
QTabellaria
111
101
95
94
92
90
90
87
86
86
85
85
85
84
84
84
83
81
80
79
79
79
79
79
79
78
78
77
76
76
75
75
73
73
73
72
71
71
70
70
70
69
68
68
68
68
68
68
65
59
59
59
56
54
52
39
34
(Continued)
® nutrient-rich group: mean TOTALP > 200 ug/1
Qnutrient-poor group: mean TOTALP < 70 ug/1
« blue-green algae
24
-------
TABLE 3. PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA RANKED BY FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE AND
ASSOCIATED MEAN PARAMETER VALUES (Continued)
GENUS
GENUS
PH
GENUS
DO
(mg/1)
Treubaria
® * Anabaenopeie
®Golenkinia
Euaetrwn
+Merismopedia
t-Chroococcue
Coemarium
QPeridinium
® +Raphidiopeia
+Lyngbya
*Anabaena
Tetraedron
Pediastrm
Coelaetrum
t-MicrocystiB
®Sahroederia
Kirchneriella
Crucigenia
Stauraetmm
QCeratium
® Chlorogonium
® Lagerheimia
Pandorina
+Daaty loaoccopeie
Cloeterium
Dictyoephaeriion
Phacue
Scenedeemue
Oocyetie
Chlamydcmonae
Cyolotella
®Aotina8tnm
tOecillatoria
Euglena
*Aphanizomenon
Glenodinim
Traohelomonae
Meloeira
NitsBchia
Achnanthee
Synedra
t-Coe loephaerium
Ankie trodeamte
Mallomonae
Cryptomonae
Gyroaigma
Navicula
QTabellaria
Fragilaria
Gymnodinium
Stephanodiacue
Cooooneis
•® Dinobryon
Cymbella
Gomphonema
Surirella
QAsterionella
(Continued)
25.0
24.9
24.8
24.1
24.0
24.0
23.8
23.7
23.7
23.6
23.4
23.4
23.2
23.2
23.2
23.2
23.1
23.1
23.0
23.0
23.0
22.8
22.8
22.7
22.5
22.4
22.4
22.3
22.3
22.2
22.2
22.1
22.1
22.0
21.8
21.8
21.7
21.7
21.6
21.6
21.4
21.4
21.4
21.3
21.1
20.9
20.8
20.7
20.4
20.4
20.4
20.2
19.8
19.3
19.0
18.6
18.5
®Lagerheima
®+ Anabaenopeie
® Chlorogonium
®Golenkinia
* Aphanizomenon
® Aatinae trum
Fragilaria
+Microcyetie
®Schroederia
Oocyetie
Coelaetrum
Phacue
Stephanodiacus
*Coe loephaeriim
Cha lamydomonae
Treubaria
t-Heriemopedia
®+Raphidiopaia
Pediaetrum
*-Chrcoaoecue
Die tyoephaerim
Coemarium
Tetraedron
Kirchneriella
Euglena
Ankie trodeemue
Navicula
Achnanthee
Nitzechia
Cloeterium
*Anabaena
QCeratium
Coeconeie
Soenedeemte
+Dactyloooceop8ia
Cryptomonae
*Lyngbya
*0ecillatoria
Gynmodinivm
Glenodinivm
Gonphonena
Synedra
Surirella
Pandorina
Mallomonae
Stauraetmm
Crucigenia
Trachelomonae
Cymbella
Gyrosigma
Meloaira
Cyclotella
® Dinobryon
QPeridinivm
Euaatnm
QAaterionella
GTabellaria
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.1
Euaetrum
QCeratiwn
® +Raphidiopsia
® *Anabaenopsi8
^Merismopedia
*Andbaena
Troche lamonae
QPeridinium
+Lyngbya
Crucigenia
Phacus
Staruastrum
Treubaria
Coemarium
Achranthee
Coel-aetnan
Cloeteriion
Gyrosigma
® Chlorogonium
» Dactylocoooopeie
Pandorina
4Aphanisomenon
+Chroococcue
Cyclotella
Euglena
Tetraedron
+0eci I latoria
Scenedeemue
Pediaetrum
iMicrocystia
Kirchneriella
* Coe loephaeriim
Dictyoophaeriian
Synedra
Meloeira
® Schroederia
Chlamydorrionaa
Cryptomonae
Navicula
Gymnodinium
Glenodinium
Ankie trodeemue
Mallomonae
Nitsechia
®Golenkinia
Oocyetie
QTabellaria
StephanodiecuB
® Dinobryon
Cocconeis
® Actinastrum
® Lagerheimia
Fragilaria
Gompnonema
Cymbella
Surirella
® Aeterionella
6.9
7.1
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.9
7.9
8.0
8.0
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.4
8.6
© nutrient-rich group: mean TOTALP > 200 iig/1
$ nutrient-poor group: mean TOTAL? < 70 u9/l
* blue-green algae
25
-------
TABLE 3. PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA RANKED BY FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE AND
ASSOCIATED MEAN PARAMETER VALUES (Continued)
SECCHI
GENUS (inches)
® Actinaatpum
® Chlofogoniim
Storirella
® * Anabaenopeie
Gyroaigma
Trachelomonae
® Schroederia
Gomphonena.
® tRaphidiopeia
Phooua
Buglena
Kireskneriellet
® Lagerheimia
Euaetrum
*Meriemopedia
Pediaetnan
*Dactylooocoopei8
Cloeterium
® Golenkinia
Chlamydomonae
Trevbaria.
Ankie trodeemua
Dictyoephierim
+0aeillatoria.
Sitzeahia
Stephanodieena
Coelaetnm
Crudgenia
+Hiaroeyatie
Coeaariun
Tetraedron
Pandorina
Soenedesmue
Glenodinitm
Oocystie
t-Chroooooaue
Saviaula
Cryptamonae
Cocaoneie
t-Lyngbya
Achnanthee
Meloaira
Cymbella
Gyimodiniun
Cyclotella
Synedra
Stauraetrum
^Anabaena
*Aphanizomenon
<&Aeterionella
Fragilaria
Mallomonas
QPeridinim
QCeratiw
4- Coe losphaerum
l&Dinobryon
GtiabelZaria
® nutrient-rich group: mean
^nutrient-poor group: mean
« blue-green algae
30
32
33
33
34
35
35
36
36
36
37
37
37
38
38
39
39
40
40
40
40
40
40
41
41
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
44
44
44
44
44
45
46
46
46
46
47
47
48
48
48
49
51
57
57
57
62
62
65
66
69
TOT ALP > 200 i.g/1
TOTALP < 70 wg/1
TURB
GENUS (% transmission)
® ChloTogonium
9, Aatinaatnm
Surirella
Phacua
® * Anabaenopeie
® Schroederia
Trachelamonaa
Gyroeigma
Gomphonema
Stephanodiacus
Euglena
®+Raphidiopeis
Gynrnodinian
® Lagerheimia
Cloeterium
Kifckneriella
+Meriemopedia
Glenodinium
Ankie trodeemue
*0acillatoria
Dio tyosphaerium
Pediaatrum
liitzeohia
Tetraedron
Cryptcmonaa
Cymbella
+Microcyatia
+Dactylococcopaia
Chlamydomonae
Coooneia
Treuboria
Navicula
Oocyetia
+Chrooooccue
Crudgenia
Cyclotella
Saenedeamue
Coelaetnm
Coemariim
+Aphanizomenon
Meloaira
Synedra
Achnanthea
® Golenkinia
Mallomomas
Stauraetrum
*Andbaena
*Lyngbya
® Aeterionella
Pandorina
Fragilaria
*Coe loephaeriim
Euaatrum
QPeridinium
®Dinobryon
QCeratiitn
QVabellaria
62
62
63
63
63
64
64
64
65
66
67
67
67
68
69
69
69
69
69
70
70
70
70
71
71
71
71
71
71
71
71
71
72
72
72
72
72
72
73
73
73
73
74
74
75
75
75
76
76
76
76
78
79
80
81
82
83
26
-------
There is a strong tendency for the group to cluster at or near the top
of the nutrient parameter lists. The outstanding exception was with nitrite-
nitrate-nitrogen (N02N03) where the genera scatter from top to bottom. Lake
N02N03 concentrations were found to be considerably higher in spring than in
summer or fall. This may explain the scatter of the nutrient-rich group for
this parameter since they were primarily summer and fall forms. The associ-
ation with high CHLA values is interesting since all of the genera are small
forms a'nd, with the possible exception of Raphidiopsis, a fairly common
dominant, they were net responsible in themselves for the high CHLA levels
associated with their distribution. As such, these genera must be associ-
ates of bloom formers during times of high production.
Algae responsible for high CHLA concentrations exhibit periodic popu-
lation fluctuations resulting in short-term high production periods where
CHLA values may be quite high. Usually these same common algal forms are
found as relatively low "maintenance" populations not associated with extreme
CHLA values. Therefore mean CHLA values resulting from a random collection
of these algae will often be lower than that associated with forms encountered
only during high production periods even if the latter forms are not them-
selves responsible for the high CHLA levels. Attempts to correlate combina-
tions of up to seven of the nutrient-rich genera in a sample with visible
algal blooms reported by field limnologists at the time of collection were
unsuccessful (unpublished data). The seven genera were less clustered with
respect to the physical parameters. In the case of ALK and DO they were
spread throughout the full range of mean values.
Of the five genera composing the nutrient-poor group, AeterioneHa was
among the lowest 10 genera for 12 of 13 parameters. Dinobryan, Tdbellaria,
and Peridiniwn fell in this select category 10 times, while Ceratiwn occurred
seven times among the lowest 10 genera. AsterioneHa was the only genus with
primarily spring occurrences. The two dinoflagellates, Peridiniwr and
Ceratium, were summer and fall forms, while Dinobryon and Tdbellaria occurred
equally through the seasons.
The genera in this group remained tightly packed at the lower mean values
for all of the nutrient series parameters except N02N03 where, as with the
group at the high end, they generally scattered throughout the range. The
association of Asterionella. with particularly high N02N03 levels appears to
be a consequence of its seasonal "preference."
The nutrient-poor group elements retained position among the lower values
for the physical and chemical parameters more consistently than was found with
the nutrient-rich genera. A notable exception is the association of Cevatiim
and particularly Peridinium with high temperature (TEMP) and dissolved oxygen
(DO). The TEMP and DO values were consistent with the seasonal preference
(summer and fall) of the two genera. These data suggest that Cevatium and
PeriMniwr. compete successfully in a low nutrient, higher temperature niche.
Certain of the blue-green algae are notorious for creating periodic
problem blooms manifested in the formation of thick surface scums, DO
depletion, and production of toxic substances, either metabolically or in
the course of decay. Eleven blue-green algal genera were quite common in
27
-------
the study (Table 3). Nine of these were important dominants (genera achieved
dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern lakes)
(Table 4). All can be classified as summer and fall forms except Dactylo-
coccopsis and Oscillatoria, which occurred equally in spring as well.
As a group, the blue-green algae are scattered throughout the upper and
middle range of mean values for all the parameters (Table 3). Except for
N02N03, SECCHI, and TURB they never appear at the extreme low end. The blue-
green algae completely reversed their trend for N02N03 with most of the genera
falling into the lower half of the list. The phenomenon cannot be readily
explained on the basis of nitrogen fixation since only one of five blue-green
genera associated with the lowest mean N02N03 values is an acknowledged
nitrogen-fixer (Andbaenopeis}.
The three genera listed which have heterocysts and are known to contain
species which fix nitrogen are Andbaena, Aphanizomenon, and Andbaenopsis
(Fogg, 1974). Nitrogen fixation, an extremely important physiological
process [in algae associated uniquely with the blue-greens (Fogg et al., 1973)]
is a characteristic which might be expected to form a natural group having
similar environmental requirements. These data do not support that premise.
In fact, scatter among the three genera is great, wTEh" mean values differing
commonly by a factor of 2 (Table 3). Nor is there a clear relationship with
N/P ratio, since five non-heterocystous genera have lower N/P ratio values
than Andbaena and seven show lower values than Aphanizomenon. Similar N/P
ratio trends occurred with dominance (Table 4).
Most of the common planktonic blue-green algae have been reported as
hard water forms (e.g., Hutchinson, 1967 and Prescott, 1962). In fact,
Prescott indicated that Aphanizomenon is so consistently related to hard water
lakes that it may be used as an index organism for high pH. Many species of
Oscillatoria, Andbaena, Lyngbya, and Microcystis were cited by Prescott as
associates of hard water while species of Merismopedia and Daotyloaocoopsis
(where indicated), were soft water forms. The common planktonic species of
Chroococcus are reportedly found under both conditions (Prescott, 1962) while
such information on Raphidicpsis is generally unavr.ilat.-1 e from the literature.
A test of hard water requirements can be made by comparing total alka- ^
linity (ALK) values among the occurrence categories for each of the blue-green
algae genera (Table 5). Aphanizomenon, Gsoillatoria, and Merismopedia showed
upward trends in ALK from non-occurrence to non-dominance to dominance. Nota-
bly high alkalinities corresponded to the dominance of Aphanizomenon and
Merismopedia. Recall that the literature indicated a soft water preference
for Merismopedia. Microcystis* another very common problem form, showed no
difference in ALK values between dominance and non-dominance, though both
exceeded the mean level associated with non-occurrence. Miorocystis, as a
dominant, did have the highest pH value among the genera presented in this
report. All of the other blue-green algae genera showed lower ALK values with
dominance than non-dominance or non-occurrence. The merit of including non-
occurrence values (values associated with the sampled waters in which the
genus was not detected) becomes readily apparent in attempting to interpret
trends in conditions "favoring" or discriminating against a specific genus.
28
-------
TABLE 4. SELECTED GENERA* RANKED BY THEIR FREQUENCY OF DOMINANT OCCURRENCE AND THE MEAN
PARAMETER VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DOMINANCE
ro
10
GENUS
Me losiva
Osoillatoria
Lyngbya
Cyalotella
Stephanodisous
Cryptomonas
Daoty loeoaoops-is
Micrccyot'ie
Scenedeswus
Synedra
Raphidiopsis
Fragilaria
Aphanizomencn
Asterionella
Anabaena
Dtnobryon
N-itzschia
Merismopedia
Tabellaria
Chroocoacus
Frequency of
Dominant
Occurrence
255
105
99
83
73
72
58
53
50
48
45
45
41
36
33
31
29
22
20
19
GENUS
Scenedesmus
Cyclotella
Anabaena
Merismopedia
Dc.cty loooccops'ls
St ephanodi s cus
Chroocoacus
Miorccystis
Aphan-isomenon
Oscillatcria
Cryptomonas
Eaphidiopsis •
Lyngbya
Me losir-a
Nitzschia
Synedra
Fragi laria.
Asterionella
Dinobryon
Tabellaria
TOTALP
(yg/l)
351
185
183
183
178
166
163
148
147
125
115
106
99
94
92
82
64
36
27
22
GENUS
Scenedesmus
Cyclotella
Daaty loooccopsis
Anabaena
Mer-ismopedia
Chroccoceus
Stephanodiscus
Aphanizomencn
Miorocystis
Cvyptomonas
Synedra
Cscillatoria
Melcsira
Lyngbya
Raphidicpsi-s
Fragilaria
Hitzsehia
Dinobryon
Asterionella
Tdbe I laria
ORTHOP
(H9/1 )
194
110
108
92
89
76
66
63
62
53
43
41
38
38
27
26
25
11
11
5
(Continued)
*Each genus selected achieved dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern
lakes.
-------
TABLE 4. SELECTED GENERA* RANKED BY THEIR FREQUENCY OF DOMINANT OCCURRENCE AND THE MEAN
PARAMETER VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DOMINANCE (Continued)
CO
o
GENUS
Stephanodiscus
Cryptomonas
Synedra
Me losiva
Aeterionella
Fragilaria
Nitzsoh-ia
Cyolotella
Merismopedia
Scenedeemus
Osc-Lllatoria
Aphanizomenon
Rap'hid'iops'is
Microcystie
Dinobryon
Anabaena
Dacty looocccpsis
Ckroocoocus
Tabellaria
Lyngbya
N02N03
(uq/1)
1201
970
905
715
621
601
592
587
510
502
381
311
303
302
298
252
186
161
133
107
GENUS
Anabaena
Oecillatoria
CyaTotella
Stephanodis cue
Synedra
Paphidiopsie
Scenedesmus
Fvagilavia
Cryptomonae
Aphanizomenon
Lyngbya
Merismoped-ia
Me losira
Nitzschia
Micrccyetis
ClvPCOCOCCliS
Tabellaria
Dacty looocaopsis
Asterionella
Dinobryon
NH3
(yg/1 )
208
127
' 120
120
120
119
117
115
112
112
no
no
103
101
98
90
86
82
74
65
GENUS
Saenedeemus
Chroccocous
Lyngbya
Microcystis
AphanizomencK
Mevismoped-ia
Oscillatoria
Stephanodis aits
Raphidiopsis
Cyclotella
Daatyloaoocopsi.s
Anabaena
N-Ctzschia
Fvagi lavia
Cryptomonas
Synedra
Me losira
Dinobryon
Asteri-onella
Tabe11ccc"la
KJEL
(ug/i)
1826
1630
1488
1457
1437
1387
1356
1112
1073
1053
1041
1015
883
843
798
797
774
594
491
455
(Continued)
*Each genus selected achieved dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern
lakes.
-------
TABLE 4. SELECTED GENERA* RANKED BY THEIR FREQUENCY OF DOMINANT OCCURRENCE AND THE MEAN
PARAMETER VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DOMINANCE (Continued)
GENUS
CHLA
(yg/D
GENUS
Scenedesmus 60.4
Chroococcus 46.6
Oscillatoria 39.2
Aphanizomenon 37.6
Microcystis 37.5
Stephanodisaus 37.0
Merismopedia 33.6
Raphidiopsis 30.5
Cyclctella 29.9
Lyngbya 29.5
Nitzschia 26.5
DaotyloooQQopsis 25.0
Anobaena 19.7
Synedra 19.0
Melosira 18.1
Fragilaria 17.5
Cryptomonas 16.5
Asterionella 9.6
Dinobryon 8.1
Tabellaria 7.7
GENUS
ALK
(mg/1 as
Chrooooacus 4.3
Lyngbya 4.6
Meri-smopedia 6.1
Dactyloooacopsis 6.9
Andbaena 7.1
Aphanizomenon 7.5
Scenedesmus . 8.5
Osci Zlatovia 9.0
M-iorocystis 9.7
Raphidiopsie 9.8
Nit 28 chid' 10.4
Tdbellafia 11.3
Cryptomonas 14.2
Melosira 14.4
Cyolotella 17.7
Stephanodisaus 17.8
Synedra 21.0
Asterionella 22.4
Fragilaria 22.9
Dinobryon 28.5
Aphanizomencr.
Stephanodiscus
Merismopedia
Oscillatoria
Microcystis
Nitzschia
Fvagilaria
Cyolotella
Cryptomonas
Melosira
Linobryon
Synedra
Asterionella
Scenedesmus
Lyngbya
Raphidiopsis
DaotylocoQOopsis
Andbaena
Chroococcus
Tabellaria
138
125
103
89
80
80
78
76
75
71
71
67
65
64
62
57
52
50
47
21
(Continued)
*Each genus selected achieved dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern
lakes.
-------
TABLE 4.
SELECTED GENERA*
PARAMETER VALUES
RANKED BY THEIR FREQUENCY OF DOMINANT OCCURRENCE AND THE MEAN
ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DOMINANCE (Continued)
co
IN)
GENUS
Raphidiopeie
Lyngbya,
CkroococcuB
Daaty lococcopeiB
Andbaena
Mioroaystie
Soenedeemus
Oeoi-llatoria
Cyclotella
Meriemopedia
Nitzsohia
Tabellaria
Aphanizomenon
Synedra
Meloeira
Fragilaria
Cryptomonas
Stephanod-ieous
Dinobryon
Asterionella
TEMP
(°c)
25.4
25.1
24.2
24.0
23.9
23.5
23.3
23.2
23.1
23.1
22.4
22.1
21.5
21.1
21.0
19.8
19.7
19.6
18.3
15.1
GENUS
Miaroayetis
Scenedesmus
Aphanizomenon
Stepkanodiecus
Oscil'latoria.
Chrooooaaue
Lyngbya
ItttzBchia
Meriamopedia
Daoty loooeeopsis
Raphid-iopsie
Fragilaria
Synedra
Aeterionella
Melosira
Cryptomonas
Dinobryon
Cyclotella
Andbaena
Tabellaria
PH
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.5
6.9
GENUS
Meriemopedia
Raphidiopsi-s
Anabaena
Daoty lococcopais
Cyclotella
Nitzechia
Aphanisomencn
Lyngbya
Oscillatoria
Melosira
Synedra
SaenedeemuB
Tabellaria
Cryptomonae
Miorocyetis
Fragilaria
Chroococcue
StephanodiecuB
Dinobryon
Aeter-ionella
DO
(mg/1)
6.6
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.2
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.7
7.8
7.8
7.9
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.5
8.7
9.5
*Each genus selected achieved dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern
lakes.
-------
TABLE 4.
SELECTED GENERA*
PARAMETER VALUES
RANKED BY THEIR FREQUENCY OF DOMINANT OCCURRENCE AND THE MEAN
ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DOMINANCE (Continued)
00
CO
GENUS
SECCHI
(inches)
GENUS
TURB
(% transmjssionj
Osoillatoric.
N-itzsehic.
Stephanodiscus
Soenedesmus
Meriemopedia
Dactyloaoeaopsis
Ckroococ.ous
Micrccystis
Me losira
Lyngbya
Eaphidiopsis
Cryptomonas
Synedra
Aphar.izomencn
Cyclotella.
Fragilaria
Aster-ionella
D-inobryon
Tabellavia
36
36
37
38
39
41
42
43
4 3
46
46
46
47
53
54
55
70
71
90
106
Stephanodiscus
Merismcpedi-a
Nitzschi-a
Oseillatoria
Scenedesmus
Aphanizomencn
Me losira
Synedra
Cyclotella
Raphidiopsis
Dacty looocaopeis
Cryptcnonas
Lyngbya
Chroococcus .
Fragilaria
Ancbaena
Asterionella
Dincbrycn
Tabellaria
56
58
64
66
67
71
72
73
73
75
75
75
75
75
76
80
81
88
90
GENUS
ALGAL
UNITS
PER ml
Lyngbya 12,948
Raphidiopsis 11*019
OscUlatoria 9,070
Daotylococcopsis 6,814
Scenedesmus
Chrooooccus
Stephanodis aus
Fragi Zaria
Merismopedia
Synedra
Meloeira
MicToaystis
Aphan-izomenon
Cyclotella
Nitzschia
Anabaena
Asterionella
Tabellaria
Cr z/p tomonas
& » 029
5,751
3,662
3,413
3, It/
3»051
2,793
2,663
2,527
2»519
2,198
1 ,863
1,583
1,123
(Continued)
*Each genus selected achieved dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern
lakes.
-------
TABLE 4. SELECTED GENERA* RANKED BY THEIR FREQUENCY OF DOMINANT OCCURRENCE AND THE MEAN
PARAMETER VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DOMINANCE (Continued)
co
GENUS ' '
Raphidiopsis
Aphanizomencn
Me los-iva
Lyngbya
Aeterionella
Fragilaria
Tabellcofia
OB dilator ia.
Dinobryon
Stephanodiacus
Andbaena
Cryptomonas
Cyolotella
Dacty lococcopsis
Microoyst-is
Nitzschia
SoenedesmuB
Synedra
Chrooaoccus
Mer-iemoped-ia
PERC
38.9
32.2
32.1
31.0
30.9
30.9
30.8
29.0
26.1
24.8
23.8
23.1
23.1
21.9
20.4
20.4
19.6
19.6
18.7
16.2
*Each genus selected achieved dominance at least 10 times in samples from eastern and southeastern
lakes.
-------
TABLE 5. COMPARISON OF DOMINANT, NON-DOMINANT, AND NON-OCCURRENCE MEAN PARAMETER VALUES
FOR THE 20 MOST COMMON DOMINANT GENERA
GO
Anabaena
Parameter
TOTALP
(pg/IUer)
ORTHOP
(ug/Hter)
N02N03
(ug/Hter)
NH3
(pg/Hter)
KJEL
(ug/Hter)
N/P
CHLA
(ug/Hter)
TURB
(* trans-
mission)
SECCHI
(Inches)
PH
DO
(mg/Hter)
TEMP (°C)
ALK
(mg/llter
as CaC03)
PERC
NON
DOM DOM
183 121
92 55
252 362
208 110
1015 1151
7.1 10.1
19.7 29.4
81 74
55 48
7.5 7.8
7.1 7.4
23.9 23.4
50 69
23.8 1.7
NON
OCC
147
62
769
114
956
18
24.1
70
46
7.7
8.1
19.7
76
-
Aphanisc
NON
DOM DOM
147 87
63 29
311 517
112 129
1437 1082
7.5 13.8
37.6 27.6
71 73
53 50
8.1 7.9
7.4 7.5
21.5 21.9
138 101
32.2 2.3
TON
OCC
146
66
597
114
1009
14.6
25.1
72
47
7.7
7.9
21.4 ,
62
-
Aaterione I la
DOM
36
11
621
74
491
22.4
9.6
81
71
7.7
9.5
15.1
65
30.9
NON
DOM
61
19
602
101
657
15.7
14.2
75
54
7.5
8,4
19.2
58
1.8
NON
OCC
167
75
556
123
1194
13.1
30.9'
71
44
7.8
7.5
22.6
77
-
Chroovnrcus
DOM
163
76
161
90
1630
4.3
46.6
76
42
8.0
8.2
24.2
47
18.7
NON
DOM
194
111
248
119
1517
6.2
41.9
71
42
7.9
7.5
24.0
67
2.0
NON
OCC
120
45
675
116
888
16.7
21.0
73
49
7.7
7.8
20.7
74
-
Cryptomonas
DOM
115
53
970
112
798
14.2
16.5
75
46
7.6
7.9
19.7
75
23.1
NON
DOM
116
47
619
118
1046
14.6
27.2
70
45
7.9
7.7
21.4
88
3.2
NON
OCC
161
74
441
115
1090
13.6
27.2
74
50
7.7
7.8
22.0
57
-
Cyclotella Dafftylofccco^fis
DOM
185
no
587
120
1053
17.7
29.9
73
54
7.5
7.2
23.1
76
23.1
NON
DOM
112
48
617
119
1010
14.2
25.0
72
46
7.8
7.6
22.0
72
2.6
NON
OCC
154
60
508
111
1079
13.0
26.6
72
47
7.8
8.1
20.4
71
-
NOI*
DOM DOM
178 161
108 82
186 608
82 131
1041 1166
6.9 10.6
25.0 30.5
75 70
41 38
7.8 7.8
7.2 7.5
24.0 22.4
52 74
21.9 2.9
NON
OCC
120
43
599
113
981
16.8
24.2
78
53
77
8.0
20.7
74
-
(Continued)
-------
TABLE 5. COMPARISON
FOR THE 20
OF DOMINANT* NON-DOMINANT, AND NON-OCCURRENCE MEAN PARAMETER VALUES
MOST COMMON DOMINANT GENERA (Continued)
Dinobryon
Parameter
TOTALP
(ug/Hter)
ORTHOP
fug/liter)
N02N03
(ug/llter)
NH3
(ug/Hter)
KJEL
CO (ug/Hter)
(71
N/P
CHLA
fug/liter)
TURB
(I trans-
mission)
SECCHI
(Inches)
PH
DO
(mg/ liter)
TEMP (°C)
ALK
(mg/Hter
as CaC03)
PERC
DOM
27
11
298
65
594
28.5
8.1
88
90
7.6
8.7
18.3
71
26.1
NON
DOM
66
26
507
106
726
17.7
13.6
80
62
7.6
8.0
20.0
72
1.4
NON
OCC
170
75
608
123
1185
12.0
31.8
69
40
7.8
7.6
22.2
72
-
Fragi laria
OOM
64
26
601
115
843
22.9
17.5
80
70
7.8
8.1
19.8
78
30.9
NON
DOM
87
32
472
108
1029
12.0
22.9
75
53
8.0
8.3
20.6
85
1.7
NON
OCC
160
72
598
119
1064
14.0
28.0
71
44
7.7
7.6
21.9
67
-
DOM
99
38
107
110
1488
'
4.6
29.5
75
46
7.9
7.4
25.1
62
31.0
Lyngbya
NON
DOM
116
56
418
104
1051
12.5
27.5
77
46
7.7
7.3
22.8
71
2.7
NON
OCC
154
66
732
123
943
17.1
24.9
70
48
7.7
8.0
20.2
75
-
Neloeim
DOM
94'
38
715
103
774
14.4
18.1
72
43
7.6
7.7
21.0
71
32.1
NON
DOM
122
52
429
125
1162
12.4
29.5
72
48
7.8
7.6
22.2
73
2.7
NON
OCC
256
121
731
118
1228
18.8
32.3
71
54
7.9
8.3
20.7
76
-
Mcri-Bwrtppdia MLcrocyst**' 'iiir.^^n',^
DOM
183
89
510
110
1387
6.1
33.6
58
39
7.9
6.6
23.1
103
16.2
NON
DOM
176
87
406
129
1362
9.3
37.4
70
38
7.9
7.4
24.1
72
2.4
NON
OCC
106
38
693
107
789
18.1
17.5
75
55
7.6
8.1
19.5
70
-
DOM
148
62
302
98
1457
9.7
37.5
75
43
8.2
8.0
23.5
80
20.4
NON
DOM
170
87
355
127
1350
9.3
37.4
71
42
8.0
7.5
23.2
80
2.5
NON
OCC
111
40
763
111
761
18.3
16.3
73
52
7.5
7.9
20.0
65
-
DOM
92
25
592
101
883
10.1
26.5
64
36
7.9
7.4
22.4
80
20.4
DOM
118
48
632
114
983
13. 0
26.7
71
41
7.8
7.8
21.6
70
1.7
OCC
159
73
509
119
112
15.4
25.7
75
55
7.7
7.8
21.4
73
-
(Continued)
-------
oo
TABLE 5. COMPARISON OF DOMINANT, NON-DOMINANT, AND NON-OCCURRENCE MEAN PARAMETER VALUES
FOR THE 20 MOST COMMON DOMINANT GENERA (Continued)
Oecillat.
Parameter
TOTALP
(ug/liter)
ORTHOP
(ug/liter)
N02N03
(ug/liter)
NH3
(ug/liter)
KJEL
(ug/liter)
N/P
CHLA
(ug/liter)
TURB
(H trans-
mission)
SECCHI
(inches)
PH
DO
(mg/1 iter)
TEMP (°C)
AU
(mg/1 iter
as CaC03)
DOM
125
41
381
127
1356
9.0
39.2
66
36
8.0
7.4
23.2
89
NON
DOM
139
69
534
122
992
11.1
25.6
71
43
7.8
7.6
21.8
74
oria
~NOJT
OCC
140
57
669
106
991
19.0
22.4
76
56
7.6
8.0
20.6
65
*,
DOM
106
27
303
119
1073
9.8
30.5
75
46
7.8
7.0
25.4
57
,«*„,
NON"
DOM
248
136
380
153
1492
6.2
48.0
64
33
8.0
7.4
23.2
85
Pai3
"""NOT"
OCC
114
45
635
107
936
16.3
20.7
74
51
7.7
7.9
20.8
70
s
,.e,,.ia
NON
DOM DOM
351
194
502
117
1826
8.5
60.4
• 67
33
8.1
7.8
23.3
64
114
50
479
116
1055
11.3
26.5
72
44
7.8
7.6
22.. 2
73
»™B
NON
OCC
142
50
827
116
805
23.0
16.2
75
59
7.6
8.2
19.0
70
supfc^K.™
NON NON
DOM DOM OCC
166 111 144
66 43 66
1201 724 404
120 103 121
1112 981 1059
17.8 13.8 13.7
37.0 26.9 24.2
56 70 76
37 44 51
8.1 7.9 7.6
8.5 7.8 7.6
19.6 20.6 22.2
125 92 55
Synedri Tabe Liana
COM
82
43
905
120
797
21.0
19.0
73
47
7.7
7.8
21.1
67
DOM
100
33
602
112
879
14.4
21 .6
73
48
7.7
7.7
21.5
70
OCC
202
102
464
122
1326
12.5
34.1
71
46
7.9
7.8
21.6
76
NON NON
DOM DOM OCC
22 46
5 15
133 408
86 97
455 606
11.3 19.3
7.7 11.1
90 81
106 62
6.9 7.2
7.9 8.0
22.1 20.5
21 37
156
69
610
120
1134
13.3
29.3
70
43
7.9
7.7
21.6
80
PERC 29.0 2.0 - 38.9 3.0 - 19.6 2.1 - 24.8 2.6 - 19.6 2.0 - 30.8 1.2
-------
In an attempt to determine the major constituents within phytoplankton
communities, dominant status was attached to those genera which accounted for
10 percent or more of the numerical total cell count in a given sample. The
10 percent cut-off point is arbitrary and resulted in an average of about
three dominant genera in each sample. Dominance as defined here often in-
cludes each of multiple forms in "codominance" within a single sample. With
this approach every sample had dominant members regardless of the total cell
count. One advantage to this approach is that it recognizes forms of rela-
tive importance in each sample. Several problems are inherent in the inter-
pretation of data using this scheme. Equivalent weight in the environmental
requirements summary is given to an Asterionella representing 1C percent or
more in a sample of 100 cells per milliliter (ml) as one representing an
equivalent percentage in a sample containing 10,000 cells per ml. It is the
relative importance, based upon cell count, which characterizes the dominant
forms. It should be noted that large forms (e.g., Fediastnm} which might
constitute a substantial fraction of the bicmass, often fell short of
numerical dominance.
In Table 4, each genus that achieved dominance at least ten times is
ranked by its frequency of dominant occurrence and the mean level of each
parameter associated with the occurrence of the genus as a dominant. The
"flagellates," a general category which crosses broad taxonorcic lines, had
about 300 dominant occurrences associated with it. This group, the merrbers
of which are often difficult to accurately identify, was not included among
the Table 4 entries but was obviously an important component of many commun-
ities.
The genera represented in Table 4 include nine blue-greens (Myxophyceae),
eight diatoms (Chrysophyta), two flagellates (one Cryptophyta and one
Chrysophyta), and one chlorococcalean (Chlorophyta). Obviously blue-green
and diatom genera numerically dominated a majority of the samples. Melos-Lra
was by far the most common dominant genus followed by Oscillatoria and
Lyngbya. Scenedesmts, second only to Melosira in total occurrences, was
considerably less important airong dominant forms.
Asterionella can be considered a spring dominant, while Stephanodiscus,
Synedra, and Tdbellaria are spring and summer dominants. Cryptomonas and
Dinobrycn are spring and fall dominants. Fragilaria occurred equally
throughout the seasons as a dominant. The remaining genera were summer
and fall dominants.
As expected, the dominance category tended to narrow the ranges of
associated environmental conditions for most of the genera (Appendices
Al-4) by eliminating data associated with passive or chance occurrences of
genera within a given sample, and by using data associated with "healthy"
populations. It should be noted that a dominant population at the time
of sampling may have been in growth, stationary, or decline phases. Natu-
rally, "environmental requirements" would vary accordingly. Therefore
there is no assurance that the conditions detected at the time of sampling
were, in fact, optimal for growth of that genus.
38
-------
DOMINANT GENERA
This section sumrv'arizes our findings for the 20 phytoplankton genera most
frequently recorded as numerical dominants in our samples. Although, within
the literature, a great deal of data are available describing environmental
conditions associated with the presence of a large variety of freshwater
algae, the data are scattered, inconsistent, and difficult to extract and
summarize. Several authors have begun the arduous review process (Reircer,
1965; Palmer, 1969; Lowe, 1974) and their findings are used here where
possible, in conjunction with our results. Reimer presented detailed physical
and chemical ranges for five common diatcm species, while Lowe's summaries
were more subjective in nature, and again done at the species levels which
limits their usefulness here. Palmer addressed both genera and species and
provides the most directly comparable information.
Genus-by-genus discussions found in this section elaborate further on
the summary Table 5. The emphasis on dominant/non-dominant comparisons is
based upon the assumption that those conditions under which a genus achieves
high numerical importance are more reflective of "optimal" environmental
ranges than those conditions under which that genus is merely detected at
relatively low levels. Attention is also called to substantive differences
noted between conditions of dominant/non-dominant occurrence and those asso-
ciated with waters in which specific genera were not detected.
Andbaena
Andbaena was the 10th most common phytoplankton genus encountered in
the NES lakes sampled during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered dominant in
33 (9 percent) of the 356 samples in which it occurred. Most of the dominant
occurrences were recorded from summer and fall samples. According to
Hutchinscn (1967), Andbaena is most often found in abundance during the
warmest time of the year in eutrophic localities. A positive relationship
between occurrence of Andbaena and temperature is supported by our data
(Table 5). Palmer (1969) ranked Anabaena 22nd in ability to tolerate
organic pollution.
Relative to the other dominant genera, Andbaena was associated with a
high mean TOTALP value, the highest NH3 value (207 yg/liter) and a low mean
N/P ratio (Table 4). For the remaining parameters, Andbaena was not associ-
ated with extremes.
Occurrence of Andbaena as a dominant was associated with distinctly
higher mean TOTALP, ORTHOP, and NH3 than non-dominant occurrence or waters
in which Andbaena was not detected (non-occurrence). However, the strong
downward trend in N02N03 noted in comparing conditions associated with non-
39
-------
occurrence (769 vs/l), non-dominance (362 yg/i) and dominance (252 pg/1)
(Table 5) suggests that Andbaena competes more successfully in waters
containing lower nitrite/nitrate levels. This finding supports information
previously reported (e.g., Williams, 1975). The high levels of NH3 associ-
ated with dominance are not sufficient to offset the impact of the combined
effects of lower N02N03 and higher TOTALP of the N/P ratio (quite low at 7.1
for dominance). The natural inclination to ascribe competitive advantage to
Andbaena, at low N/P ratios (or just low N02N03 levels, for that matter), as
a function of nitrogen fixation must be approached with care, however. Other
blue-greens, heterocysteus and non-heterocystous alike, showed modest to dra-
matic reductions in N/P associated with their general occurrence and still
greater reductions associated with their dominance, e.g., Chroococcus, rela-
tive to waters in which they were not detected. It should be noted that in
the lakes sampled in 1973 low N/P ratios were usually a consequence of high
phosphorus levels rather than of low nitrogen levels.
Additional trends noted in comparing dominance, non-dominance, and non-
occurrence conditions (Table 5) for DO (7.1, 7.4, and 8.1 mg/1, respectively)
and ALK (50, 69 and 76 mg/1, respectively) suggest that Andbaena is "favored"
by conditions of lower dissolved oxygen and "softer" waters.
Productivity, as measured by Kjeldahl nitrogen and particularly
chlorophyll a_, showed a relative decrease where Andbaena achieved dominance.
Keep in mind that dominance, as defined here, is not necessarily synonymous
with "bloom" conditions..
Aphanizamencn
While only the 38th most common genus encountered in the NES lakes
sampled during 1973, 41 (27 percent) of the 154 sample occurrences of
Aphanizomenon were classified as dominant (Table 2). 4. flos-aquae was by
far the most common species of Aphanizamenon in the study. Aphani.zomenon was
numerically one of the most important constituents with a mean percent
composition (PERC) of 32.2 percent as a dominant. For the nutrient series
and remaining parameters, Aphanizomencn was not associated with the extremes
of the ranges (Table 4).
Aphanizomenon is a well known bloom-former in productive lakes of
temperate regions during the wannest months and can be considered an
indicator of eutrophy (Hutchinson, 1967). Prescott (1962) indicates that
Aphanizomencn is hardly ever found unless in eutrophic waters or polluted
streams, and is so consistently related to hard water lakes that it may be
used as an index organism for high pH and usually high nitrogen as well.
These reports of conditions associated with the occurrence of Aphanizomenon
received mixed support from our data. Most dominant occurrences do coincide
with the warm water periods (summer and fall) but Aphanizamenon achieved
dominance in colder waters, on an average, than any of the other blue-green
algae (Table 4). Indeed, extensive Aphanizomenon growths have been recorded
on the under-surface of ice in lakes (F. B. Trama, personal communication).
If eutrophy is considered roughly synonymous with high levels of TOTALP and
inorganic nitrogen (N02N03 + NK3), the broad range of nutrient conditions
(Figure A-l) under which it was found and trends '.i conditions associated with
40
-------
the categories of occurrence do not support Aphanizomenon as a reliable
indicator of eutrophy. Mean TOTALP for general occurrence (103 yg/1, Table
3) is well below the average level for those lakes in which it was not
detected (146 yg/1, Table 5). And while the TOTALP level associated with
dominance (147 y<3/l) is substantially higher than non-dominance (87 yg/1),
it is virtually indistinguishable from the non-occurrence value. The inorganic
nitrogen mean value for Aphanizomenon dominance is approximately 40 percent
lower than that for lakes in which it was not detected. The NH3 levels are
essentially constant across the occurrence categories, while the N02N03 compo-
nent ranges from 597 yg/1 to 517 yg/1 to 311 yg/1 for non-occurrence, non-
dominance and dominance, respectively. This trend clearly suggests that
Aphanizomenon is "favored" at lower N02N03 levels (as we also noted for
Anabaena, another heterocystous blue-green) rather than higher, as previously
reported. The low M/P ratio (7.5, Table 5) associated with dominance of
Aphanizomenon reflects the differences in N02N03 and TOTALP noted. The
relationships of Aphanizomenon to "hard" waters and high pH, suggested by
Prescott (1962), are supported by trends in ALK (138, 101, and 62 mg/1) and
pH (8.1, 7.9, and 7.7) for dominance, non-dominance, and non-occurrence,
respectively. The ALK value of 138 mg/1 with dominance was the highest such
value recorded among the 20 dominant genera.
Productivity, as estimated by CHLA, and standing crop, as reflected by
both CHLA and KJEL, are both considerably higher in association with
Aphanizomencn dominance than with non-dominarce or non-occurrence. While
Hutchinscn (1967) indicated that Aphanizomencn is favored by low turbidity
(high light transmission) neither absolute values of TURB and SECCHI nor
trends across the occurrence categories (Table 5) support that relationship.
Asterionella
Asterionella was the 28th most common genus encountered in the HES lakes
sampled during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered dominant in 35 (18 percent)
of the 198 samples in which it occurred. Most of the occurrences were of one
species (/.. formosa). Among the very common genera, Astericnella was the
most seasonally restricted, with 58 percent of its total sample occurrences
and 77 percent of its dominant occurrences in spring.
Asterionella was one of the few genera consistently associated with lower
nutrient and productivity parameter values for general occurrence as well as
dominance (Table 4). Most of the mean parameter values for Astericnella were
still within the mesotrophic range. This is not inconsistent with the findings
of other workers (Patrick and Reimer, 1966; Lowe, 1974; Pearsall, 1932), in
which Asterionella was found to prefer mesotrophic and eutrophic waters. It
is highly likely that mean nutrient values associated with the occurrence
(Table 3) and particularly the dominance (Table 4) of this genus would have
been considerably lower in a test set of lakes containing truly oligotrophic
representatives (virtually absent among the 273 lakes sampled in 1973) consid-
ering the data trends (Table 5) and apparent affinity of the genus for the
lowest nutrient waters in our study group. Indeed, Rawscn (1956) demonstrated
a strong preference for the genus in Canada's western oliqotrophic lakes.
Asterionella occurred in samples with low values of TOTALP, OPJHOP, NH3, KJEL,
and CHLA. For all of these parameters, distinct trends are noted (Table E) in
41
-------
which the lowest mean values are associated with the dominance of Asterionella
while the highest values are associated with those waters in which the genus
was not detected. Non-dominant occurrence values are intermediate in all cases.
Also consistent with a preference for more "pristine" water conditions
are the trends (see Table 5) in DO (9.5, 8.4, and 7.5 mg/1), SECCHI (71, 54,
and 44 inches), TURB (81, 75, and 71 percent transmission), N/P (22.4, 15.7,
and 13.1), and TEMP (15.1, 19.2, and 22.6) for the respective occurrence
categories (dominance, non-dominance, and non-occurrence). The high N02N03
value associated with dominance of Asterionella may, in part, reflect spring
lake conditions when N02N03 concentrations were found to be significantly
higher than in other seasons. It also suggests a competitive advantage for
Asterionella under high N/P conditions. That Asterionella has a low temper-
ature optimum for high relative success is evidenced by the mean TEMP at
dominance (15.1°C, lowest among the algae presented) and the greater than 4°C
difference between that value and the mean TEMP for non-dominance (19.2°C).
The TEMP mean for lakes in which Asterionella was not detected was 22.6°C.
Chroococcus
Chroococcus was the 32nd most common genus encountered in the NES lakes
sampled during 1973. Although it was identified in 179 samples, it was
found to be a dominant in only 19 (11 percent) of the samples (Table 2).
Chroococcus is a common phytoplankton genus with species exhibiting
requirements ranging from soft to hard water, while some species do well
under both conditions (Prescott, 1962). Values for ALK across the occurrence
categories (Table 5) suggest some preference for "softer" waters, particularly
with dominance. Palmer (1969) ranked Anacystis (Chrooaoccus, in part) 19th in
ability to tolerate organic pollution. There is however, no way to determine
if his results were based on data associated with the Chroococcus form or
not.
, Chroococcus was associated with several extreme conditions as a dominant
(Table 4). Both CHLA and KJEL values were among the highest while the N02N03
value was at the low end. Chrooaoccus was associated with relatively high
mean phosphorus values and, of the 20 genera under discussion, had the smal-
lest N/P.ratio, as a dominant, (4.3). Chroococcus was associated with high
TEMP (24.2°C) and low ALK (47 yg/1).
TOTALP, ORTHOP, N02N03, and NH3 levels were lower with dominance than
non-dominance (Table 5). The N02N03 levels associated with both non-dominance
and dominance are far lower than those found for the waters in which Chroococcus
was not detected. These findings are further reflected in the extremely low
N/P Value calculated for this genus (note that Chroococcus is not a known
nitrogen-fixer). Productivity and standing crop, as estimated by CHLA and KJEL,
showed similar patterns when evaluated across the occurrence categories (Table
5). With both parameters the highest mean values were associated with dominance
and were followed closely by non-dominance levels. The CHLA and KJEL levels
in waters in which Chroococcus was not detected (non-occurrence) were only
one-half"those in which the genus was found.
42
-------
Cryptomonas
Cryptomonas was the seventh most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was found to be dominant in 72 (18 percent) of
the 393 samples containing the genus. Although Cryptomonas dominated primarily
in spring samples, it was an important major constituent in summer and fall
as well. Hern et al. (1978) found Cryptomonas to be the second most common
phytoplankter in the Atchafalaya Basin where it showed no seasonal preference.
In that study it dominated under high nutrient, low light (due to inorganic
turbidity) conditions. Soeder and Stengel (1974) indicate a low light
intensity preference for Cryptomonas. Hutchinson (1967) classified both of
the common species as eurytopic (having a wide environmental range of toler-
ance) while Palmer (1969) rated Cryptomonas 23rd on his genus organic
pollution tolerance list.
Cryptomonas was not associated with extremes for any of the parameters
when compared to the other dominant genera under discussion (Table 4). It
had values which uniformly fell in the middle ranges of mean values. The few
exceptions included a high N02N03 value (970 yg/1), and CHLA and TEMP values
which approached the low end of the range. The clear association with lower
CHLA and KJEL, seen with dominance, is not evident in the non-dominant
occurrence of Cryptomonas. Hutchinson (1967) cites Findenegg's (1943) finding
of an optimal upper limit for temperature of 12-15°C for C. erosa. This is
considerably below the mean value of 19.7°C calculated from our data (Table
4) for the genus, but the TEMP trend (22.0, 21.4, and 19.7°C) across the
non-occurrence, non-dominance, and dominance categories, respectively, support
a cool water optimum for this genus.
Notable differences in mean parameter values among dominance, non-
dominance, and non-occurrence were few (Table 5). There was a substantially
higher level of N02N03 with dominance than in waters in which Cryptomonas
was not detected (non-occurrence). Non-dominance N02N03 levels were inter-
mediate. Dominant occurrences of Cryptomonas were associated with low pro-
ductivity compared to the other genera under discussion.
Cyclotella
Cyclotella meneghiniana and C. stelligera were by far the most common
species of the genus in this study. Both were considered eutrophic by Lowe
(1974). Cyolotella was the fourth most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was found to dominate in 83 (18.8 percent) of the
441 samples containing the genus. It was most important as a dominant in the
summer and fall but was a strong spring contributor also. Palmer (1969) ranked
Cyolotella 15th in ability to tolerate organic pollution.
The association of Cyclotella as a dominant with the second highest
TOTALP and ORTHOP values (185 and 110 yg/1 respectively) of the 20 genera
under discussion (Table 4) support the genus as a more eutrophic form.
At the same time, however, the trend in N/P ratio across the occurrence
categories (17.7 for dominance; 14.2 for non-dominance; and 13.0 for non-
occurrence) suggests that higher relative success of Cyclotella is associated
with higher N/P ratios. While Cyolotella fell within the mid-range of mean
43
-------
values for the other parameters, trends across the occurrence categories
(Table 5) for TEMP and DO suggest that higher relative success is associated
with warmer waters and lower dissolved oxygen levels, not inconsistent with
a eutrophic classification.
There were very little differences associated with the various nitrogen
parameters by occurrence category (Table 5). Except for CHLA, which was
slightly higher with dominance, there were no noteworthy differences among
the remaining parameters.
Doc ty loaoccopsis
Daetylococccpsis was the 16th most common genus encountered in NES
lakes during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered dominant in 58 (20 percent)
of the 287 samples in which it occurred. Dactylococcopsis can be considered
primarily a summer and fall dominant form.
While Dactylococcopsis as a dominant was associated with TOTALP and
ORTHOP values near the high end of the range, its N02N03 and NH3 values were
among the lowest of the 20 genera listed (Table 4). As with all of the blue-
green algae genera in this study, its N/P ratio was low (6.9). Dactylo-
cocccpais was associated with warm water (24°C) and low ALK (52 yg/liter).
Significantly lower N02N03 and NH3 values were noted with dominance
which reflected in a decreased N/P ratio as well (Table 5). Dominant and
non-dominant occurrence showed very little difference in phosphorus levels
although both were associated with considerably higher levels than the waters
in which Dactylococcopsis was not detected. As with Cfcoococcus and Aphani-
zomenon, the inorganic nitrogen (N02N03, NH3) values are moderate to low and
phosphorus is in abundant supply. Nitrogen fixation has not been demonstrated
in Dactylococcopsis. Summarizing the mean data trends across occurrence
categories in Table 5, Dactylococcopsis appears to achieve higher relative
success in "softer," warmer waters with lower dissolved oxygen and inorganic
nitrogen levels and with high phosphorus (low M/P) - in short, conditions
typically found in enriched temperate lakes during late-summer, early-autumn.
Dinobryon
Dinobryon was the 26th most common genus encountered in NES lakes during
1973 (Table 2). It was considered dominant in 31 (14 percent) of the 221
samples in which it occurred. One-half of the Dinobryon dominant occurrences
were in spring samples while the others were equally divided between surcmer
and fall samples.
Dinobryon, as a dominant, was one of just a few genera consistently
associated with low mean values for the nutrient series, including the lowest
NH3 value (65 yg/l) (Table 4). In addition, it had by far the highest N/P
ratio (28.5). Trends in nutrient levels across the occurrence categories
(Table 5) reinforce the "preference" of Dinobryon for less enriched waters.
The dominance of Dinobryon is generally associated with cool, clear, highly
oxygenated waters (oligo- to mesotrophic). Notably, Dinobryon had the
smallest mean cell count of any doirinant; this reflects the low productivity
44
-------
associated with its presence as a successful competitor.
Dinobryon dominance was associated with substantially lower mean KJEL
and CHLA and higher SECCHI values compared with non-dominant and particularly
non-occurrence mean values (Table 5). TOTALP and ORTHOP values were less than
half of the non-dominant values, while N02N03 and NH3 were lower by 209 and
41 yg/1 respectively. The N/P ratio for non-dominance, high at 17.7 was
higher yet (28.5) with dominance (N/P level for lakes in which Dinobryon was
not detected was only 12.0). Indeed, Rodhe (1948) found D. divergens to
Ee~inhibited at phosphate concentrations greater than 5 yg/1 in culture
studies* Furthermore, Pearsall (1932) concluded that D. divergens appears
when the N/P ratio rises, which was the usual case in English lakes in the
spring. Even though it has long been recognized as an oligotrophic form
(Nauman, 1919; Rawson, 1956), it will appear in productive lakes when nutrients
have been reduced to levels unacceptable for continued growth of other forms
(Hutchinson, 1967). Indeed, our data suggest that waters favorable to the
success of Dinobryor. are low in productivity, temperature, and nutrients and
high in clarity.
Fragilaria
Fragilaria was the 27th most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). Although several species were identified, F.
crotonens-is was easily the most common encountered in the study. The genus
was considered dominant in 45 (20.9 percent) of the 215 samples in which it
occurred. Fragilaria showed no seasonal preference as a dominant, occurring
equally in spring, summer, and fall. Palmer (1969) ranked it 29th in ability
to tolerate organic pollution.
As a dominant, Fragilaria. had relatively low TOTALP and ORTHCP values,
while the nitrogen mean values were mid-range (Table 4). Fragilaria was
associated with one of the highest N/P ratios, second only to D-inobryon.
Fragilaria tended toward that end of the mean parameter ranges, for most of
the physical and chemical parameters, generally associated with low nutrient
levels and productivity.
TOTALP and ORTHOP values were lower while M02N03 and NH3 values were
higher with Fragilaria dominance than with non-dominance (Table 5). Al-
though the phosphorus levels associated with dominance and non-dominance
were close, they were far lower than the respective levels associated with
non-occurrence. The N/P ratio also reflected the changes in nitrogen and
phosphorus levels (it doubled to 22.9 with dominance) although little dif-
ference was noted between the N/P ratios associated with non-dominance and
non-occurrence. CHLA and KJEL values were lower when dominant, reflecting
the lower nutrient levels. This trend was followed for most of the parameters
addressed here.
In summary, relative success of Fragilaria appears to be associated
with lower phosphorus levels, indifference to inorganic nitrogen levels,
higher water clarity and modest levels of productivity.
45
-------
Lyngbya
Lyngbya was the 17th most common genus encountered in NES lakes during
1973 (Table 2). It was considered dominant in 99 (34.6 percent) of the 286
samples in which it occurred. Most dominant occurrences of Lyngbya were in
summT and fall, with a small fraction occurring in spring.
A.though TOTAL?, ORTHOP, and NH3 values were near center within the
total ranges as a dominant, Lyngbya showed an N/P ratio of 4.6, the second
lowest calculated for the 20 genera (Table 4). Lyngbya had the largest cell
count (CONC) among the dominants, with an average sample containing nearly
13,000 filaments per milliliter.
Levels of TOTALP and ORTHOP were slightly lower with dominance than
with non-dominance and much lower than those associated with lakes in which
Lyngbya. was not detected. Levels of N02N03 associated with dominance were
only about 25 percent of non-dominance levels and 15 percent of non-occurrence
levels (Table 5). KJEL, CHLA, and TEMP levels associated with dominance were
higher than with non-dominance or non-occurrence. The N/P ratio with dominance
was only about 30 percent of the non-dominant and 25 percent of the non-
occurrence values, likely primarily due to the changes in N02N03 noted.
Lyngbya* at least one species of which has recently been shown by Stewart (1971)
to reduce acetylene (a criterion for nitrogen-fixing activity), appears to
favor a: low inorganic nitrogen (N02N03 + NH3) environment. Again, as with
other blue-green algae, TEMP trends across the occurrence categories (Table 5)
suggest increased temperatures are associated with increased relative success.
These findings are similar to Hutchinson's (1967) summary in which Lyngbya
was included in an important group of planktonic blue-green algae genera
usually found in great abundance in productive lakes in summer, when nutrient
concentrations are relatively low and temperature and productivity are high.
Melosira
Melosira was the most common genus encountered in NES lakes during
1973 (Table 2). It was considered a dominant form in 255 (42 percent) of
the 607%samples in which it occurred. Melosira was equally important in
each of the three seasons, both as a non-dominant and dominant constituent.
Palmer (1969) rated it 13th in ability to tolerate organic pollution. The
most frequently encountered species were, respectively, M. distorts, M.
grcavulataiM. gramilata angustissina, M. italica, and M. varians.
Melosira was uniquely common and, as might be expected, mean parameter
values calculated for its occurrence, both as a non-dominant and dominant,
were similar:to the rnean values calculated for the entire data base. An
examination of Table 4 reveals that Melosira as a dominant was not associ-
ated with the extreme mean values for any of the parameters. However,
examination of Table 5 reveals that mean parameter values for dominance and
non-dominance are,'in many cases, quite different from those conditions under
which Melosira was npjb detected (non-occurrence). In addition, there were
.notable differences in several of the parameter means between non-dominant
and dominant occurrences (Table 5).
46
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TOTALP and ORTHCP levels show similar trends; those associated with
dominance are lowest (94 and 38 yg/1, respectively), with non-dominance
somewhat higher (122 and 52 yg/1), and non-occurrence substantially higher
(256 and 121 yg/1). Although little difference is noted between the levels
of N02M03 associated with non-occurrence and dominance, the non-dominance
related mean level was much lower (731, 715, and 429 yg/1, respectively).
General occurrence (dominant and non-dominant) was associated with lower
N/P.
Melosira was associated with lower productivity as indicated by the
distinct trends in KJEL and CHLA values across the occurrence categories
(Table 5). As a dominant, Melosira, on the average, accounted for about
1/3 of the total numerical sample count, which further illustrates its
unique position in phytoplankton communities.
Merismopedia
Merismopedia was the 13th most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be dominant in 22 (6.7 percent)
of the 328 samples in which it occurred. Merismopedia was more common both
as a dominant and non-dominant in the summer and fall than it was during
spring. Even though Merismopedia was obviously common in the NES lakes, and
is considered an important blue-green algae plankter elsewhere (Hutchinson,
1967), very little substantive environmental data are available. Palmer
(1969) did, however, rank it 36th in ability to tolerate organic pollution.
Merismopedia was found in more enriched waters as a dominant (Table 4).
It was associated with one of the lowest N/P ratios (6.1) and clearly the
lowest DO value of the 20 genera under discussion. SECCHI and TURB values
indicated that Merismopedia dominated in some of the most turbid water
encountered in the survey. Merismopedia was rarely a strong dominant having
a mean percent composition of only 16.2.
Differences in the mean parameter values between non-dominance and
dominance were generally small (Table 5) but differences in many parameters
were clear between occurrence (dominant and non-dominant) and non-occurrence
conditions. KJEL and CHLA values (Table 5) suggest that occurrence of
Merismopedia is associated with high productivity. N/P ratio with dominance
was sharply lower (typical for all the blue-green algae genera) while CHLA
was only slightly lower than non-dominant conditions. In general, the data
support warm, turbid, highly productive, high nutrient conditions to favor
the success of Merismopedia. The low DO value (6.6 mg/1) suggests strong
impacts when Merismopedia is dominant.
Mierocystis
The principle species encountered in this study were M. incerta and
M. aeruginosa. The former species appeared in twice as many samples as
the latter. M. aerugincsa is considered to be an indicator of eutrophy,
usually occurring in lakes during the warmest season (Hutchinson, 1967).
Palmer (1969) ranked Microoystis (Anacystis in part) 19th in ability to
tolerate organic pollution.
47
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Mierocystis was the llth most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be dominant in 53 (15.3 percent)
of the 346 samples in which it occurred. Kicrocystis occurred primarily in
summer and fall. However, the occurrence of Microcystis in 49 first round
samples qualifies it as an important spring form as well.
On the whole, Microcystis was not distinguished by extremely high or
low mean values for any of the parameters (Table 4). CHLA and KJEL values
fell toward the high ends of their respective ranges.
Differences in mean values between non-dominant and dominant occur-
rences of Microcystis were minimal (Table 5). With dominance, levels of
TOTALP, ORTHOP, N02N03, and NH3 were consistently lower. Comparison of
conditions across the occurrence categories (Table 5) indicates that
occurrence is associated with lower inorganic (N02N03 + NH3) nitrogen
and higher organic (KJEL-NH3) nitrogen levels than were found for waters
in which Microcystis was not detected. N/P ratios for dominant and non-
dominance occurrence (9.7 and 9.3, respectively) were much lower than the
mean for non-occurrence (18.3), while the inverse relationship was true
with respect to CHLA and KJEL. Both dominant and non-dominant occurrence
was associated with more turbid waters. SECCHI relationships were also
quite consistent with standing crop and productivity estimates from KJEL
and CHLA.
To generalize, "typical" waters favoring the success of Microcystis can
be characterized as relatively warm, turbid, moderate to low in inorganic
nitrogen (particularly as N02N03), relatively high in phosphorus, with
moderate to high ALK and pH, and with high levels of organic production.
The conditions generally reflect those found in enriched temperate waters
during late summer and early fall.
Nitzschia
Sitzsehia was the ninth most common genus encountered in NES lakes during
1973 (Table 2). This diatom was considered to be dominant in 28 (7.5 percent)
of the 374 samples in which it occurred. Nitzschia occurred equally in each
of the three seasons but achieved dominance more frequently in summer and fall.
Palmer (1969) ranked Nitzschia ninth in ability to tolerate organic pollution.
As a dominant, Nitzschia was associated with the lowest water transparency
(SECCHI values of 36 inches) of the 20 genera under discussion (Table 4). While
the TURB value was similarly low, and TOTALP and ORTHOP values were toward the
low end of the range, most mean parameter values were mid-range.
The most notable difference between conditions associated with non-
dominance :and dominance was a lower level of ORTHOP with dominance (Table 5).
Both ORTHOP and TOTALR were lower where Nitzschia occurred than in those
waters in which it was not detected. Upward trends across the occurrence
categories (dominance, non-dominance and non-occurrence, respectively) were
noted in the values of NH3, KJEL, N/P, TURB, and SECCHI (Table 5). A slightly
lower level was noted for N02M03 with dominance than with non-dominance. Large
between-species differences (to be presented in a future report) reduce the
48
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value of genus-level generalizations for Nitzschia.
Oscillatoria
Oscillatoria was the fifth most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be dominant in 105 (24.5 percent)
of the 428 samples in which it occurred. Oscillatoria was slightly more
common in the summer and fall than during the spring. Palmer (1969) ranked
Oscillatoria second in ability to tolerate organic pollution.
While Oscillatoria rarely had extreme mean parameter values (Table 4),
it shared with Nitzschia the distinction of being associated with the most
turbid waters. This is consistent with Baker et al. (1969) who found
0. agardhii to be easily injured by intense illumination. It should be noted
that 0. limietica was by far the most common Oscillatoria species encountered
in our study. However, some evidence, as discussed by Hutchinson (1967),
indicates that in Lake Erie, during the autumn pulse, Oscillatoria favors
low turbidity and therefore high illumination. In Tables 4 and 5 Oscillatoria
is shown to be associated with relatively high cell concentration, CHLA, and
NH3 values.
Differences in mean parameter values between non-dominant and dominant
occurrences were slight (Table 5). The most notable differences were the
lower N02N03 levels and higher KJEL and CHLA levels with dominance. Across
the occurrence categories (Table £), upward trends are noted in SECCHI, TURB,
DO, N02N03, and N/P, while downward trends were noted for the mean values of
CHLA, KJEL, TEMP and ALK.
Paphidiopsis
Raphidiopsis was the 30th most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). .It was considered a dominant in 45 (25.4 percent) of
the 177 samples in which it occurred. Faphidiopsis was most common in summer
and fall, particularly as a dominant. Only two dominant occurrence? were
noted in spring samples. Again, as with Merismopedia, the environmental re-
quirements of Paphidiopsis are rarely mentioned in the literature, even
though it is one of the more common phytoplankton genera.
Raphidiopsis was associated with two extreme mean parameter values
(Table 4). It had the highest TEMP (25.4°C) and the highest PERC value
(38.9 percent) as a dominant. In addition, Raphidiopsis was near the low
end of the range of dominant values for ORTHOP.
There were important differences in mean values among the conditions
associated with the occurrence categories in Table 5. With dominance, the
ORTHOP value was among the lowest of the 20 genera compared. Ey contrast,
the non-dominance mean value for ORTHOP was approximately fivefold higher.
The N02N03 level for general occurrence (dominance and non-dominance) was
about one-half that found in waters in which Raphidiopsis was not detected.
Little can be inferred, from the inconsistent trends noted across occurrence
categories, with respect to those conditions favoring "success" of Raphidiopsis.
Non-dominance values, with few exceptions, suggested more highly enriched (eu-
49
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trophic) conditions than were associated with either dominance or with waters
in which Raphidiopsie was r.ot detected. That the N/P ratio was higher with
dominance is of particular interest, as all but one of the other blue-green
forms showed lower N/P ratios with dominance than with non-dominance. The
other genus, Oscillatoria, remained essentially unchanged with respect to
N/P ratio.
Scenedeemus
Scenedesmus was the second most common genus encountered in NES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be dominant, however, in only
50 (9 percent) of the 553 samples in which it occurred. Scenedesmus was
quite corcrcon in each of the three seasons sampled.
Scenedesmus was especially noteworthy among the 20 most dominant genera,
with unusually high mean values for several parameters (Table 4). The TOTALP
value was 166 yg/1 greater than the next highest value. The ORTHOP value for
ScenedesmuB was similarly extreme. Scenedesmus as a dominant was also associ-
ated with the highest CHLA and KJEL values. In Hutchinson's (1967) review,
Scenedeemus was considered to be a faculative heterotroph and, when living
autotrophically, thought to require higher concentrations of inorganic nutri-
ents than do strictly phototrophic species. In addition. Palmer (1969) ranked
Scenedesmus fourth in ability to tolerate organic pollution.
While Scenedesmue was obviously associated with highly enriched and
productive water, on the average it accounted for only about 20 percent of the
total count. In most cases its presence alone could not account for the high
CHLA values. Scenedesmus was the only non-blue-green algal genus with a domi-
nant H/P ratio less than 10. However, Scenedesmus is frequently associated
with pre-blue-green algal-bloom communities (Williams, 1975).
Significant differences between non-dominant and dominant occurrences
cf Scenedesmus were seen in the exceptionally higher values for TOTALP and
ORTHOP with dominance (Table 5). Differences in phosphorus levels between
non-dominance and non-occurrence were far less pronounced. Also important
were the larger (by about 800 yg/1 and 40 yg/1) values for KJEL and CHLA
respectively, with dominance. Once again, non-dominance values more nearly
approximated non-occurrence than dominance values.
Stephanodiscus
Steptumodiscus was the 18th most common genus encountered in MES lakes
during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be a dominant in 73 (26.5 percent)
of the 275 samples in which it occurred. Stephanodiscue occurred commonly in
each of the three seasons sampled. Palmer (1969) ranked Stephanodiscua 32nd
1n ability to tolerate organic pollution. Although S. astraea was the most
commonly identified species among the samples, several small stephanodiscus
forms were commonly noted for which species designations remain unconfirmed.
Stephanodiacus can be noted for association with clearly the highest
N02N03 values (1201 yg/1) of the 20 genera under consideration (Table 4). It
50
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was also associated with very turbid water of high ALK and relatively lew
TEMP.
Stephanodieciis showed higher values for TOTALP, OPJHOP, NH3, KJEL, and
especially K02N03, with dominance than with non-dominance (Table 5). The
N02N03 value with dominance (1201 ug/1) was nearly three times as high as that
in waters in which Stephanadiscus was not detected (404 yg/1). The higher
N/P ratio, with dominance, is a reflection of the large difference in N02N03.
A substantially higher nrean value (about 10 pg/1 higher) fcr CHLA occurred
with, dominance. Little difference was noted between non-dominance and non-
occurrence values for CHLA. A strong trend in the ALK values noted across the
occurrence categories (Table 5) suggests that increased relative success of
Stephanodiscus is associated with high alkalinity values.
Synedra
Synedra was the third most common genus encountered in NES lakes during
1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be a dominant in 48 (10.4 percent) cf
the 462 samples in which it occurred. Synedra was equally common in each of
the three sampling seasons. Most of the species of Synedra commonly encoun-
tered in this study have been reported by Lowe (1974) to prefer eutrophic con-
ditions. Synedra ulna and s. delioatissina were the species most commonly
identified in the samples, although it should be noted than many of the Synedra
encountered were not taken to species when positive identification could not be
made. Palmer (1969) also considered the genus high in its ability to tolerate
organic pollution (ranked ninth).
As with some of the other extremely common genera, the mean parameter
values tended to mimic the mean values calculated for all the lake data.
Synedra mean values tended to be centrally located within the various para-
meter ranges (Table 4). TOTALP and ORTHOP values were slightly towards the
low end, while N02N03 and NH3 values were slightly shifted towards the high
end. The net result of these shifts is a high N/P ratio of 21.
The most significant difference between non-dominant and dominant occur-
rence mean values was with N02N03 which with dominance was more than 300 yg/1
higher and nearly double that noted in waters in which Synedra was not detected
(Table 5). TOTALP was slightly lower with dominance (and less than one-half
the non-occurrence value), and the combination resulted in a higher N/P ratio
with dominance. CHLA and KJEL data trends (Table 5) suggest that Synedra
success is associated with lower productivity and phytoplankton standing
crops.
Tabellari-a
Tabellaria was only the 43rd most common genus encountered in NES
lakes during 1973 (Table 2). It was considered to be dominant in 20
(16.4 percent) of the 122 samples in which it occurred. Tabellaria
fenestrata accounted for 19 of the dominant occurrences and 80 of the total
occurrences. It occurred often in each of the three seasons but attained domi-
nance largely in spring or summer. Lowe (1974) indicated a spring and fall
maxima for T. fenestrata. Rawson (1956) included Tabellaria in a small group
51
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of diatoms that are most usually found in oligotrophic waters of western
Canadian lakes.
Tabellaria as a dominant was frequently at or near the extreme mean
values for many of the parameters (Table 4). It had the lowest TOTALP,
ORTHOP, CHLA, KJEL, PH, and ALK values, while the N02N03 value was the
second lowest calculated. A pH value of 6.9 is consistent with Lowe's
(1974) optimum range of 5.0-7.1 for the species. The association of
Tabellaria with clear water is evidenced by the highest SECCHI and TURB
values recorded among the 20 genera. Tabellaria occurred as a dominant in
relatively low concentrations (about 1500 cells/ml) and yet, on the average,
accounted for about 30 percent of the total count (one of the higher PERC
values).
Tdbellaria, in dominance, was associated with much lower levels of
TOTALP, ORTHOP, N02N03, and KJEL, as compared to non-dominance conditions
(Table 5). On the other hand, the non-dominance values still remain lower
than those noted for non-occurrence. M/P ratio and CHLA values were also
lower with dominance. Productivity and phytoplankton standing crop, as
estimated by CHLA and KJEL, are far lower for general occurrence (dominance
and non-dominance) than for non-occurrence. TEMP was higher with dominance
(22.1 vice 20.5°C), which seems high in light of the upper limit of the
optimal temperature range established by Findenegg (1943) of 12 to 15°C for
Asterionella in Austrian lakes. A discussion of the various opinions concern-
ing the controlling influence of temperature on the development of various
taxa is presented in Hutchinson (1967). A sharply higher value (by 44 inches)
of SECCHI depth over the non-dominant condition suggests a high water-trans-
parency requirement for optimal growth of Tdbellaria. Even the non-dominance-
related SECCHI mean (62 inches) is one of the higher values recorded among
the 20 genera evaluated.
52
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DISCUSSION
Environmental conditions associated with the occurrence of various phy-
toplankton genera are examined in this report to determine the usefulness of
genus level data for identifying indicators of water quality. Severe criti-
cisms of limnological investigations conducted at the genus level have been
directed primarily towards the variability in environmental requirements of
the species comprising many genera. Weber (1971) provided a graphic illu-
stration citing Cyolotella as an example of a genus with individual species
having requirements at all levels of the trophic scale. He concluded that it
is pointless to discuss diatom populations at the genus level. Our data, for
the most part, support this point of view, especially the data defining
ranges of environmental conditions associated with specific genus occurrence,
whether it be dominant or not. The value of the criticism is not restricted
to the diatoms, as we have shown similar results for most of the major groups
occurring in freshwater plankton communities. There are, however, a number
of genera which are either monospecific, have just a few species, or were only
represented in NES lakes by a few species in the South and East. Data asso-
ciated with these would reflect monospecific requirements and should be use-
ful (even at the genus level) on at least a regional basis.
We have found very few environmental restrictions for the common phyto-
plankton genera discussed in this report. Asterionella showed the clearest
seasonal preference, particularly as a dominant, occurring mostly in the
spring. Although no genus, unless exceptionally rare, was completely absent
during any of the seasons, many preferred summer and fall conditions where
temperature and/or light were more suitable for their growth. The range-dia-
grams in Appendix A illustrate the extremely wide ranges of chemical and
physical conditions associated with the occurrences of most genera. Although
dominance-related data for some genera were considerably modified, the
ranges were still quite wide.
The ranking schemes (Table 3 and 4) used for comparing the differences
between central tendencies of the various genera are important to illustrate
trends with potential application in lake water quality assessment. Many of
the genera followed consistent patterns, ranking them similarly for many of
the parameters. Shifts in conditions associated with dominance were often
consistent in direction. Scenedesmus, one of the most common genera encoun-
tered, had mean values calculated from total occurrence data which consis-
tently placed it midway down the ranked lists (Table 3). Conditions asso-
ciated with dominant occurrence of Scenedesmus on the other hand are charac-
terized by extremely high mean values for certain key parameters (TOTALP,
ORTHOP, KJEL, and CHLA) reflecting highly enriched conditions during times of
important Scenedesmus growth (Table 4). If these relationships, particularly
dominant occurrence trends, reflect conditions of competitive advantage for
53
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the genera, then the information may be used to evaluate or even predict
water quality.
Of considerable interest is the consistent relationship noted between
the occurrence of blue-green algae and low N/P ratios. The attainment of
high relative importance (dominance) among the blue-green genera represented
was invariably associated with very low N/P ratios. The competitive advantage
of nitrogen-limiting (low N/P) conditions to a nitrogen-fixing blue-green
algae seems obvious. What is far less clear is the similar affinity of the
low N/P waters for the non-nitrogen-fixers. Certainly these waters are, for
the most part, highly enriched with phosphorus. The facility of some of the
blue-greens for luxury uptake of phosphorus under such enriched conditions
may provide a partial clue. It should be noted that low N/P ratios (Table 5)
were invariably associated with higher KJEL values and, with a notable excep-
tion (Anabaena), with average or lower NH3. Therefore organic nitrogen
(KJEL-NH3) is high with low N/P ratios. A possible key to the nitrogen nutri-
tion of the blue-greens (particularly the non-nitrogen-fixers) n>ay indeed lie
in the organic nitrogen component either through direct assimilation by the
blue-greens (see Williams, 1975) or as a source for conversion by the bacteria
often intimately associated with blue-green colonies and filaments.
To this point in the report, genera have been discussed on an individual
basis. In nature, it is an exceedingly rare event to find just one species
or genus forming a community. As such, biological prediction and/or inter-
pretation of water quality should not be based upon the presence of one taxa
but should instead consider the community of organisms.
An effort is being undertaken to develop and test several phytoplankton
water quality indices using mean parameter values calculated for the dominant
occurrences of each genus. Fundamental to the application of each index is
the consideration of community structure. Indices have been developed from
our data using the following key parameters: TOTALP, KJEL, CHLA, SECCKI, and
cell count (CONC). Multivariate and single parameter indices are being
tested. The indices of our own development, and some 28 others (both biolog-
ical and physical), presently in common use, are being tested for their abil-
ity to rank lakes according to trophic state.
TOTALP and CHLA were chosen as standards for comparison purposes since
total phosphorus is considered to be the most important nutrient associated
with eutrophication in freshwaters, and chlorophyll a_, the most reliable
indicator of eutrophic biological response. The Spearman rank correlation
coefficient (rs) was calculated for each index-standard combination. The
correlation coefficient is then used to rate the effectiveness of each index
in predicting the reference standard ranking.
The preliminary results are encouraging. The phytoplankton indices have
correlation coefficients as high as 0.72 against the TOTALP standard and 0.79
against the CHLA standard (0.79 was the best correlation achieved against
the CHLA standard). Two well known indices, Nygaard's trophic state (Nygaard,
1949) and Palmer's organic pollution indices (Palmer, 1969) did not fair as
well, since the highest correlation for the series of indices against stand-
ard was 0.55. A report, soon to be published in this series, will evaluate
54
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the study results, and comment further on the application and usefulness of
phytoplankton indices of water quality calculated at the genus level.
55
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Weber, C. I. 1971 (unpublished). The relationship between water quality
and diatom distribution. Presented at the Symposium "Plankton
Organisms as Indicators of their Environment", Sponsored by the
American Microscopic Society and held at the 22nd annual Meeting
of the American Institute of Biological Sciences, Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, August 30 - September 3. 32 pp.
Williams, L. R. 1975. Heteroinhibition as a factor in Andbaena
floe-aquae waterbloom production. In: Proceedings; Bio-
stimulation - nutrient assessment workshop. EPA-660/3-75-034.
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon.
pp. 275-317.
Williams, L. R., S. C. Hern, V. W. Lamboy, F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris,
and W. D. Taylor. 1979. Phytoplankton water quality relationships
in U. S. lakes. Part II: Genera Acanttosphacra through
Cystodiniun. EPA-600/3-79-022. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Las Vegas, Nevada. 119 pp.
58
-------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
List of reports containing all phytoplankton data
collected in 1973 which was used in the series
"Phytoplankton Water Quality Relationships in U.S. Lakes."
Corresponding U.S. EPA NES Working Paper (WP) numbers in parentheses.
Hern, S. C., J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou, F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris, L. R.
Williams, W. D. Taylor, and F. A. Hiatt. 1977. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in South Carolina Lakes. EPA-600/3-77-102, Ecological
Research Series. 64 pp. (WP No. 690)
Hern, S. C., J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou, F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris,
L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor, and F. A. Hiatt. 1978. Distribution
of Phytoplankton in Delaware Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-027, Ecological
Research Series. 33 pp. (WP No. 678)
Hiatt, F. A., S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, V.,W. Lambou, F. A. Morris,
M. K. Morris, L. R. Williams, and W. D. Taylor. 1977. Distribution
of Algae in Pennsylvania. U.S. EPA National Eutrophication Survey
Working Paper No. 689. 74 pp.
Hiatt, F. A., S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou, F. A. Morris, M. K.
Morris, L. R. Williams, and W. D. Taylor. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in Tennessee Lakes. EPA-600/78-016, Ecological Research
Series. 40 pp. (WP No. 692)
Hilgert, 0. W., V. W. Lambou, F. A. Morris, R. W. Thomas, M. K. Morris,
L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt, and S. C. Hern. 1977.
Distribution of Phytoplankton in Virginia Lakes. EPA-600/3-77-100,
Ecological Research Series. 40 pp. (WP No. 692)
Hilgert, J. W., V. W. Lambou, F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris, L. R. Williams,
W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt, and S. C. Hern. 1978. Distribution of
phytoplankton in Ohio Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-015, Ecological Research
Series. 94 pp. (WP No. 688)
Lambou, V. W., F. A. Morris, R. W. Thomas, M. K. Morris, L. R. Williams,
W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern, and J. W. Hilgert. 1977.
Distribution of Phytoplankton in Maryland Lakes. EPA-600/3-77-124,
Ecological Research Series. 24 pp. (WP No. 684)
59
-------
Lambou, V. W., F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris, L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor,
F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern, and J. W. Hilgert. 1977. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in West Virginia Lakes. EPA-600/3-77-103, Ecological
Research Series. 21 pp. (WP No. 693)
Morris, F. A., M. K. Morris, L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt,
S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, and V. W. Lambou. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in Indiana Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-078, Ecological Research
Series. 70 pp. (WP No. 682)
Morris, F. A., M. K. Morris, L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt,
S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, and V. W. Lambou. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in Georgia Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-011, Ecological Research
Series. 63 pp. (WP No. 680)
Morris, M. K., L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern,
J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou, and F. A. Morris. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in Illinois Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-050, Ecological Research
Series. 128 pp. (WP No. 681)
Morris, M. K., L. R. Williams, W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern,
J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou, and F. A. Morris. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in North Carolina Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-051, Ecological
Research Series. 73 pp. (WP No. 687)
Taylor, W. D., F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, V. K. Lambou,
F. A. Morris, R. W. Thomas, M. K. Morris, and L. R. Williams. 1977.
Distribution of Phytoplankton in Alabama Lakes. EPA-600/3-77-082,
Ecological Research Series. 51 pp. (WP No. 677)
Taylor, W. D.f F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou,
F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris, and L. R. Williams. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in Florida Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-085, Ecological Research
Series. 112 pp. (WP No. 679)
Taylor, W. D., F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern, J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou,
F. A. Morris, M. K. Morris, and L. R. Williams. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in Kentucky Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-013, Ecological Research
Series. 28 pp. (WP No. 683)
Williams, L. R., W. D. Taylor, F. A. Hiatt, S. C. Hern, 0. W. Hilgert,
V. W. Lambou, F. A. Morris, R. W. Thomas, and M. K. Morris. 1977.
Distribution of Phytoplankton in Mississippi Lakes. EPA-600/3-77-101,
Ecological Research Series. 29 pp. (WP No. 685)
Williams, L. R., F. A. Morris, J. W. Hilgert, V. W. Lambou, F. A. Hiatt,
W. D. Taylor, M. K. Morris, and S. C. Hern. 1978. Distribution of
Phytoplankton in New Jersey Lakes. EPA-600/3-78-014, Ecological
Research Series. 59 pp. (WP No. 686)
60
-------
APPENDIX A
A-l. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to total phosphorus
levels.
A-2. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to total Kjeldahl
nitrogen levels.
A-3. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to chlorophyll a_
levels.
A-4. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to N/P ratio values.
This appendix was generated by computer. Because it was possible to use
only upper case letters in the printout, all scientific names are printed in
upper case and are not italicized.
Using total phosphorus CAppendix A-l] as an example, the various terms,
symbols and layout are defined as follows. The range, mean, and twice the
STDV are plotted against a logarithmic scale for dominance (DOM), non-domi-
nance (NONDOM) and non-occurrence (NONOCC) categories. The symbol (+} fol-
lowing scale-numerals locates the proper position of each value. The range
limits are delineated in most cases with a vertical bar. An "X" indicates
the mean value for the respective occurrence categories, while "M" is the
mean value for all occurrences of the genus. "S" gives the positions of two
standard deviations on either side of the mean. Values of S below zero were
omitted. Occasionally S fell on the position of the vertical bar'designating
the range limit in which case S replaced the bar. Immediately following the
genus name is the mean occurrence parameter value (M) in yg/1. For the
remaining categories, DOM, NONDOM, and NONOCC, the mean parameter value (X)
in yg/1 is given, followed in parentheses by the number of occurrence values
or, in the case of NONOCC, the number of non-occurrence values in the cate-
gory.
61
-------
A-l.
Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
total phosphorus levels.
ACHSAJiTHES 74
DOH 29( 6)
SOS DOM 76(138)
W3K OCC 152(598)
•.CTIXASTM.il 287
OOt 56( 2)
SON DOM 291( 93)
SON OCC 115(647)
ANA8AENA 127
DOM 183( 33)
SOS DOH 121(322)
SOX OCC 147(387)
ASABAMOfSIS 238
ilWl 70< 7)
-•OS DOM 253< 76)
SOS OCC 125(659)
ASKISTRODESMBS 129
DOM 7S{ 9)
SOS DOM 131(246)
SOS OCC 142(487)
'PHASIZOHENOM 103
iOM 147( 40)
SOS DOH 87(113)
NOS OCC 146(589)
A5HSIONELLA. 56
DOH 36( 36)
SOV DOH 61(162)
•:tx: occ 167(544)
( EMT11M *2
MM 140( 2)
SON DOM 61(156)
NOX OCC ( 0)
CMLX-IYDOMONAS 199
OCH 847( 4)
KOK DOM 180(136)
.-.UK OCC 123(602)
CHLOKOCONIUM 271
DOH ( 0>
SOS DOM 271( 76)
SOS OCC 122(666)
•-HROuCOCCUS 191
ix» 163( 19)
;;on non 194U60>
..„ SOS OCC 120(563)
CLOSTUIIM 1S6
DOM 20( 4)
UOM DOH 158(233)
l.Ot, OCC 128(505)
'.OCCONEIS 112
DOH ( 0)
NOB DOM 112(115)
NOK OCC 142(627)
COtLASTRIM 1*2
DCH 60( 6)
SON DOH 144(280)
KOS OCC 134(456)
COCLOSPHAERIUM 93
DOH 44( 6)
SON DOM 97( 77)
KOS OCC 143(659)
COSMAXIfM 125
DOH U( 3)
SOS DOM 126(232)
NOK OCC 143(507)
CRUCICENIA 133
DCH 361( ,2)
SOS DOH 131(240)
KOS OCC 139(500)
10+
s
1
100+
M
1 X S
1000+
10000+
S I—X-| S
j
I —. x_
-S 1
I - - —--—__-.—j-
-s-|
-s 1
-S 1
1
—I
1 —
1—
1—
1,
1 , ,._ .
i S|
X S 1
M
5
M
|__v_ 1 e
A | 3
X
—I
j ~-X
I-X—I S
1
62
-------
10*
100+
1000+
CRYPTO.MONAS 116
DOM 115( 72)
SOS DOM 116(321)
SOS OCC 161(349)
CYCUJTELLA 126
DOM 185( 83)
SON DOM 112(357)
SON OCC 154(302)
CYMBELLA 91
DOM ( 0)
SON DOM 9H169)
NON OCC 151(537)
3ACTYLOCOCCOPSIS 164
DOM 178( 58)
SON DOM 161(228)
NOS OCC 120(456)
DICTYOSPHAERIUM 197
DOM 18( 1)
NON DON 198(183)
NON OCC 117(558)
niNOBRYON 61
DOM 27( 31)
SON DOM 66(190)
KON OCC 170(521)
KL'ASTRUM 89
DOM ( 0)
SOS DOM 89( 77)
SON OCC 143(665)
KUCLENA 153
DOM 318C 6)
NON DOM 150(400)
NON OCC 117(334)
FRACILARIA 82
DOM 64 ( 45)
NON DOM 87(170)
SON OCC 160(527)
C,!ESODIN1UM 113
DOM 8( 4)
•.ON DOM 117(107)
SON OCC 141(631)
COI.ENKISIA 245
I'OM 615( 2)
•.ON DOM 239(124)
'.OS OCC 115(616)
91
DOM 10( 1)
-.ON DOM 92( 76)
M)S OCC 143(665)
CYVNODISIUH 101
:OM 9( 2)
•:ON DOM 103C 85)
NON OCC 142(655)
CYRUS IGMA 95
IKM ( 0)
NOS DOM 95( 80)
SON OCC 142(662)
K I f.< HSER I ELLA 184
DfM 1 39( 8)
WN DOM 186(155)
1.IIN OCC 124(580)
243
( 0)
: DOM 243C 84)
OCC 124(658)
1+
1
1 ___
1
1
J _
j _ .
1 _
1
X
1 __
1 _
1
1 — ___
X
| x 1 S
1 .
10+
M
M
M
M
-._¥ - S— 1
M
M
M
M
M
M
x S !
M
M
M
M
M
M
IOCH 1000+
63
-------
10+ 100+ 1000+ 10000+
LYNCBYA 1 10
HALLOMONAS 85
HP LOS IRA 110
MF.RISMOPEDIA 176
1ICROCYSTIS 167
KAVICUIA 94
NIT2SCHIA 116
OOCYSTIS 129
OSr.IU-ArORIA 116
i>AMKWlKA 1J8
DIM ( 0)
i-nitASTRUM 166
DOM ( 0)
PERID1SIUH 66
BOH 16( 6)
Pf'ACLS 192
DOM 2523( 2)
PAPH1DIOPSIS 212
DON 106( 45)
SCCKCDESMUS 135
SCHROEDCKU 228
DOH !7< 2)
STAURASTVUH 91
DON 13( 1)
SON DOH 91(269)
unu nrr HLtrA79\
I_«_-.
1
i . „ „
).. m
i
i
| x |S
j
s i-x-l s
'
X
M
M
V F I
M
H
A i^r Tr |
T f I
M
H
H
H
M
M
M
H
M
, X 1
T - -
-------
10000+
SIDTANODISCUS 112
DOM 116( 73)
NOK DOM 111(202)
NON OCC 126(275)
SURIRCLLA 135
DOM 0( 0)
SUN UOM 135( 98)
SUN OCC 137(644)
SYNED3A 98
DOM 82( 48)
W.I DOM 100(413)
NON OCC 202(281)
TABELLARIA 42
DuM 22( 20)
SON DOM 46(102)
NON OCC 156(620)
TKTRAF.DROS 165
DOM 18( 5)
NOS DOM 167(318)
SON OCC 116(419)
M
I V
M
c_ 1
S | X--|S
M
Y- <; — .
TRACHELOMONAS 118
DOH 97( 4)
NON DOH 118(224)
NON OCC 146(514)
TREUBARIA 146
DOH ( 0)
NON DOH 146( 94)
NON OCC 136(648)
S | X—IS
X
M
10+
-S
--- S
1000+
10000+
65
-------
A-2. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
total Kjeldabl nitrogen levels.
100+
ACHNANTHES 818
DOM 734( 6)
NON DOH 822(138)
NON OCC 1097<598)
ACTINASTRUH 1523
DOM 594{ 2)
NON DOM 1543( 93)
NON OCC 927(647)
AXABAENA 1138
DOM 1015( 33)
SON DOM 1151(322)
SON OCC 956(387)
ANABAENOPSIS 1697
DOM 1393( 7)
NOS DOM 1725( 76)
KON OCC 960(659)
ANKISTXODESMUS 1087
DOM 573( 9)
NON DOM 1106(246)
SON OCC 1020(487)
APHANIZOMENOH 1175
DOM 1437( 40)
NON DOM 1082(113)
NON OCC 1009(589)
ASTERIONELLA 627
DOM 491( 36)
SOS DOM 657(162)
NON OCC 1197(544)
CERATIUM 851
DOM 1046{ 2)
NON DOM 848(156)
NO.V OCC 1095(584)
CHlJUnDOMONAS 1232
DOM 3143( 4)
KON DOM 1176(136)
KOS OCC 999(602)
CHLOROGONIUM 1592
DOM ( 0)
SON DOM 1592( 76)
KON OCC 980(666)
CHP.OOCOCCUS 1529
DO!! 1630( 19)
SON DOH 15!7(J60)
SON OCC 888(563)
CtOSTERlUH 1279
DOH 698( 4)
KON DOM 1289(233)
KON OCC 932(505)
COCCOKEIS 958
BOM (0)
SON DOM 958(115)
NON OCC 1059(627)
COELASTRUM 1207
MM 1208( 6)
SON DOM 1207(280)
SOS OCC 940(456)
COELOSPHAER1UM 1146
DOM 888( 6)
KON DOM 11&6( 77)
SOS OCC 1030(659)
COSMAK1UM 1285
DOH 586( 3)
NON DOM 1294(232)
NON OCC 931(507)
CRUCICENU 1155
DOM 10
-------
1000+
1001
",OM 798( 72)
NON DOM 1046(321)
NON OCC 1090(349)
(YCl.OTEi.LA 1018
DOM 1053( 83)
SON DCM 1010(357)
SOS OCC 1079(302)
l.YMBELLA 807
POM ( 0)
;:ON DOM 807(169)
NON OCC 1112(573)
JACTYLOCOCCOFSIS 1141
POM 1041( 58)
NON DOM 1166(228)
NON OCC 981(456)
D1CTYOSPHAER1UM 1398
30M 948( II)
NON DOM 1400(183)
NON OCC 926(558)
M
-X S 1
X S
X S-
M.
—I
DINOBRYON 707
DOM 594( 31)
SON DOM 726(190)
SON OCC 1185(521)
EUASTRUM 930
DOM ( 0)
NON DOM 930( 77)
NON OCC 1056(665)
EUGLENA 1 109
DOM 148K 8)
SON DOM 1102(400)
SOU OCC 962(334)
KRAC1LARIA 990
DOH 843( 45)
S0!l DOM 1029(170)
SON OCC 1064(527)
C1.ESODINIUM 1133
DOM 403( 4)
SON DOM 1160(107)
SON OCC 1027(631)
COI.ENK1.NIA 1515
1>OH 1040( 2 )
SON DOM 1523(124)
SOS OCC 946(616)
GOMPHONEHA 845
DOM 781( t)
NOS DOM 846( 76)
NOS OCC 1066(665)
CYMKODINIUM 1032
DOM 256( 2)
SON DOM 1050( 85)
SOS OCC 1044(655)
CYROSIGMA 923
DOM ( 0)
NOS DOM 923( 80)
SOS OCC 1057(662)
KIRCHNERlELtA 1344
DOM 755( 8)
KOS UOM 1374(155)
NON OCC 958(580)
1ACERHEIM1A 1717
DOM ( 0)
SON UOM 1717( 84)
NON OCC 957(658)
100+
-S—I
I _.
s l-x-l s
I — x — | s
-s—I
M
I
-X S
X S 1
X S 1
S 1
I
10000+
67
-------
100+
YVPYA 1202
^ I48fl( 99)
v \ "H»: 1UM ( 187)
>"•: *A*{ 6)
*."•*; IWM 933(156)
NOS OCC 1076(580)
"JILOSIRA 999
VT* 774(254)
'-'j'i DOM 1 162(352)
ItfclSMOPEDIA 1364
IKH I387( 22)
!11CaOCYSTIS 1366
NOJi DOM 1350(292)
%OK OCC 761(397)
NAVICULA 921
DOM 490( 6)
NON OCC 1179(351)
MTZSCHIA 975
DGH 883( 29)
SOS OCC 1 1 12(368)
'XXYSTIS 942
OSCILLATOR I A 1082
DOM 1356( 105)
'•ON DOM 99*O *2)
PANDORINA 830
D<*1 ( 0)
'.US OCC 1082(627)
1'LMASTRUM 1307
1XJM ( 0)
PERIOINIUH 829
IXM S95( 6)
PHACUS 1 }07
RAPHIDIOPSTS IMS
DOM 107J( 45)
SCENEOES!fl!S 1125
SCHPOEDEtlA 1 526
DON 552( 2)
STAURASTMM 1 104
D€H 7SO( 1)
KDW nrr inoftr^??)
1000+ 1000•**[
M
1 .. -, - ..__, T P I
M
M
i r f i
H
i _„_., ,_, -r. . „• f, .
H
IT 1 1
M
H
M
H
S | X-| S
H
X
I - — - — T_ — <;- i
68
-------
STKPKANODISCL'S 1016
DOM H12( 73)
NON DOM 981(202)
SOS OCC 1059(467)
SLRIRELLA 996
•,)
-------
A-3. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
chlorophyll a_ levels.
1+ 10+ 100+ 1000+
ACHNANTHES 18.5 H
OflH 11.5( 6) S 1 X 1 S
WON DOM 18.8(138) I X S 1
ttOtt -OCC 2fl£5A7J J~"*~——~~————————-——__———.—.——x^^—*1*—™*—""•"••"——-S —————————— I
ACIISASTXUM 52.3
DUH 3.5( 2)
SOU DOH 53.3( 93)
SOU OCC 22.4(646) I
ANAUENA 28.5 X
DOM 19.71 33) I X S 1
MOM DOM 29.4(323) I X S
VON QCC 24.1(385) I X S
A!;ABACNOPSIS 50.7
DOM 32.9( 7)
NOB DOH 52.3( 76)
SON OCC 23.1(658) |—~
ASr.lSTRODESMUS 3O.7
DOH 17.9( 9) I
SOS DOH 31.2(245) I
SOU OCC 23.8(487) I
APRANIZOHENON 30.3 H
DOM 37.6( 41) I X S
SON DOH 27.6(113) I X S 1
SON OCC 25.1(587) I X S
ASTttlONELLA 13.4 M
DON 9.6{ 35) | X S 1
SON DOM 14.2(163) I X S-
SON OCC 30.9(543) I X
CCRATIVM 16.6 H
SOt 5.2( 2) ' SX
SOU DOH 16.7(156) | X S 1
VON OCC 28.8(583) I X S
CHLAHTDOMOSAS 33.1 H
DOM 55. l( 4) ! X 1 S
SON DOH 32.5(136) I X S 1
SOS OCC 24.6(601) I X S
CHI.UP.OCON1UM 54.6 H
DOM ( 0)
SON DOH 54.6{ 76) I X S—
NON OCC 22.9(665) I X S
tHROOCOCCUS 42.4 H
BOH 46.K 19) | X S
NON DOH 41.9(16(1) | X S-
KON OCC 21.0(562) | X S
CLOSTEJUUM 32.9
DOH 19.8( 4)
SON DM 33.1(234) |
NUN OCC 23(503) |
COCCONtIS 22.3 "
DOH (0)
MW DOH 22.3(115) I X S 1
SOS OCC 26.9(626) I X S 1
COELASTKIM 34.0 H
DOH 13« 4C o) | —————— - ™«.—_————-~x~~"—~~™Ti"5
•iOS DOH 34.4(281) I X S 1
SO* OCC 21.3(154) | X S 1
'XinOSPHAERItM 28.9
DOH 11.H 6)
DON DOH 30.2( 78)
KOH OCC 25.8(657) |-
COSMARIUH 33.0
aon ».9( 3)
NOR DOH 33.3(233) I —
SOS OCC 23(505) |
CWCICCNIA 31.0
DOH II.8( 2) I
NOM DOM 31.2(240) I —
NON OCC 23.8(499) I
70
-------
•-RYPTOMONAS 25.3
DOM 16.5( 71)
NUS DOM 27.2(322) |
SON OCC 27.2(348) I
i YCLOTELLA 25.9
DOM 29.9( 83) 1
NUN DOM 25(358) I
SON OCC 26.6(JOO) |
C^BELLA 19.8
COM ( 0)
NO;; DOM 19.8(170) !
SOS OCC 28.1(571) |
"1ACTYLOCOCCOPSIS 29.4
DOM 25( 58) !
SON DOM 30.5(229) |
NOK OCC 24.2(454) j
HCTVUfPliAERIUM 39.8
DOM 10.8( 1) x
NON DOM 40(184) I
:;OS OCC 21.6(556) | x-
1 —
1 _
.
4
1 .
A s (
K
X S |
M
— x- - s 1
M
X S |
x s S i '
D1MOBRYON 12.8 M
DOH 8.1( 31) | X S-
MON DOM 13.6(189) I X S 1
:;os occ 31.8(521) | x s—
l'_V.ST?U:: 18.3
DOM ( 0)
EUCLENA 30.0
NO:; occ 21. 6O331 1
M
v — c 1
FP-AC1LARIA 21.8
JOM 17.5( 45)
SON DOM 22.9(170) I
;.OK OCC 28(256) |
H
'TENOBIMUM 29.9
DOM 6.4( 4)
SON DOM 30.8(107) |
:;os occ 25.5(630) I
GOLESK1SIA 50.2 H
DOM 26.9( 2)
SOK DOM 50.6(124) | ' X-
:;os occ 21.3(615) ]
CUV.FHONEMA 18.4
DOM 7.4( 1)
NON DOM 18.5( 76) |-
SOK OCC 27.1(664) |-
GYMSODINIKM 30.6
DOM 2.8( 2) |
SCN DOM 31.3( 85)
SOS OCC 25.6(654) |
CYKOSICMA 22.7
DOM ( 0)
SOS DOM 22.7( 79)
SOS OCC 26.6(662) |
riPCIlKERIELU 37.6 M
DuM 7.6( 8) | X S
NUS DOM 39.2(155) | X-
NON OCC 22.9(579) I X
LACERHF.1MIA 52.0
DOM ( 0)
NO!. DOM 52.0( 84)
SOS OCC 22.9(657) I
1+
M
Y — _ _ c — 1
10+
100+
71
-------
'T 'W» 100* 1000*
LYNCBYA 28.2 M
DOM 29.5( 99) I X s I
•iOS DOM 27.5(187) | x s__. .
SON OCC 24.9(455) j x _ c ,
O __J
".ALUIMuNAS 24.9 H
.TOM 6{ 6) S
SOK DOH 25.6(156) |
M>S OCC 26.6(579) |
:iEI.OSIRA 24.7
DOM 18.1(255) |-
SON DOM 29.5(350) | —
SON OCC 323(142) |~
MESISMOPEDIA 37.1 M
IX» 33.6( 22) | xl s_,
SOS DOH 37.4(306) I X -s
:;ON OCC 17.5(413) | x S
MICROCTSTIS 37.4 O
DOM 37.5( 53) | X s-
SOS DOH 37.4(293) | X S
KAVICULA 23.3 M
DOM 8.2( 6) | x 1 S
SUN DOM 23.5(383) | X
NOS OCC 29.4(352) |
MTZSCTIA 26.7
DOM 26.5( 28) |-
SOS DOM 26.7(344) I
SOS OCC 25.7(369) j
• I.1CYSIIS 37.0
3iM 14.0( 5)
SON DOM 37.6(177)
NOS OCC 22.7(559) |
.'SCILLATUI1IA 28.9
DflM 39.2(105) |-
NUN DOM 25.6(323) |-
:.OS OCC 22.4(313) |-
M
1 v t-
X--
SS '
fASDORINA 18
DOM ( 0)
SON DUN 18(116) I-
VOS OCC 27.7(625) I —
i-nilASTKUH 37.0
301 ( 0)
•JON SUM 37.0(333)
'.ON OCC 17.4(408) |-
PCP.IDIMItM 17.9
OOt 8.4( 6)
KOK DOM 18.3(148}
KfW OCC 28.4(587) |
PVACtS 37.5
3t« 22.8( 2)
SOK DOM 37.6(251) |
SOS OCC 20.3(488) |
RAPHIUIOPSiS 43.6
DOH 30.5( 45)
.'-OH DOM 48(132) I
SOS OCC 20.7(564) I
SCENE3ESWS 29.6
DOM 60.4( 50) |
SOS DOH 26.5(503) |
SOK OCC 16.2(188) |-
SCHPOEDEBIA 52.1
DOM *.!( 2) I X
SOU DflM 53.4(177) I
SOS OCC 17.7(562) I
STAUKASTKUM 27.0
COM 16.6( 1)
;:ON DOH 27(270)
SOS OCC 25.8(470)
72
-------
10+
ICON DOM 26.9(202) |
Sl'RlRCLLA 26.2
DOM ( 0)
SOX DOM 26. 2( 98) 1
SYSEURA 21.3
DOM 19( 46) |
SOS DOM 21.6(414) |
TAKLLARIA 10.5
DOM 7.7( 20)
SO-i DOM 11.1(102) |
TF.TRAF.URON 37.9
DOM 5.2( 5) 1
Kiltt iW.r 17.I/4I7> 1-
A ., !
x s 1
M
x s |
M
x s 1
X S 1
M
| x S 1
x s 1
H
X 1 S
V — „ c _!
: RACHELOMONAS 26.7 H
UOM 6.0( 4) S |—X |S
SON DOM 27.1(224) I X
SON OCC 26(513) I X
TSLUBARIA 44.1 M
!>OM ( 0)
SON DOM 44.1( 94) I X-
SON OCC 23.6(647) I X
73
-------
A-4. Occurrence of 57 phytoplankton genera as related to
N/P ratio values.
100*
ACHMANTVES 12.2
ACTIKASTRUH 8.9
DON 18.5C 2>
ANAEAEKA 9.8
ANAKAEKOPSIS 3.2
DOM 4.6( 7)
ASKtSTRODESHUS 11.
APVANIZOMENON 12.2
ASTERIONEUA 16.9
CESATIl"! 15.7
CKLAMYDOCfcfllAS 9* 1
CHLORUGON1UM 9.7
•XJM ( 0)
HROUCOCCUS 6.0
.JON DOM 6. 2(1 QU)
U.OSTCB1UH 10.3
COCCDNEIS 10.9
UOH ( 0)
NO!: DON 10.9(115)
COELASTItUM 11.3
NOM OCC 15. 9(*5t)
COQ.OSPHAEKIUH 12.
DON 17. 8( 6)
MOM DON II. 8( 77)
COSMAXIUM 8.1
DOM 27. 7( 1)
NOM OCC 16.9(507)
tRUCICEJIIA 10.6
Mil DON 10.6(240)
H
M
S |-X| S
H
H
I — Y 1 C
( ~~ * 1 3
3 H
I T C 1
H
M
M
1 _ _ V „ .„„„ „< . I
M
M
' -
s j i
M
M
i ______-_^ i | 5
I X 5 1
2 M
j " X. %„. .1 |
M
M
. . s 1
74
-------
. -iP70MONAS 14.5
"OH 14.2( 72) |
SDK OCC 13.6(349) !
IYCLUTELLA 14.9
DOM 17. 7( 83) !
;.ON OCC 20.5(302) !
I YVBELLA 14.7
DOM ( 0)
SON DOM 14.7(169) I
"VTYLOCOCCOPSIS 9.8
DOM 6.9{ 58) }
JM OCC 16.8(456) !
..:< FYOSPHAER1UM 7.1
' *t 9.0( 1)
'.JN DOM 7.1(183) !
.•::.,jB*YOS 19.2
i;-*I 28. 5( 31)
VJN DOM 17.7(190) I
•LAST?!.1!! 4.7
DOM ( 0)
EL-CIENA 12.2
SON iX.C 16.5(334) |
FP.AOILARIA 14.3
ntf. 22. 9( 45) 1
SOS DOM 12.0(170) |
GLENCDIMim 15.5
MM 54. 5( 4)
SON OCC 13.9(631) !
COLENKISIA 6.0
DOM 3.5( 2) !
SOS DOM 6.0(124) |
so:; occ 15.8(616) !
Cu>;PHOSEMA 16.3
•JOM 15. 0( 1)
MJN -JOM 16. 3( 76) !
:•(« 65. 0( 2)
C. YPuSICMA 13.4
bOM ( 0)
M'N DOM 13.4( 80) |
pilPUISERIEI.LA 8.6
nut] 17.1( 8) |
'.ON DOM $.2(155) I
L.'.r.E*HKIMIA 7.6
')•« ( 0)
:.o!i DOM 7.6( 84) |
14-
M
„ V -S - I
M
* E 1
M
,„_ „ -„- X-- « --- — • — S- - |
M
x s 1
x S 1
M
X
x s j
M
| X S 1
X S 1
M
M
.-- -• rX • S ---I
M
x s 1
y - - -^- - i
X. _ , q , . . . ., .._.!
M
| x 1 S
X S 1
M
X 1 s
X S 1
x— I s
M
X
X S |
M
| V | S
M
-- x s 1
X IS
X S 1
M
•"••— X — —— — S* - 1
10+ 100+
75
-------
1+ 10+
LYNG8YA 9. A M
•4ALLQKGSAS 13.4 M
-fLuSIRA 13.2 M
MERISMOPEDXA 9.1 H
«KROCYSTIS 9.4 M
SAVICUIA IA.6 H
%ON OCC 13 6(351) '-• - -- v
MTZSCHIA 12.8 M
OOCYSTIS 10.0 M
OSCllLATORIA 10.4 M
PAMMJRIKA 10.6 H
t*JM ( 0)
: ; !' : ASTRfM 8.4 H
!>irt { 0)
I •.?' MINIUM U.7 M
>;M 9.8( 6) | X -1 S
PnAtCS 10.2 M
50M 2.0( 2) I X 1 S
»A?HI3IOPSIS 7.1 H
ICEStatSMUS 11.0 M
SCKSOEDEKIA 8.2 H
iim it.sc tt s ix-l s
SON DOM 8.2(17*) | X
STAVKASITCM 9.9 !l
•iCH It.OC 1) X
v*j« nrr IA AfAT?\ *__—__ — „ — -- _ — __. — —.__—»_-__- —
100+
1
• 1
e i
r I
1 '
|
|
-s 1
,._, „ <__.,rTI .____!
.. c ______ ___!
-S • 1
76
-------
1+ 10+ 100+
I-I-KANODISCVS 14.9 H
:>OM 17.8( 73) | X S-
!.OS DOM 13.8(202) | r. S —
'.ON OCC 13.7(467) | X S—
•:-l»n.LA 15.2 M
:>«M ( 0)
'.ON DOM 15.2( 98) ! X
SOS OCC 14.0(644) ! X
1000+
VM.URA 15.1 M
DOM 21.0( 48) | X £ 1
NuS DOM 14.4(413) I X S
SOS OCC 12.5(281) | X S 1
ABCU-AP.IA 18.0 H
•-•UM 11.3( 20) | x S 1
•-OS ilUM 19.3(102) | X S 1
SOS OCC 13.3(620) | f. 5
>.*. KAKDRUN 7.9 H
.MM 20.0( 5) |
:.ON HUM 7.7(318) | X
:•'}•.. OCC 18.9(419) |
FAU1ELOMONAS 12.5 M
>OM 6.3( 4) S | X--| S
.'.OS DOM 12.6(224) | X S
:o.1 OCC 14.9(514) | X S
PM'BAJUA 7.9 M
DOM ( 0)
NUN DOM 7.9( 94) | X S 1
:.ON OCC 15.0(648) I X S
1+ 10+ 100+
77
-------
APPENDIX B
RANGE OF PARAMETER VALUES WITHIN THREE OCCURRENCE
CATEGORIES FOR Anabaena, Cryptorvonas AND Dinobryon
The ranges of CHLA, TURB, SECCHI, PH, DO, TEMP, TOTALP, ORTHOP,
N02N03, NH3, KJEL, ALK, and N/P associated with dominance (DOM), non-
dominance (NONDOM) and occurrence (OCC) are presented in tabular form
using data for Anaiaena, Cryptomonas and Dinobryon as representative
examples.
78
-------
APPENDIX B. RANGE OF PARAMETER VALUES WITHIN THREE OCCURRENCE CATEGORIES FOR
Anabaena, Cryptomonas3 AND Dinobryon
PARAMETER
CHLA
(P8/D
TTTOB
lUlCD
(% trans.)
SECCHI
(inches)
PH
CATEGORY
OCCUR. RANGE
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
occ
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
occ
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
occ
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
OCC
MAX
Anabaena
1.9
147.4
1.2
595.0
1.2
595.0
39
95
5
100
5
100
11
144
6
252
6
252
6.5
10.3
5.6
10.2
5.6
10.3
Cvyptomonas
1.2
198.0
0.8
312.0
.8
312.0
17
100
1
98
1
100
2
222
5
185
2
222
5.2
9.3
5.5
10.3
5.2
10.3
Di-nobvyon
0.6
45.3
1.1
170.5
0.6
170.5
58
100
1
100
1
100
19
252
2
185
2
252
6.2
8.9
5.2
9.7
5.2
9.7
(Continued)
79
-------
APPENDIX B. PANGE OF PARAMETER VALUES WITHIN THREE OCCURRENCE CATEGORIES FOR
Andbaena, Cryptomonas3 AND Dinobryon (Continued)
PARAMETER
DO
(mg/D
TEMP
(°C)
TOTALP
(yg/D
ORTHOP
(yg/D
CATEGORY
OCCUR. RANGE
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN'
OCC
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
OCC
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
OCC
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
OCC
MAX
Anabaena
2.8
16.0
1.9
15.5
1.9
16.0
14.9
30.2
7.2
32.2
7.2
32.2
10
3084
7
1609
7
3084
2
2009
1
1189
1
2009
Cryptomonas
3.5
15.5
1.9
15.2
1.9
15.5
8.5
29.5
6.8
32.2
6.8
32.2
7
1159
6
1609
6
1609
2
851
1
1189
1
1189
Dinobryon
6.2
11.3
1.6
12.8
1.6
12.8
9.7
29.0
7.2
31.4
7.2
31.4
4
137
5
1029
4
1029
1
85
1
555
1
555
(Continued)
80
-------
APPENDIX B. RANGE OF PARAMETER VALUES WITHIN THREE OCCURRENCE CATEGORIES FOR
Andbaena3 Cryptomonas, AND Dinobryon (Continued)
PARAMETER
N02N03
(yg/D
NH3
(Ug/D
KJEL
(yg/D
ALK
(mg/1 as CaC03)
CATEGORY
OCCUR. RANGE
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
occ
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
OCC
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
occ
MAX
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN
OCC
MAX
Anabaena
20
3429
17
9745
17
9745
35
3024
30
569
30
3024
204
8199
199
6349
199
8199
10
275
10
283
10
283
Cryptomonas
21
9745
17
7557
17
9745
31
532
20
979
20
979
243
2949
199
6250
199
6250
10
261
10
334
10
334
Dinobryon
19
989
17
7557
17
7557
31
164
22
979
22
979
207
1532
199
3699
199
,3699
10
198
10
281
10
281
(Continued)
81
-------
APPENDIX B. RANGE OF PARAMETER VALUES WITHIN THREE OCCURRENCE CATEGORIES FOR
Anabaena, CryptomonaSj AND Dinobryon (Continued)
PARAMETER
N/P
CATEGORY
OCCUR. RANGE
MIN
DOM
MAX
MIN
NONDOM
MAX
MIN'
OCC
MAX
Anabaena
0.0
44.0
0.0
130.0
0.0
130.0
Cryptomonas
0.0
103.0
0.0
210.0
0.0
210.0
Dinobryon
3.0
137.0
0.0
130.0
0.0
137.0
82
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
WW3-79-051
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
PHYTOPLANKTON WATER QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS IN U.S. LAKES,
PART VI: The Common Phytoplankton Genera From Eastern
And Southeastern Lakes
5. REPORT DATE
April 1979
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHORJS)
W. D. Taylor, S. C. Hern, L. R. Williams, V. W. Lambou,
M. K. Morris*, and F. A. Morris*
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, NV 89114
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1BD884
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Las Vegas, NV
Office of Research and Development
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas, NV 89114
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
03-07-7^ tr> ll-ld-73
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/07
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
*Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas,
Nevada 89114
16. ABSTRACT
This report analyzes and compares environmental conditions associated
with the 57 most common genera of phytoplankton encountered in the National
Eutrophication Survey of 250 lakes in 17 eastern and southeastern States
during 1973. Among the findings of this study are: (1) There is an exten-
sive overlap of seasonal preference for most genera, (2)- the wide ranges in
environmental conditions for most genera effectively eliminate all of the 57
genera as strong, stand-alone indicator organisms, and (3) environmental
trends were reflected in mean parameter values in such a way that a nutrient-
rich group of genera and a nutrient-poor group of genera resulted. The devel-
opment of biological water quality indices based on the last finding is dis-
cussed.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
*aquatic microbiology
lakes
*phytoplankton
water quality
Phytoplankton genera
Eastern and Southeastern
U.S.
Seasonality
Environmental requirement
Biological indices
06C, M
08H
13B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
96
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
UNCLASSIFIED
22. PRICE
A05
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
-------
List of completed parts in the series "Phytoplankton Water Quality
Relationships in U.S. Lakes." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada 89114.
Part I: Methods, rationale, and data limitations. EPA-600/3-79-C21.
68 pp.
Part II: Genera Achanthosphaera through Cystodin-ium collected from
eastern and southeastern lakes. EPA-600/3-79-022. 119 pp.
Part III: Genera Daotylocoooops-is through Gyrosigma collected from
eastern and southeastern lakes. EPA-600/3-79-023. 85 pp.
Part IV: Genera Eantzschia through Pteromonas collected from eastern
and southeastern lakes. EPA-600/3-79-024. 105 pp.
Part V: Genera Quadrigula through Zygnema collected from eastern and
southeastern lakes. EPA-600/3-79-025. 99 pp.
Part VI: The common phytoplankton genera from eastern and southeastern
lakes. EPA-600/3-79-051. 82 pp.
------- |