ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
suspended matter
;
POM
;
biomass
;
solid discharge
;
Lake Constance
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The concentrations of particulate matter, expressed as dry weight (DW), particulate organic (POM), and inorganic material were measured at regular intervals in Lake Constance between February 1980 and December 1982. Maximum particle concentrations were recorded for the euphotic zone in summer (7 mg l−1), while minima occurred during the early summer and in winter. Annual mean concentrations of DW within the entire water column varied between 0.6 and 0.7 mg l−1. In the euphotic zone nearly 70% of DW is organic material. The inorganic particles originate either from phytoplankton (diatomaceous silicon, biogenic decalcification) or from the tributaries. Although phytoplankton biomass only comprises a relatively small proportion (i.e. 30% at maximum) of organic matter, it is the primary source of POM. Therefore, seasonal variations in phytoplankton control epilimnetic concentrations of POM in Lake Constance. Inorganic material comprises smaller proportions of suspended matter. Seasonal variations are related predominantly to fluctuations in biomass and therefore particulate inorganic matter is suggested to originate mainly from autochthonous sources. At the sampling station concentrations of inorganic particles supported by the main tributary, the Alpenrhein, only occasionally vary concomitantly with runoff.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00007572
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