Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS19 Revisiting Redfield: C:N:P Stoichiometry in Aquatic Ecosystems (Disciplinary Connections)

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001, Time: 2:15:00 PM

Location: Acoma/Zuni/Tesuque

Plevan, A, B, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, USA, plev0003@tc.umn.edu

Sterner, R, W, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, USA, stern007@tc.umn.edu

THE BALANCE OF AVAILABLE LIGHT AND NUTRIENTS AND THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF STREAM PERIPHYTON

The balance of available light and nutrients in a stream may affect the elemental composition of primary producers. Periphyton, suspended matter, and water were sampled for particulate C:N:P and dissolved nutrients in thirty-five Minnesota streams. Periphyton C:P (molar) ranged from approximately 150 to 540, well above Redfield ratio. Periphyton C:P in open canopy reaches was greater than in closed canopy reaches. Light:TP was positively correlated with both periphyton and suspended matter C:P. Periphyton C:P was significantly correlated with suspended matter C:P. These results support the hypothesis that the relative amount of available light and nutrients in a stream influences the elemental ratios of periphyton. A stream reach with the same amount of dissolved nutrients, yet with more incident light than another reach, may produce more biomass per unit of available nutrient.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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