Biological N2 fixation hypothetically could balance the N∶P supply ratio in lakes and reservoirs, causing P to be the ultimate limiting element. However, the efficiency and time scale of this mechanism has been poorly studied and remains largely unknown. We compared the relative rates of N supply to the epilimnion of 3 reservoirs of similar age and morphology but with differing external nutrient inputs. Our objective was to determine if N2-fixation rates in these reservoirs exceeded other internal N supply pathways during the growing season, a situation that would suggest that these systems are still evolving in terms of nutrient-limitation status. Phytoplankton N2-fixation rates ranged from 3.4 to 16 g N m−2 y−1 in the reservoirs. These rates are among the highest N2-fixation rates reported in the scientific literature. Measureable N2 fixation also occurred in sediments in contact with reservoir epilimnia (0.85–1.5 g N m−2 y−1). Sediment N2-fixation rates exceeded rates of N regeneration from epilimnetic sediments (0.10–0.24 g N m−2 y−1), a result suggesting that much of this fixed N either accumulates seasonally in sediments or is lost via coupled nitrification–denitrification. NH4 flux from hypolimnia (0.13–1.8 g N m−2 y−1) and lower metalimnia (∼0.00–1.8 g N m−2 y−1) was a substantial internal N supply to epilimnia during summer stratification. However, phytoplankton N2-fixation rates always exceeded rates of N input from these internal sources. These findings suggest that, even though the annual cycle of ecosystem N inputs via N2 fixation has occurred over many years or decades in these reservoirs, reactive N accumulation has not been sufficient to alleviate seasonal N deficiency and lead to perpetual P limitation of phytoplankton.
How to translate text using browser tools
25 June 2013
N2 fixation exceeds internal nitrogen loading as a phytoplankton nutrient source in perpetually nitrogen-limited reservoirs
J. Thad Scott,
Erin M. Grantz
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
eutrophication management
nitrogen fixation
P limitation paradigm
phytoplankton nutrient limitation