Chlorophyll-phosphorus relationship

In this way, the near-linear chlorophyll-phosphorus relationship in lakes depends upon the outcome of a large number of interactive processes occurring in each one of the component systems in the model. One of the most intriguing aspects of those components is that the chlorophyll models do not need to take account of the species composition of the phytoplankton in which chlorophyll is a constituent. The development of blooms of potentially toxic cyanobacteria is associated with eutrophication and phosphorus concentration, yet it is not apparent that the yield of cyanobacterial biomass requires any more mass-specific contribution from phosphorus. The explanation for this paradox is not well understood, but it is extremely important to understand that it is a matter of dynamics. The bloom-forming cyanobacteria are among the slowest-growing and most light-sensitive members of the phytoplankton. ... 

Increased riverine NO( concentrations due to human activity (see below) mean that DIP is now the main limiting nutrient for plant growth in many freshwaters. The consequent relationship between DIP and chlorophyll levels (a measure of algal biomass) (Fig. 5.11) makes the management of phosphorus inputs to rivers and lakes very important. In some areas DIP inputs are consequently stringently... 

Fig. 5.11 Relationship between summer particulate chlorophyll a levels (as a measure of phytoplankton abundance) and total phosphorus concentrations in various lakes, with data plotted on log scales. After Moss (1988).

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