REU: An Experimental Study of the Effects of Nutrients and Inorganic Suspended Solids on Phytoplankton Community Structure

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This research proposes direct tests of the applicability of resource-based competition theory to turbid aquatic ecosystems. It is hypothesized that experimental gradients of nitrogen, phosphorus, and clay turbidity will lead to predictable and repeatable changes in phytoplankton community structure in 0.33 cubic meter laboratory tanks. Subsequent field tests will be made to determine whether these trends can be repeated using in situ enclosures. Moreover, this research recognizes the potential importance of sedimentation losses in determining phytoplankton community structure, and will quantify their effects. Because measurements will also be made of zooplankton biomass and community structure, this research also complements ongoing studies of the effects of nutrients and inorganic suspended matter on aquatic food webs, currently being made elsewhere. It is intended that the proposed research will provide additional information on the ecological effects of suspended sediments, and will allow us to better predict the impact of future nutrient and erosion controls. This research should thus assist in the development of rational guidelines for the control of non-point source pollution to freshwater lakes and reservoirs.