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Primary production as influenced by diel periodicity of phytoplankton photosynthesis

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Abstract

Diel periodicity in parameters of photosynthesis-irradiance (P-I) curves was incorporated into calculations of integral daily phytoplankton production for the Santa Barbara Channel off southern California (USA). Model equations of the relationship between photosynthesis and light were used in combination with observed slope (α) and asymptote (P max) values presented in the preceding paper. Primary production was always 19 to 39% less than comparable estimates obtained with the assumption of constant maximum daily α and P max values. Regardless of which P-I formulation was used of 6 tested, observed production (using a temporal series of simulated in situ incubations) ranged from 13% less to 25% more than estimates from constant midday α and P max values. The amplitude and timing of diel oscillations differed somewhat among 3 field stations. Maximum to minimum ratios ranged from approximately 3 to 5 for α, and 4 to 6 for P max. The differences in amplitude and timing of oscillations in P-I curves both contributed to errors in calculating phytoplankton production. Thus, photosynthetic periodicity in the upwelling area of the Santa Barbara Channel influences phytoplankton production. There were oscillations in both α and P max, and the time-dependence of these parameters should be considered to improve the accuracy of predictive models of primary productivity.

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Communicated by N. D. Holland, La Jolla

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Harding, L.W., Prézelin, B.B., Sweeney, B.M. et al. Primary production as influenced by diel periodicity of phytoplankton photosynthesis. Marine Biology 67, 179–186 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00401283

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