1. Source: http://visindavefur.hi.is/svar.php?id=4815
Phytoplankton
Translates from Greek “free-floating plants”
Misnomer – some float, others have limited motility (spontaneous movement)
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2. Diatoms Typically bloom in the spring
Dissolved silica is limiting nutrient (frustules – cell wall made from silica)
Cold water environments
P or Si limited
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3. Green Algae Typically bloom in summer Usually P-limited
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4. Source: http://mac122.icu.ac.jp/biobk/BioBookDiversity_3.html
Dinoflagellates
Typically bloom in summer
Flagellated, motile
Occasionally toxic (red tide)
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5. Blue-green algae Typically bloom in late summer/early fall
Low N requirement (N-fixing organisms)
Low sinking velocities (gas vacuoles)
Warm water
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6. Eutrophication
Refers to the excessive rate of addition of nutrients, usually in reference to anthropogenic activities that increase the concentration of N and P to natural waters
Results in the excessive growth of plants, including phytoplankton
Negative water quality impacts:
Green color, decreased transparency, excessive weeds
Hypolimnetic loss of dissolved oxygen
Loss of species diversity (fish kills)
Taste and odor problems

7. Sources: http://library. thinkquest

8. Source: http://www.cost869.alterra.nl/

9. Source: http://www. cop. noaa

10. Alexander et al Differences in phosphorus and nitrogen delivery to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River Basin. ES&T 42: