Determination of the algal growth-limiting nutrients in strip mine ponds

Conference · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5409492

Bucknavage, M J; Aharrah, E C

Using both a test organism, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, and natural phytoplankton, the Printz Algal Assay Bottle Test was used to determine the algal growth limiting nutrients in two strip mine ponds. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron were investigated, singly and in combination, as possible limiting nutrients. A synthetic chelator, Na/sub 2/EDTA, was also used in the assay to test for the presence of metal toxicants and/or trace metal limitation. Because bacteria have a major influence on water chemistry, a separate assay incorporating the natural bacteria population was performed. In both ponds, assay results using test alga indicate phosphorus to be the primary limiting nutrient and nitrogen as a secondary factor. The presence of EDTA in combination with phosphate containing treatment promoted a higher algal concentration in both ponds. Iron was determined to be a secondary limiting nutrient in only one of the ponds. Natural phytoplankton of the two ponds responded in a similar manner to nutrient increases. Only one pond had the same results produced by both assays. Nutrient availability was influenced by the presence of bacteria in one pond but not in the other.

• Research Organization: Clarion Univ., PA
• OSTI ID: 5409492
• Report Number(s): CONF-841204-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALGAE
BACTERIA
CHEMISTRY
CONTROL
DATA
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GROWTH
INFORMATION
IRON
METALS
MICROORGANISMS
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NITROGEN
NONMETALS
NUMERICAL DATA
NUTRIENTS
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY
PHOSPHORUS
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
PONDS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE WATERS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATER POLLUTION
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WATER RECLAMATION