The Role of Detritivorous Fish in Supporting New Phosphorus and Primary Production in Reservoir Ecosystems

TL;DRAbstract

THE ROLE OF DETRITIVOROUS FISH IN SUPPORTING NEW PHOSPHORUS AND PRIMARY PRODUCTION IN RESERVOIR ECOSYSTEMS by Leah Marie Laurich I quantified new and recycled phosphorus supply and primary production rates in a eutrophic reservoir, and the rates at which gizzard shad provide new P by excreting sedimentderived P into the water column. New input was quantified by measuring known P inputs, P export and change in water column P mass. Net and gross sedimentation rates were quantified to estimate sediment and nutrient resuspension. New and regenerated production represented 40.5% and 59.5%, respectively, of total primary production. New inputs supplied enough P needed for 93% of total and 230% of new production. Gizzard shad supplied enough P to sustain 50% of total primary production and 111% of new production. Resuspension rates were 79.9% (suspended solids), -2.6% (N), 72.6% (P), and -6.8% (chlorophyll) of gross sedimentation rates. A substantial proportion of primary production was suppl

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