Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrition of Cladophora in the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System, Western Australia

Abstract

Cladophora aff. albida, a nuisance benthic alga, appears to store nutrients during winter and spring, periods of high nutrient input, for use in summer and autumn. Tissue nutrient values were usually above the critical concentrations of 21 mg per g dry weight for N and always below the critical concentration of 33 mg per g dry weight for P. Nutrient sources are surface sediments and decomposing Cladophora and phytoplankton. The few weeks of high river flow in winter do not allow the Cladophora to reach full storage potential of nutrients. Phosphorus regulation may be an important factor in control of this alga in the estuary.