Chlorophyll–Phosphorus Relationships for Subarctic Lakes in Western Canada

Abstract

Concentrations of total phosphorus and chlorophyll a were measured weekly in 49 lakes in the vicinity of Yellowknife, N.W.T., Canada, from May to September 1977. The relationship between [TP spr ] and [Chl a su ] was significantly different from the Dillon–Rigler model, but similar to relationships developed for lakes in Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Empirical relationships were developed between [TP spr ] and maximum chlorophyll a concentrations and the probability of exceeding critical concentrations of chlorophyll a. These models may be potentially more useful than models which predict only a mean summer chlorophyll concentration.