Light utilization by phytoplankton in Lake Kinneret (Israel)

Abstract

Seasonal changes in light penetration, photosynthesis, and related processes were measured in Lake Kinneret, Israel. The efficiency of penetrating light utilization for the trophogenic water column ranged from 0.33 to 4.01% and was highest when cells in high concentrations were close to the surface. The lowest specific photosynthetic assimilation values were associated with the major bloom‐forming dinoflagellate, Peridinium cinctum, which dominated the phytoplankton from February to June. On all occasions, in situ photosynthetic efficiencies increased steadily with depth as light intensity decreased in the euphotic zone. The various types of light utilization efficiencies are defined.