Phytoplankton productivity in relation to light intensity: A simple equation
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Abstract
A simple exponential equation is used to describe photosynthetic rate as a function of light intensity for a variety of unicellular algae and higher plants where photosynthesis is proportional to (1-e−β1). The parameter β (=Ik−1) is derived by a simultaneous curve-fitting method, where I is incident quantum-flux density. The exponential equation is tested against a wide range of data and is found to adequately describe P vs. I curves. The errors associated with photosynthetic parameters are calculated. A simplified statistical model (Poisson) of photon capture provides a biophysical basis for the equation and for its ability to fit a range of light intensities. The exponential equation provides a non-subjective simultaneous curve fitting estimate for photosynthetic efficiency (a) which is less ambiguous than subjective methods: subjective methods assume that a linear region of the P vs. I curve is readily identifiable. Photosynthetic parameters β and a are used widely in aquatic studies to define photosynthesis at low quantum flux. These parameters are particularly important in estuarine environments where high suspended-material concentrations and high diffuse-light extinction coefficients are commonly encountered.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Phytoplankton productivity in relation to light intensity: A simple equation |
| Series title | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science |
| DOI | 10.1016/0272-7714(87)90154-5 |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Year Published | 1987 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | San Francisco Bay-Delta, Pacific Regional Director's Office |
| Description | 20 p. |
| First page | 813 |
| Last page | 832 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |