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Primary productivity by phytoplankton in the tidal, fresh Potomac River, Maryland, May 1980 to August 1981

Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4255
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri834255

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Abstract

Primary productivity by phytoplankton was measured on samples collected from the Potomac Tidal River, Maryland. The studies were performed monthly from May 1980 to September 1981. Additional studies were done once a week in August 1980, twice a week from August 4 to 8, 1980 and twice in September 1980. Depth-integrated samples were collected at five stations and incubated in boxes that were exposed to natural sunlight. The boxes were covered with neutral density filters transmitting 100 , 65, 32, 16, and 6 percent surface light. River water was pumped continuously over the samples. The extinction of light in the water column by phytoplankton was measured when samples were collected. Experiments were performed to select a method for routine productivity analysis. No difference was found between productivity: (1) determined in situ and in boxes; (2) measured in 300 ml and (4) calculated from short term (4 hours) and long term (10-24 hours) incubations. There were higher productivity differences in samples that were rotated among different light intensities every 15 minutes (simulating mixing) than those remaining stationary. Respiration was significantly less in samples pumped through a hose from those collected using a depth-integrating sampler. Depth-integrated primary productivity was determined from the productivity data using an equation modified from one reported in the literature. Depth-integrated gross primary productivity was highest in August 1980 and 1981 and lowest in January 1980. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Cohen, R., Pollock, S., 1983, Primary productivity by phytoplankton in the tidal, fresh Potomac River, Maryland, May 1980 to August 1981: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4255, 76 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri834255.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Primary productivity by phytoplankton in the tidal, fresh Potomac River, Maryland, May 1980 to August 1981
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 83-4255
DOI 10.3133/wri834255
Year Published 1983
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description 76 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details