Production rates of epiphytic algae in a eutrophic lake

During three complete annual cycles, chlorophyll a concentrations and primary production rates of algae epiphytic on Phragmites australis in eutrophic Lake Belau were determined. Primary production rates reached a peak during spring due to the growth of diatoms and filamentous green algae. The chlorophyll-specific rates of photosynthesis were significantly higher during periods of stratification and increased exponentially with an increase in water temperature. No photoinhibition was observed, even at high irradiances. I-k values were higher in summer than during periods of circulation.