REPS Experimental Nutrient Limitations on Periphyton

Monitoring periphyton indicates short term impacts on the system and provides a measure of productivity in these aquatic systems over the open water season of 2012 (June, July, August, September) and 2013 (August, September). Specifically, periphyton growth may be limited by nutrient availability, which can be assessed by experimentally delivering nutrients to a system and observing changes in biomass. Sample sites are on a gradient moving closer in proximity to industry to delineate effects of natural and anthropogenic contaminants.Ash-free dry mass and chlorophyll-a were measured based on providing additional nutrients through a nutrient delivery system (NDS) for N, P, and N+P, as well as a control substrate.