Nitrogen Fixation Does Not Happen Uniformly in Texas Lakes

Newswise
Released: 5/20/2010 11:20 AM EDT
Source: Baylor University

Newswise — While there is significant variability in water temperature, nutrient availability and plankton production in reservoirs, these bodies of water are nonetheless “hot spots” for plankton nitrogen fixation. These hot spots allow some algae to have significant blooms, which may contribute to taste and odor problems if the reservoir is a source for drinking water. Understanding what causes these hot spots could help municipalities better understand how to control algae outbreaks and potentially improve the water quality for their citizens.

However, exactly what physical factors cause these nitrogen fixation “hot spots” has not been well understood until now, with the completion of a nearly two-year study by Baylor University biologists.

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