Phytoplankton reference communities for Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries

摘要: Phytoplankton reference communities for Chesapeake Bay were quantified from least-impaired water quality conditions using commonly measured parameters and indicators derived parameters. A binning approach was developed to classify quality. Least-impaired had relatively high column transparency low concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen orthophosphate. Reference in all seasons salinity zones are characterized by consistently values chlorophylla pheophytin coupled with relative stable proportions the phytoplankton taxonomic groups biomasses key bloom-forming species. Chlorophyll cell content lower less variable average size seasonal picophytoplankton biomass tended be greater mesohaline polyhaline as compared impaired communities. Biomass nano-micro fractions (2–200 μm) 12 16 season-specific salinity-specific same or higher than those habitat conditions, suggesting that nutrient reductions will not decrease quantity edible food available large consumers. High (bloom) (bust) events within showed strikingly different chlorophyll turnover rates. Freshwater flow little effect on responses condition most estuary. Improved transparency, clarity, through reduction suspended sediments particularly important attaining Significant load also required.