Turbidity Effects on Light on Algae

Turbidity Effects on Light on Algae exclusion is one of the most important effects of suspended matter on algae and aquatic communities. It interferes with their photosynthetic action depriving them of active growth.

Some reports imply that plankton were thirteen times more abundant in clear and 1.5 times more abundant in moderately turbid water than in muddy ponds.

Many Diatoms appear to be fairly indifferent to light in that they occur as abundantly in shaded places as in open ones.

Many Chlorophyceae require a fairly high light intensity. This is indicated not only by their increase in spring and early summer, but their distribution in shaded and lit areas of stream beds.

The Rotophyta of fresh water are indeed adapted to grow at low light intensities.

Observe the way in which conspicuous green algae disappear from a stream bed when it enters a deeply shaded reach. This phenomena of heavy mid-summer shade accounts for the fact that many species are abundant in early summer and fall and comparatively scarce in high summer.

At the lowest light intensity in the higher temperature, respiration exceeded photosynthesis demonstrating lower efficiency in warmer water.

End of Turbidity Effects on Light on Algae

More Controlling Factors of Algae Growth are briefly discussed.
Water Currents
Bottom Substrate
Scour of Algae
Alkalinity and Algae
Nutrients and Algae
Grazing Aquatic Animals

Next Topics about Algae…
Blue-green Algae
Euglenoid
Green Algae
Yellow-Golden-brown Algae and Diatoms
Brown Algae
Red Algae
Significance of Algae

Next Topics…
Fungi
Liverworts and Mosses
Vascular Plants

Go Back to:
Physical Water Quality
Chemical Water Quality
Biological Water Quality
Water Basics 101

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