Abstract
We examined the photosynthetic activity of the phytoplankton community collected from the surface to a depth of 1000 m in the south basin of Lake Baikal. Experiments were conducted in June (mixing period) and August (stratified period). The carbon fixation rate was measured by the use of a 13C tracer after the incubation of samples under light conditions in the upper water column. Photosynthetic fixation of 13C was detected for samples collected from a depth of 500 m, indicating the viability of phytoplankton in deep water. The community composition was dominated by Bacillariophyceae in deep water. The finding of lower activity at a depth of 200 m than that at a depth of 500 m in August suggests that the spring diatom bloom could be a significant source of viable populations at a depth of 500 m. Photosynthetic activity was not detected in samples collected at a depth of 1000 m.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Genkai-Kato, M., Nozaki, K., Sherstyankin, P. et al. Photosynthetic potential of phytoplankton in the deep water of Lake Baikal, Russia. Limnology 4, 113–117 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10201-003-0098-x
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10201-003-0098-x