Lake ecology and harmful algae blooms.

Lake ecology and harmful algae blooms.

In order to understand the increasing occurrence of harmful algal blooms in a lake (in a temperate region), scientists conducted a study of the ecological interactions occurring into the water body.

Based on the diagram provided, answer the questions below with succinct but informative answers and keep your document less than 2 pages length.

Credit: Adapted from Environ. Microbiol. 2016, DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13035

• What is the influence of runoff and nutrients inputs (nitrogen and phosphorus) into the lake on the primary productivity? Discuss this influence as a function of the surrounding land uses (urban or agriculture or natural occurring forests).

• Being in a temperate region, there will be seasonal variations in terms of temperature, wind and light. What is the influence on these parameters on the primary productivity of the lake? Consider discussing the stratification of the limnetic zone (epi-, meta- and hypo-limnion) and the occurrence of the primary production.

• Explain why these episodes of harmful algal blooms are likely to occur during the spring or summer seasons?

Lake ecology and harmful algae blooms.