Carbohydrate and Protein Content of Lake Seston in Relation to Plankton Nutrient Deficiency

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Abstract
Carbohydrate and protein content of seston from Lake Ontario and Jacks Lake, Ontario, were measured during the ice-free season as a means of estimating plankton nutritional status. Despite the similar trophic level of these lakes, protein to carbohydrate ratios were generally above 1 in Lake Ontario, indicating lack of severe phosphorus or nitrogen deficiency, while those of Jacks Lake were always well below 1, indicating severe nutrient stress. However, in Lake Ontario, some discrepancies with other indicators of nutrient status occurred which complicate interpretations of the ratio. The ratio will also not distinguish phosphorus from nitrogen deficiency. On average, 28% (11–80%) of the particulate organic carbon is carbohydrate carbon and 80% (40–100%) of the particulate organic nitrogen is protein-nitrogen in Lake Ontario. Chlorophyll a explained 44% of the variation in carbohydrate but only 22% of the variation in protein. Diurnal as well as seasonal and vertical changes in the ratio of protein to carbohydrate were observed.

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