A Comparative Study of Primary Production and Related Factors in Four Saline Lakes in Victoria, Australia

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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to compare the primary plankton productivities of lakes of different salinities and to determine the causative factors involved in their production rates. Four lakes (specific conductivity —mS cm−1 at 18°C) were initially chosen: Coragulac (9), Red Rock (25), Corangamite (38), Pink (250). Sampling and production measurements were made every two to three weeks.Three lakes were dominated by specific phytoplankton blooms: Red Rock (Anabaena spiroides), Corangamite (Nodularia spumigena). Pink (Dunaliella salina). Coragulac Lake had more diverse populations.Red Rock Tarn had some of the highest production values ever recorded. Extremely high soluble phosphate and inorganic carbon concentrations were the most important causative factors. Pink Lake had very low production rates. High salinity and low nutrient concentrations were limiting factors. The other lakes were intermediate in production and nutrient levels.Zooplankton populations were also determined.