Phytoplankton production in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, and a laboratory study of algal response to enrichment1

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Abstract
The annual production by phytoplankton in the southern basin of the Great Salt Lake as estimated at two stations in 1973 averaged 145 g C m−2. The majority of the production occurred during March and April and was due to an unidentified species of Dunaliella. Daily carbon fixation rates averaged 2.13 g C m−2 at both locations during this period. A minor phytoplankton bloom in August, due to a small, unidentified green flagellate contributed 5% of the total annual phytoplankton production. Phytoplankton production was probably limited during April by self‐shading and during the remainder of the year by the availability of nitrogen, as shown by laboratory bioassays. Grazing by Artemia salina reduces the phytoplankton population in late summer when nutrient levels have partially increased due to regeneration. The meromictic character of the lake was indicated by profiles of temperature and density. The monimolimnion is postulated to act as a nutrient sink, reducing the rate of nutrient release to the mixolimnion.

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