Three patterns of nutrient flux in a coral reef community

Abstract
Dissolved nutrient flux between a coral reef community and the overlying water displayed 3 different patterns: Type 1: Fluxes displayed no diel rhythm but were correlated with ambient dissolved nutrient concentrations. Type 2: Fluxes were not concentration-dependent and exhibited a diel rhythm, net uptake being highest for several hours around mid-day. Type 3: Fluxes displayed neither a measurable diel rhythm nor a correlation with dissolved nutrient concentrations. As dissolved nutrient concentrations increase relative to community nutrient demand, nutrient uptake patterns will shift from Type 1-Type 2 and subsequently to Type 3 in aquatic communities.
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