Regional variability among nonlinear chlorophyll—phosphorus relationships in lakes

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2014.59.5.1691
• Publication Date: 2014-08-24T00:18:13Z
• Authors: Christopher T. Fi...; Tyler Wagner; Patricia A. Soranno; Emily H. Stanley; Craig A. Stow; Katherine E. Webster; John A. Downing
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

The relationship between chlorophyll a (Chl ) and total phosphorus (TP) is fundamental in lakes that reflects multiple aspects of ecosystem function also used the regulation management inland waters. exact form this has substantial implications on its meaning use. We assembled spatially extensive data set to examine whether nonlinear models are better fit for Chl —TP relationships than traditional log‐linear models, there were regional differences relationships, and, if so, which factors related these differences. analyzed from 2105 temperate across 35 ecoregions by fitting comparing two different one model. In addition, parameters best‐fitting model varied among regions: maximum lower asymptotes positively negatively percent pasture land use, respectively, rate at increased with TP was wetland cover. Lakes regions more fields had higher concentrations high but minimum low concentrations. less cover showed steeper wetland‐rich regions. Interpretation depends differences, theory based monolithic may be inaccurate.