Isotope Composition of nitrogen and stoichiometric ratiosof elements in biomass of Spirogyra in Lake Baikal

Abstract

Using stable isotope analysis of nitrogen, for the first time the hypothesis on different sources of inorganic nutrients for two groups of littoral algae in Lake Baikal was confirmed. Strongly attached filamentous algae of genus Ulothrix, which developed in the wave-braking zone at depth 0.5 m, and loosely attached filamentous algae of genus Spirogyra, which developed in deeper layers 3.0–5.0 m in a low-turbulence zone, get inorganic nutrients presumably from surface discharge and groundwater inputs, respectively. Besides, stoichiometric ratios C:N and N:P in biomass of the algae indicated that growth of Spirogyra in Lake Baikal was likely limited by nitrogen, while growth of Ulothrix was limited by phosphorus.