Phycological studies in lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Superior

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Abstract

An indepth phycological comparison is presented for lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Superior, based on extensive lake-wide surveys carried out during the past 12 years. This comparison was achieved by the application of standard and consistent identification, enumeration, and data-processing techniques. The resulting species composition data are voluminous and present a broad picture of the phytoplankton assemblage. Our data base has enabled us to assess the long-term floristic changes, knowledge of which is lacking in the Great Lakes. The species composition reflects more or less the current trophic status of these lakes. The preponderance of nannoplankton and phytoflagellates is the subject of our current experimental research, which includes the fractionation of chlorophyll a and carbon-14 uptake, toxicity studies of heavy metals upon various size fractions of algae, and the role of microalgae and ultraplankton in the transfer of contaminants via zooplankton grazing. The need for phycological research in the Great Lakes is expanding with decreasing eutrophication and the increasing problems of contaminants. The recovery, rehabilitation, and preservation of these vital freshwaters are the primary concern of the continuing Canadian research program in the Great Lakes.

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