Seasonal Nutrient Enrichment Experiment in Homa Lagoon (İzmir Bay, Aegean Sea)

Abstract

In order to determine the effects of nutrient (P, Si, NH4, NO3) enrichment on the growth of phytoplankton in Homa Lagoon (İzmir Bay, Aegean Sea), experiments of enrichment with discontinuous cultures have been executed seasonally in 2007. In our study, the elements limiting the growth of phytoplankton were NO3, P and Si in spring season, N and P in summer season, and NH4 in autumn and winter seasons. So, it has been determined that the addition of nitrogen (N) and phosphor (P) has led significant change in biomass and growth of phytoplankton. It has also been observed that diatom and dinoflagellate species have grown under various concentrations of, especially, Silicate (Si) and nitrogen (N).