Algal growth and the phosphorus cycle

Authors

Arthur J. McComb
K. S. Hamel
A. L. Huber
D. K. Kidby
R. J. Lukatelich

Keywords

Algae, Phosphorus fertilizers, Eutrophication, Peel Inlet (W.A.), Harvey River Estuary (W.A.), Western Australia

Disciplines

Environmental Health and Protection | Other Plant Sciences | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

First Page Number

82

Last Page Number

83

ISSN

0021-8618

Abstract

Larger algae and microscopic phytoplankton foul the waters of the Peel-Harvey estuarine system, upsetting the fishery and polluting the beaches.

These aquatic plants grow in response to phosphorus runoff from drainage, trapping phosphorus in the estuary and using it in their growth. When they die this phosphorus remains in the system to be recycled for further plant growth.

Algal pollution in the estuary can be lessened by reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the system, increasing phosphorus losses to the ocean, or in some way blocking the trapping and recycling processes.

Recommended Citation

McComb, Arthur J.; Hamel, K. S.; Huber, A. L.; Kidby, D. K.; and Lukatelich, R. J. (1984) "Algal growth and the phosphorus cycle," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 25: No. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol25/iss3/3