TN: TP is used to identify whether the phytoplankton suffer from N-limitation or P-limitation.
Article The Use of TN:TP And DIN:TP Ratios as Indicators for Phytopl...
You may also refer to:
Vanni MJ, Renwick WH, Bowling AM, Horgan MJ, Christian AD (2011) Nutrient stoichiometry of linked catchment-lake systems along a gradient of land use. Freshw Biol 56 (5):791-811. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2010.02436.x
Keck F, Lepori F (2012) Can we predict nutrient limitation in streams and rivers? Freshw Biol 57 (7):1410-1421. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2012.02802.x
Elsaholi M, Kelly-Quinn M (2013) The effect of nutrient concentrations and ratios on periphyton biomass in low conductivity streams: implications for determination of nutrient limitation. Inland Waters 3 (4):451-458. doi:10.5268/iw-3.4.595
Cashman MJ, Wehr JD, Truhn K (2013) Elevated light and nutrients alter the nutritional quality of stream periphyton. Freshw Biol 58 (7):1447-1457. doi:10.1111/fwb.12142
If you have problems getting a pdf, please let me know.
Regards,
Christian.
Dear Muhid,
I think a lot of research has confirmed the importance of this ratio, which gives an indication of the water quality on the one hand and also find out which nutrients are limiting factor to the growth of phytoplankton (Schindler, 1978, Wetzel, 2001)
In aquatic systems nitrogen is considered potentially limiting if TN:TP is below 9, while phosphorus is considered potentially limiting at a TN:TP ratio of approx. 22 (Guildford et al. 2000). N limitation or NP co-limitation can occur when N supply to the system is outpaced by P and N:P ratio becomes lower than the Redfield ratio of 16:1 which is considered as optimal for phytoplankton growth. The nutrient limitation may even shift from N to P and vice versa, all depends or relative proportion- too much or too little both are bad!
hi
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