Limnology and phytoplankton production of a high altitude lake

Abstract

Phytoplankton abundance and production in Lake Naini Tal are described in relation to certain lim-nological features. The physico-chemical parameters examined in the present study suggest the eutrophic nature of the water body. Phytoplankton abundance was higher during the warm part of the year and blue-gieen algae constituted a considerable part of phytoplankton wet biomass. The daily rates of gross primary production (450-1125 mg m^-3 d^-1) were high and community respiration comprised about 51% of the total primary production of phytoplankton.