Mass Bloom of the Alga Cladophora prolifera in Bermuda: Productivity and Phosphorus Accumulation

Abstract

Field and laboratory experiments investigated the influence of P levels on productivity and P uptake in Cladophora. Cladophora is able to lower high phosphate concentrations to the levels observed in Bermuda inshore waters. Phosphate concentrations in excess of those in oligotrophic Bermuda waters do not increase the productivity of the alga. Cladophora previously grown under oligotrophic conditions accumulated surplus P even at extremely high phosphate concentrations. The spread of Cladophora can be explained by its competitive advantage (e.g., tolerance to H2S and anaerobic conditions) rather than by enhanced production due to increased phosphate concentrations. The morphological and physiological properties of Cladophora make it potentially useful for waste treatment. The low biomass production would limit effectiveness.