Abstract
The Waikato River (latitude 38°S, longitude 176°E, North Island, New Zealand) is overwhelming y dominated by diatoms (mainly Melosira species) while blue-green and green algae are of minor importance. Both laboratory and in situ nutrient enrichment experiments showed enhanced growth of natural and index blue-green and green algae by addition of phosphate and nitrate. These algae were also shown to require higher temperature and light intensity than the diatoms. On the other hand, Waikato River with its higher silica content, moderate range of temperature and running water habitat was more favourable an environment for diatoms.
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Lam, C.W.Y. Dynamics of phytoplankton growth in the Waikato River, North Island, New Zealand. Hydrobiologia 66, 237–244 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00020905
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00020905