Abstract
The kinetics of $^{14}C$ fixation have been investigated in Anabaena flos-aquae growing on ${NH}_4+$,$NO_3-$ and $NO_2-N$ in batch cultures. Growth rate was highest with ${NH}_4+$, followed by $NO_2-$ and finally $NO_2$. The compensation intensity($I_0$) and the half-saturation irradiance($K_1$) with $K_1$ were higher than with other N sources, but the maximum C fixation rate($P_{max}$) was lower. The ($P_{max}$)/$K_1$ ratio, which is analogous to quantum efficiency at low irradiance ranges, was also lower with $N_2$. All these parameters except $K_1$ decrease with culture age, or decreasing growth rate. Since $^{14}C$ uptake measures net photosynthesis, the higher values of $I_0$ and $K_1$, and the low values of $P_{max}$/$K_1$ ratio with $N_2$ appear to be related to the high energy demand of $N_2$fixation. They may also be related to the lox maximum growth rate with $NO_2-N$.