Photosynthetic Activity of Epiphytic Algae in Embayment Reed Zone in a Lagoon Connected with Lake Biwa

Primary production of epiphytic and planktonic algae in a shallow reed zone of a lagoon Nishinoko was investigated. Concentrations of nutrients varied widely horizontally and locally in the lagoon. It seems that the reed zone has a heterogeneous environment. The photosynthetic rates of epiphytic and planktonic algae were 7 to 14 mg C surface stem $m^{-2}hr^{-1}$ and 12 to $46mg\;Cm^{-3}hr^{-1}$, respectively. The areal primary production of epiphytic algae was estimated as 4 to $13mg\;Cm^{-2}hr^{-1}$ from the stem density of Phragmites and the water depth at each station. The production of phytoplankton, on the other hand, was 5 to $56mg\;Cm^{-2}hr^{-1}$. The contribution of epiphytic algae to total primary production averaged 53%, although the assimilation number was much lower than that of phytoplankton. The present results indicate that the epiphytic algae are one of the significant primary producers in the reed zone.