Comparison of phytoplankton, periphyton, and benthic algae in two different beach pools off of Douglas Lake.

Abstract

There are many variables that affect the distribution, diversity, and abundance of algae. Some parameters include light, temperature, nutrient availability, and water movement. To understand how these variables affect different beach pools would require equipment and time that was not available. Therefore, a survey of two beach pools was conducted to gain an understanding of how the abundance and diversity of algae differs among three microhabitats. The three microhabitats are phytoplankton, periphyton on the leaf underside of the yellow water lily Nuphar, and the benthos.