| Abstract: | A simple exponential equation is used to describe photosynthetic rate as a function of light intensity for a variety of unicellular algae and higher plants where photosynthesis is proportional to (1-e-??1). The parameter ?? (=Ik-1) is derived by a simultaneous curve-fitting method, where I is incident quantum-flux density. The exponential equation is tested against a wide range of data and is found to adequately describe P vs. I curves. The errors associated with photosynthetic parameters are calculated. A simplified statistical model (Poisson) of photon capture provides a biophysical basis for the equation and for its ability to fit a range of light intensities. The exponential equation provides a non-subjective simultaneous curve fitting estimate for photosynthetic efficiency (a) which is less ambiguous than subjective methods: subjective methods assume that a linear region of the P vs. I curve is readily identifiable. Photosynthetic parameters ?? and a are used widely in aquatic studies to define photosynthesis at low quantum flux. These parameters are particularly important in estuarine environments where high suspended-material concentrations and high diffuse-light extinction coefficients are commonly encountered. ?? 1987. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70015311 |
| Citation Author: | Peterson, D. H.; Perry, M. J.; Bencala, K. E.; Talbot, M. C. |
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| Citation End Page: | 832 |
| Citation Issue: | 6 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 20 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Phytoplankton productivity in relation to light intensity: A simple equation; 1987; Article; Journal; Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science; Peterson, D. H.; Perry, M. J.; Bencala, K. E.; Talbot, M. C. |
| Citation Start Page: | 813 |
| Citation Volume: | 24 |
| Citation Year: | 1987 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Phytoplankton productivity in relation to light intensity: A simple equation; 1987; Article; Journal; Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science; Peterson, D. H.; Perry, M. J.; Bencala, K. E.; Talbot, M. C. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Thu, 1 Jan 1987 00:00 -0600 |
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