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Chemical composition studies on some aquatic macrophytes in three Scottish lochs. I. Chlorophyll, ash, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus.

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Abstract

The chlorophyll, ash, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus levels in seven species of freshwater macrophytes (Juncus effusus L., Iris pseudacorus L., Carex rostrata Stokes, Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmberg, Nuphar lutea (L) Sm., Polygonum amphibium L. and Schoenoplectus lacustris (L) Pallas) in three Scottish lochs of different trophic levels were studied during 1975. Mean chlorophyll levels varied from a minimum of 1.73 mg g−1 dry weight in Balgavies Loch Juncus to 10.22 mg g−1 dry weight for Forfar Loch Iris. Carbon contents ranged from 450 to 520 mg g−1 ash-free dry weight. For ash, nitrogen and phosphorus, significant differences in mean concentrations were detected among plant species as well as within one plant species growing in different lochs. Positive correlations were apparent between the degree of eutrophication in the study areas and the amount of ash, phosphorus and nitrogen present in the plants growing in them.

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Ho, Y.B. Chemical composition studies on some aquatic macrophytes in three Scottish lochs. I. Chlorophyll, ash, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus.. Hydrobiologia 63, 161–166 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00030079

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