Polyphosphorous Storage Dynamics in Stream Biofilms

Elaine Langone Center, Terrace Room

How algal-dominate biofilms in streams respond to phosphorus (P) enrichment and store polyphosphate (Poly-P) has not been fully elucidated. Understanding the dynamics of how P is stored as Poly-P can have various implications for assessing nutrient status and criteria of agriculturally impacted streams. The purpose of this study was to compare the Poly-P concentration of algal dominated biofilms across a gradient of P conditions in 19 Pennsylvania streams. SRP concentrations varied from 2 mg/L to 20 mg/L. Other variables were sampled as well to investigate their influence on Poly-P storage. Preliminary Poly-P data from an artificial stream experiment suggests that algae treated with high concentration phosphorus pulses had greater polyphosphate content.