Acetylene reduction assay for determination of phosphorus availability in wisconsin lakes.

Phosphorus-starved cells of Anabaena flos-aquae rapidly increase their capacity to reduce acetylene to ethylene when they receive phosphorus. This response may be used as a bioassay for detecting available phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems. The sensitivity of the method compares favorably with conventional methods for measuring dissolved orthophosphate, and has the additional advantage that it measures available phosphorus. Studies on Wisconsin lakes show that available phosphorus generally is present, that the concentrations are higher at the lower depths than at the surface, and that there may be diurnal variations in the available phosphorus content of surface waters. Important sources of available phosphorus in Lake Mendota are the waters below the thermocline and the input from storm sewers.