Low boundary layer response and temperature dependence of nitrogen and phosphorus releases from oxic sediments of an oligotrophic lake

The effects of temperature, diffusive boundary-layer thickness, and sediment composition on fluxes of inorganic N and P were estimated for sediment cores with oxidized surfaces from nearshore waters (2?C10?m) of a montane oligotrophic lake. Fluxes of N and P were not affected by diffusive boundary-layer thickness but were strongly affected by temperature. Below 16?°C, sediments sequestered small amounts of P and released small amounts of N. Above 16?°C, the seasonal maximum water temperature, sediments were substantial sources of N (NH₄ ⁺?CN?=?2?C24?mg?m^?2 d^?1; NO₃ ^??+?NO₂ ^??CN?=?2?C5?mg?m^?2 d^?1) and P (0.1?C0.4?mg?m^?2 d^?1), indicating potential responsiveness of sediment?Cwater nutrient exchange, and of corresponding phytoplankton growth, to synoptic warming.     

太湖冬季有色可溶性有机物吸收荧光特性及遥感算法

基于2006年和2007年1月两次太湖采样,对50个点位的有色可溶性有机物(CDOM)光谱吸收、荧光、溶解性有机碳(DOE)浓度及遥感反射率进行测定与分析,探讨冬季太湖CDOM的吸收荧光特性及空间分布,建立CDOM吸收系数的遥感反演算法.结果表明,太湖冬季CDOM在355nm处吸收系数a(355)变化范围和均值分别为1...     

高邮湖、南四湖和东平湖有色可溶性有机物来源组成特征

高邮湖、南四湖和东平湖作为南水北调东线枢纽湖泊,其水质状况对保障调水安全起到关键性作用本文运用三维荧光光谱平行因子分析法(EEMs-PARAFAC)分析了3个湖泊在不同水文情景下有色可溶性有机物(CDOM)吸收、荧光光谱特征以及荧光组分与主要水质参数的相关性,以探究3个湖泊CDOM来源组成特征结果表明,平行因子分析法解析CDOM三维荧光图谱,得到陆源类腐殖质C1、类色氨酸C2和类酪氨酸C3不同水文情景对高邮湖CDOM来源与结构组成影响较明显,丰水期其类腐殖质荧光强度显著大于枯水期(t-test,P0.01),并且与a(254)呈正相关(R~2=0.85,P0.01),表明类腐殖质是CDOM主要部分,该荧光组分贡献率可达50%[F_(max)C1/(F_(max)C1+F_(max)C2+F_(max)C3)×100%],高邮湖受到入湖河流来水的影响较大,丰水期入湖口附近荧光强度明显高于其他水域东平湖和南四湖CDOM来源组成特征相似,丰水期东平湖和南四湖组分C2和C3显著低于枯水期(t-test,P0.01),两湖泊枯水期工农业等人为污染源影响较大相关性分析表明高邮湖中类腐殖质荧光特征在一定程度是能反演DOC浓度,并且类腐殖质的输入会增加湖泊总磷、总氮和叶绿素a浓度而东平湖和南四湖CDOM荧光特征与主要水质参数的相关性较差,这与高邮湖水体存在较大差异.     

西藏巴松错浮游植物功能群垂直分布特征及其与环境因子的关系

为了解青藏高原湖泊浮游植物功能群垂直分布特征与环境因子的关系,本文选取西藏东南部最大的高山冰川堰塞湖之一的巴松错为研究对象,于2017年11月(枯水期)和2018年9月(丰水期)在湖心利用挂锤式深水采样器进行浮游植物垂直分层采样,共设置7个断面,采集水样84个.应用浮游植物功能群、相关性分析、冗余分析(RDA)等方法,对巴松错浮游植物功能群垂直分布特征及其与环境因子的关系进行了研究.结果表明:1)巴松错水体稳定性强,水温有明显的分层现象,枯水期在30~60 m处形成温跃层,丰水期在1~15 m和30~60 m处形成双温跃层;2)巴松错浮游植物群落共鉴定7门76属242种,物种组成均表现为硅藻蓝藻绿藻型结构;3)根据浮游植物功能群分类方法,可划分为25个功能群,分别为A、B、C、D、E、F、G、H1、H2、J、L M、L O、M、MP、N、P、S1、S2、T、W1、W2、X1、X2、X3和Y,优势功能群从枯水期的MP、D、L O、P转变为丰水期的D、F、L O、MP、N、P,其中MP功能群为巴松错浮游植物群落绝对优势群;4)通过RDA表明,不同水情期浮游植物功能群垂直分布特征受环境因子影响差异较明显,整体上,pH、总氮和氨氮浓度是影响浮游植物功能群分布格局的主要环境因子.     

太湖叶绿素a的时空分布特征及其与环境因子的相关关系

2012年3月至2013年2月逐月对太湖水体叶绿素a含量、主要环境因子及不同门类浮游植物密度进行测定,分析太湖叶绿素a含量和不同门类浮游植物密度的时空分布特征,探讨太湖叶绿素a含量和环境因子与不同门类浮游植物密度之间的相关关系并建立逐步回归方程.结果表明:太湖叶绿素a含量全年平均值为22.33±37.65 mg/m³,变幅为0.48~347.85 mg/m³;叶绿素a含量随季节变化明显,夏季最高、秋冬季次之、春季最低;在空间分布上,太湖北部和西北部最高,东部和南部最低.蓝藻门、隐藻门、硅藻门、绿藻门密度随时间呈峰型变化,均在10月份达到最大值,黄藻门、金藻门和裸藻门密度的变化趋势呈"V"型,在春、冬两季出现较大值;不同门类浮游植物密度基本在西北区出现最大值.全湖叶绿素a含量的显著影响因子有总有机碳、亚硝态氮、溶解氧、pH、水温和磷酸盐;lg(Y_Chl.a)与lg(X_TN)呈显著负相关,与lg(X_TP)呈极显著正相关,与lg(X_N/P)呈极显著负相关.太湖叶绿素a含量与蓝藻门、隐藻门、裸藻门与甲藻门密度有显著相关关系.     

海洋水色遥感产品在青海湖鱼产潜力估算中的应用

鱼产潜力可为渔业资源保护和管理提供科技支撑,传统的鱼产潜力估算方法在大型湖泊中往往成本高、采样率低、时效差.本研究基于2018—2020年非冰封期(5—10月)在青海湖的实测数据,通过提取和校对海洋水色遥感MODIS卫星数据反演产品(1 km分辨率)并结合垂向归纳模型(VGPM)构建了青海湖浮游植物初级生产力及鱼产潜力估算模型,估算的浮游植物初级生产力与实测值对比的平均相对误差小于25%.利用该模型估算2018—2020年非冰封期青海湖基于浮游植物初级生产力的鱼产潜力并分析其时空分布规律,结果显示青海湖鱼产潜力在5—10月呈现先增加后减少的季节波动规律,最大值出现在夏季(7—8月);空间分布上呈现湖心小,岸边及靠近入湖支流河口区域大的分布状态,全湖总鱼产潜力月均变化范围为2.5万~17.6万t.鱼产潜力的时空分布规律主要受气温、外源营养物质、裸鲤摄食等影响.研究表明青海湖非冰封期的鱼类资源承载力年累计值可达45.8万t,明显高于现有裸鲤资源的现存量和历史产量高峰值,表明青海湖仍然具备很大的鱼类资源承载力与增殖空间.本研究为同类型的大型高原湖泊基于卫星遥感的高效长期鱼产潜力监测估算提供了范例,为青海湖“封湖育鱼”政策制定和增殖放流保护决策提供参考.     

基于NEB试验的不同湖泊夏季营养物投入与藻类响应关系的比较:以淀山湖、小兴凯湖和洱海为例

淀山湖、小兴凯湖和洱海分别处在不同的营养阶段,夏季都存在蓝藻水华现象,有效控制蓝藻水华应控氮还是控磷一直存在争议.本研究采用营养物加富生物测试的试验方法,研究和比较三个湖泊限制性营养元素(N和P)夏季对浮游藻类生长的刺激作用,并采用多因素方差分析和两两比较方法(LSD)检验试验结果的显著性.结果表明:淀山湖(TN/TP=10左右)、洱海(TN/TP=29左右)、小兴凯湖(TN/TP=9左右)在夏季分别表现出显著的氮响应、氮磷双重响应、氮响应;较低氮磷比的营养程度较高的湖泊(淀山湖和小兴凯湖)夏季应控制氮含量,若添加氮更容易引发蓝藻(微囊藻)水华,而高氮磷比的初期富营养化湖泊(洱海)夏季应同时控制氮磷含量,同时添加氮磷的交互作用容易引发蓝藻(微囊藻)水华.     

CO2浓度升高对浮游藻类元素化学计量值的影响

通过梅梁湾和东太湖的四季原位实验,研究CO_2浓度升高对不同营养水平淡水生态系统中浮游藻类C、N、P元素计量值的影响.实验设置了270、380和750 ppm共3个CO_2浓度,分别代表工业革命前、当前和IPCC预测的21世纪末的CO_2浓度.结果表明梅梁湾水体营养盐浓度在四季均高于东太湖水体营养盐浓度,但梅梁湾原位实验中浮游藻类C、N、P含量却普遍低于东太湖原位实验中浮游藻类营养元素含量,并且前者在季节上变化更大.CO_2浓度升高使梅梁湾原位实验中浮游藻类C∶P比明显增加,N∶P比略有增加,这种增加归因于藻细胞内C、N含量的升高,而东太湖浮游藻类化学计量值对CO_2浓度变化的响应不显著.因此浮游藻类元素化学计量值对CO_2浓度变化的响应程度与水体营养盐的绝对浓度无关,而与浮游藻类的生长是否受营养盐限制有关,只有当藻类生长受到水体营养盐浓度限制时,CO_2浓度升高才会显著改变其元素组成.     

垂向归纳模型下鄱阳湖丰、枯水期初级生产力特征及与环境因子相关性分析

于2014年1月(枯水期)、7月(丰水期)对鄱阳湖湖水进行采集,测定相应的理化参数、叶绿素a浓度和光合有效辐射,结合初级生产力垂向归纳模型估算浮游植物初级生产力,分析湖区初级生产力特征及与环境因子的相关性.结果表明,鄱阳湖枯水期浮游植物初级生产力波动范围为83.50~355.43 mg C/(m~3·d),平均值为193.33 mg C/(m~3·d),初级生产力空间分布特征主要受水体类型的影响,枯水期初级生产力与氮、磷营养盐浓度呈负相关,其中与铵态氮浓度呈显著负相关,枯水期不会出现营养盐限制现象;丰水期浮游植物初级生产力波动范围为113.80~1134.06 mg C/(m~3·d),平均值为412.12 mg C/(m~3·d),初级生产力空间分布主要受河流注入的影响,丰水期浮游植物初级生产力与总磷及悬浮物浓度呈显著正相关,由于悬浮物对浮游植物生长的促进作用大于抑制作用,鄱阳湖丰水期会出现磷营养盐的限制;鄱阳湖整体平均流速约为0.28 m/s,易于浮游植物的生长,南鄱阳湖平均流速约为0.21 m/s,而北鄱阳湖平均流速约为0.35 m/s,所以南鄱阳湖比北鄱阳湖更容易发生水体富营养化并暴发水华.     

中国太湖物理—生物工程实验中菱对水质影响的模式

A model on a physico-biological engineering experiment for purifying water in Wulihu Bay of Lake Taihu by using Trapa natans var. bispinosa was constructed. The state variables in water in the physico-biological engineering were ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N); nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N); nitrite nitrogen (NO₂^--N); phosphate phosphorus (PO₄^3--P); dissolved oxygen (DO); nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in detritus; biomass density, N and P in phytoplankton and in Trapa natans var. bispinosa, N and P in the substance adsorbed by the membrane of the engineering and the rootstocks of Trapa natans var. bispinosa. The state variables in bottom mud layer were PO₄^3--P in the core water,exchangeable P and N. The external forcing functions were solar radiation, water temperature, NH₄⁺-N; NO₃^--N; NO₂^--N; PO₄^3--P; N and P in detritus; DO; phytoplankton concentrations in inflow water and the retention time of the water in physico-biological engineering channel. The main physical, chemical and biological processes considered in the model were:growth of Trapa natans var. bispinosa and phytoplankton; oxidation of NH₄⁺-N and NO₂^--N, of detritus break down; N and P sorption by the enclosure cloth of the experimental engineering and by the rootstocks of Trapa natans var. bispinosa in water; reaeration of water; uptake of P, NH₄⁺-N, NO₃^--N by phytoplankton and Trapa natans var. bispinosa:mortality of the phytoplankton and Trapa natans var. bispinosa:settling of detritus; and nutrient release from sediment. Comparison of calculated results and observed results showed that the model was constructed reasonably for the experiment. The mechanism of purifying lake water in the experiment engineering was discussed by the use of the model.     

Summer phytoplankton composition and nitrogen limitation of the deep, naturally-acidic (pH∼2.2) Lake Caviahue, Patagonia, Argentina

During the warm seasons of 1998-2004, the naturally-acidic (pH∼2.2) Lake Caviahue was sampled for conductivity, temperature, oxygen, light, nutrients, and phytoplankton (density, biomass and chlorophyll a) with a view to studying the summer phytoplankton population changes with relation to environmental factors, as well as the significance of nitrogen limitation on the phytoplankton yield. Lake Caviahue is characterized by its low transparency, CO₂, and N concentration; significant P values; a distinctive vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass with high values along the water column; and sometimes maximum meta-hypolimnion values. Biodiversity is very low as a result of extreme environmental conditions, Chlorophyceae being the prevailing algae group. Two types of bioassays were carried out to assess nitrogen limitation. For the first bioassay, a solution of ammonium-nitrogen chloride and/or wastewater (rich in ammonium and phosphorus) was used, while one of the lake's sediments was the source of nutrients for the second bioassay. Contrary to the case of acidic mining lakes, N-ammonium proved to be a significant supportive capacity limiting factor as to phytoplankton yield. The present paper provides for the first time information on phytoplankton nitrogen limitation in a naturally-acidic lake.     

水体氮、磷营养盐水平对蓝藻优势形成的影响

以江苏省南京市富营养化程度不同的清溪、护城河、玄武湖、月牙湖、琵琶湖和前湖为研究对象,调查各水体浮游植物的群落特征和优势种,并结合藻类生长潜力试验,探究不同氮、磷营养水平的自然水体对铜绿微囊藻（Microcystis aeruginosa）和斜生栅藻（Scenedesmus obliquus）生长与竞争的影响.野外调查发现不同营养水平水体浮游植物优势种不同,按水体富营养化程度从高到底依次以绿藻、蓝藻、硅藻和隐藻分别占优势.单一藻种培养时,铜绿微囊藻在清溪、护城河和玄武湖水体中生长均较好,而斜生栅藻仅在高氮、磷浓度的清溪和护城河水体中有较大生长量,说明斜生栅藻对氮、磷的需求高于铜绿微囊藻;两种藻共培养时,清溪水体中斜生栅藻占优势,护城河和玄武湖水体中铜绿微囊藻占优势,但其他水体中两种藻均不能生长,说明氮、磷浓度过高或过低都不利于蓝藻形成优势.对低营养水平的玄武湖、琵琶湖、月牙湖和前湖水体进行氮、磷加富后,两种藻均能较好地生长,且各组没有显著差异,说明藻类在这些水体中生长受到氮、磷的限制,氮、磷浓度升高会增加水华发生的风险.本研究将野外调查和藻类生长潜力实验相结合,深入探究了蓝藻优势形成与水体氮、磷营养水平的关系,揭示了蓝藻水华是湖泊富营养化发展到特定阶段的产物,水体氮、磷浓度过高或过低均不易产生蓝藻优势.     

Sedimentation und Phosphorhaushalt im Vierwaldstättersee (Horwer Bucht) und im Rotsee

In 1969/70, chemical and physical parameters, phytoplankton and recent sedimentation at different levels were investigated in the mesotrophic Lake of Lucerne (Horw Bay) and in the highly eutrophic Rotsee. The rates of sedimentation came to 1277.4 g dry matter/m²·year in Horw Bay and to 879.3 g dry matter/m²·year in the Rotsee. The chemical analysis of sediments included the following components: total organic substance (loss on ignition), organic C, clay minerals (HCl-insoluble fraction), Ca, Mg, P, N, Fe and Mn. The Rotsee is distinguished by higher nutrient concentrations, higher rates of sedimentation (exceptions: clay minerals, Fe, to a certain extent N and Mn) and by a greater biomass of phytoplankton. The distribution and succession of selected species and groups of phytoplankton are discussed, the velocity of sinking, the degradation, the growth dynamics and the measure of trophic state are calculated. For both lakes, a phosphorus and a nitrogen balance have been drawn up. The N:P ratio continually decreases running through the nutrient cycle from the input to the storing into the bottom sediments. The intrabiocoenotic phosphorus cycle in the epilimnion is very intensive and supplies approximately two thirds of the nutrient requirements for primary production in both the Horw Bay and the Rotsee.     

Hydrochemical Characteristics of Lake Kuril'skoe

Data of hydrochemical studies performed in September 2000 in Lake Kuril'skoe were used to establish the specific features of the spatial distribution of temperature, O₂, Si, mineral and organic forms of N and P, and to assess the availability of nutrients to phytoplankton. The concentrations of N_min and Si were found to be high throughout the water mass from the surface to the bed, whereas P_min concentration was low because of Fe abundance in the water. The development of phytoplankton is shown to be limited by the P_min deficiency, which is partially compensated by its regeneration and the capability of diatoms for heterotrophic nutrition.     

Results of Hydrochemical Studies of Lake Azabach'e (Kamchatka)

The nutrient basis of Lake Azabach'e is studied. The distribution of pH and the concentrations of O₂, P_min, Fe, N–NH⁺ ₄, N–NO^– ₃, Si, and organic forms of N and P are considered. The chemical basis of biological production of Lake Azabach'e is assessed. It is found that the amount of Si is excessive everywhere and that phytoplankton production is limited by phosphate and mineral nitrogen deficiency in virtually equal degrees.     

Seasonal and annual variation of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> flux above a broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest

Long-term measurement of carbon metabolism of old-growth forests is critical to predict their behaviors and to reduce the uncertainties of carbon accounting under changing climate. Eddy covariance technology was applied to investigate the long-term carbon exchange over a 200 year-old Chinese broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest in the Changbai Mountains (128°28′E and 42°24′N, Jilin Province, P. R. China) since August 2002. On the data obtained with open-path eddy covariance system and CO₂ profile measurement system from Jan. 2003 to Dec. 2004, this paper reports (i) annual and seasonal variation of F _NEE, F _GPP and R _E; (ii) regulation of environmental factors on phase and amplitude of ecosystem CO₂ uptake and release Corrections due to storage and friction velocity were applied to the eddy carbon flux.L_AI and soil temperature determined the seasonal and annual dynamics of F_GPP and R_E separately. V_PD and air temperature regulated ecosystem photosynthesis at finer scales in growing seasons. Water condition at the root zone exerted a significant influence on ecosystem maintenance carbon metabolism of this forest in winter.The forest was a net sink of atmospheric CO₂ and sequestered ?449 g C·m^?2 during the study period; ?278 and ?171 gC·m^?2 for 2003 and 2004 respectively. F _GPP and F _RE over 2003 and 2004 were ?1332, ?1294 g C·m^?2. and 1054, 1124 g C·m^?2 respectively. This study shows that old-growth forest can be a strong net carbon sink of atmospheric CO₂.There was significant seasonal and annual variation in carbon metabolism. In winter, there was weak photosynthesis while the ecosystem emitted CO₂. Carbon exchanges were active in spring and fall but contributed little to carbon sequestration on an annual scale. The summer is the most significant season as far as ecosystem carbon balance is concerned. The 90 days of summer contributed 66.9, 68.9% of F _GPP, and 60.4, 62.1% of R _E of the entire year.     

Excitation-emission matrix fluorescence and parallel factor analyses of the effects of N and P nutrients on the extracellular polymeric substances of Microcystis aeruginosa

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by phytoplankton can induce bloom formation, and nutrients are considered the key factors that cause algal blooms outbreak. Thus, understanding the characteristics of EPS from blooming Microcystis under the influence of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is important. In this study, the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients on EPS released by Microcystis aeruginosa in Lake Taihu were examined in pure cultures. The characteristics of Microcystis EPS were evaluated by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Results indicated that the fluorescent characterization of EPS was affected more by N than by P. Low N concentration can stimulate cells to secrete large amounts of tyrosine-like substances directly into the culture medium, thus suggesting that Microcystis features a mechanism for adapting to low N conditions. Total fluorescent intensities in the EPS were significantly related to cell biomass. All fluorescent substances in the bound EPS fraction were positively and significantly correlated with Microcystis growth. As for the soluble EPS fraction, the humic-like and tryptophan-like substances were both significantly related to cell biomass, whereas only the tyrosine-like substances were significantly related to cell biomass under low N supply. PARAFAC analysis of the EEM spectra showed that N greatly affected the exudation of tyrosine-like substances and redistribution of the EPS fractions. Thus, protein-like fluorophore could be used as a potential indicator to evaluate the nutritional status of cyanobacteria during cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu.     

不同上覆水氟浓度对湖泊沉积物氟释放与微生物群落的影响

通过模拟沙湖沉积物-水系统,以沙湖原水氟离子（F^-）浓度为1倍浓度（0.69 mg/L）,设置0.5倍浓度、1倍浓度、1倍浓度灭菌、2倍浓度和4倍浓度共5个实验组,探究不同上覆水F^-浓度背景下沙湖沉积物中F^-的迁移.结果表明,沉积物F^-的释放量随上覆水F^-浓度的增加而呈下降的趋势,其中2倍和4倍浓度组的沉积物由释放F^-转变为吸附F^-.碱性水体有利于沉积物F^-的释放,即随着pH增大,F^-释放量也会增加.微生物的Beta多样性层次聚类分析表明,F^-会抑制Paenisporosarcina与Thiobacillus的相对丰度,但对Fusibacter的生命活动具有促进作用.根据各浓度组间优势菌属相对丰度与环境因子的冗余分析可得,Acinetobacter、Thiobacillus相对丰度与pH呈负相关;Fusibacter相对丰度与F^-浓度呈显著正相关,而Thiobacillus的相对丰度则与F^-表现出弱负相关.通过对各浓度组中重要离子的分析发现,0.5倍组和4倍组中F^-的迁移受Ca²⁺、HCO₃^-和SO₄^2-浓度影响较大;相关性分析表明0.5倍浓度组的Ca²⁺、HCO₃^-浓度与F^-浓度呈极显著正相关,而4倍组中F^-浓度和Ca²⁺、HCO₃^-浓度呈负相关,SO₄^2-浓度和F^-浓度的相关性则是0.5倍组呈负相关,4倍组呈极显著正相关.本文在不同上覆水F^-浓度背景下全面探究了沙湖沉积物中F^-释放和迁移机理,为沙湖及其他含氟地表水的氟污染防治提供理论支持.     

Summer phytoplankton composition and nitrogen limitation of the deep, naturally-acidic (pH2.2) Lake Caviahue, Patagonia, Argentina

During the warm seasons of 1998–2004, the naturally-acidic (pH2.2) Lake Caviahue was sampled for conductivity, temperature, oxygen, light, nutrients, and phytoplankton (density, biomass and chlorophyll a) with a view to studying the summer phytoplankton population changes with relation to environmental factors, as well as the significance of nitrogen limitation on the phytoplankton yield. Lake Caviahue is characterized by its low transparency, CO₂, and N concentration; significant P values; a distinctive vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass with high values along the water column; and sometimes maximum meta-hypolimnion values. Biodiversity is very low as a result of extreme environmental conditions, Chlorophyceae being the prevailing algae group. Two types of bioassays were carried out to assess nitrogen limitation. For the first bioassay, a solution of ammonium–nitrogen chloride and/or wastewater (rich in ammonium and phosphorus) was used, while one of the lake's sediments was the source of nutrients for the second bioassay. Contrary to the case of acidic mining lakes, N-ammonium proved to be a significant supportive capacity limiting factor as to phytoplankton yield. The present paper provides for the first time information on phytoplankton nitrogen limitation in a naturally-acidic lake.     

Differences in zooplankton feeding rates and isotopic signatures from three temperate lakes

Bacteria and phytoplankton are integral in the mobilization and transfer of organic matter to higher trophic levels. Hence, we examined their role in zooplankton diets and assessed trends in their nitrogen isotopic variability. We performed feeding experiments with natural particulate organic matter (POM) and four zooplankton groups (Daphnia, Holopedium, large calanoids and small calanoids) to (1) examine whether there are differences in consumption (presented as clearance and ingestion rates) of phytoplankton and bacteria, and (2) determine whether differences in zooplankton clearance and ingestion rates are correlated with their δ¹⁵N isotopic signatures. In general, phytoplankton and bacteria clearance rates and biomass ingested per animal varied significantly among different zooplankton groups within lakes and between lakes for a given zooplankton group. Within a given lake, Daphnia and Holopedium had the highest phytoplankton and bacteria clearance and ingestion rates, followed by large calanoids, and then small calanoids. For a given zooplankton group, bacteria and phytoplankton clearance rates varied among lakes. In contrast, phytoplankton ingestion rates were consistently highest in Dickie Lake for all taxa, whereas bacteria ingestion rates were more variable among lakes for the different zooplankton taxa. The percentage contribution of different phytoplankton taxa to the biomass of phytoplankton ingested also varied significantly among lakes for a given taxa, but there were few differences within a given lake among zooplankton. Zooplankton δ¹⁵N_DOMC values were correlated with their size adjusted phytoplankton and bacteria clearance and ingestion rates. The correlations were stronger with (1) phytoplankton compared to bacteria, and (2) clearance rates compared to ingestion rates of biomass. Together our results suggest that zooplankton taxa with low phytoplankton and bacteria clearance and ingestion rates and higher δ¹⁵N_DOMC are likely exploiting food sources from higher trophic levels.