Chlorophyll-a
•Photosynthetic pigment
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•Estimate of relative phytoplankton biomass
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•Factors affecting chlorophyll-a concentrations:
–temperature, light, nutrient levels, weather conditions
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This summer, we also looked at Chlorophyll-a concentration. Chlorophyll-a is a photosynthetic pigment found in plants. These measurements can be used to determine where in the water column phytoplankton are most concentrated and can also be used to determine the overall lake production level. Temperature, light, nutrient levels, and weather conditions all affect chlorophyll-a levels.