The effects of surface water warming on nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in headwater lakes of the Hudson River
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In New York State, lake ecosystems provide drinking water, food, and recreation. However, lakes are susceptible to harmful indirect effects like climate change. Additionally, many lakes in New York State have been experiencing increasing nutrient loads, even those residing in protected lands. There continues to be debate surrounding which type of nutrient - nitrogen or phosphorus - is the primary determinant of productivity and is the cause of algal blooms. As a result, there is a critical need to understand the interactive effects between climate change and nutrient limitation of phytoplankton. To test this interaction, we used the ‘Sky Lakes’ located on the northern Shawangunk Ridge within managed lands. We surveyed three Sky Lakes to examine variability in trophic status. We used experimental incubations to determine nutrient limitation status of the study lakes. Finally, we used replicate experimental incubations to examine nutrient limitation under warming conditions. We found that all three lakes were colimited by both nitrogen and phosphorus. Under warming scenarios, nutrient limitation status stayed the same but the colimitation effect size increased. Local managers and governments need to consider both nitrogen and phosphorus management strategies for algal blooms, especially with a rapidly changing climate.