STUDIES ON THE DEGRADATION OF CHLOROPHYLL a AND CAROTENOIDS IN FRESHWATERS

Abstract

Relationships between chlorophyll a, its coloured degradation products and carotenoids have been examined in extracts of freshwater algal populations and sediments. Carotenoids are differentially preserved over chlorophyll a and its coloured derivatives in both aerobic and anaerobic situations, at both high and low light intensities, although preservation of carotenoids increases with decreasing oxygen availability. Light appears to exert a major effect on destruction of chlorophyll a and its derivatives. Processes of pigment degradation and persistent sediment formation are discussed, and the use of sedimentary chlorophyll degradation product/carotenoid ratios as indices of lake fertility is examined. Copyright © 1968, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved