Effect of added radiocarbon solution on primary production measurements

Abstract

The effect of inorganic radiocarbon stock solution on the measurements of primary productivity of phytoplankton was studied in lake waters with low ionic strength and high concentration of dissolved organic matter. The results suggest that radiocarbon solution may have both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on primary productivity. In addition to clean techniques, the volume of radiocarbon stock solution used in the samples should be as small as possible so as to minimize chemical changes in the water sample. This precaution seems to be most important in waters with low concentration of electrolytes. © 1986.