Quantitative relationship between solar radiation intensity and average daily value of photosynthesis light saturation for phytoplankton in the deep-water area of the Black Sea

According to data obtained during expeditions in the Black Sea (1987–1993), linear relationship between the light flux density incident on the sea surface (E0) and the starting point of photosynthesis light saturation (En opt) is revealed. For calculations, measurements of phytoplankton photosynthesis rate obtained by the radiocarbon method were used. The equation of the relationship between the values reported is presented for the first time for the Black Sea. En opt is the average daily, optimal value of photosynthesis light saturation. The parameters of photosynthesis – light curve, determined in short-period exposures under constant illumination, differ from the parameters obtained in long-term experiments under conditions of variable illumination. This is due to different effects of the intensity and dose on the phytoplankton photosynthesis rate. The values of photosynthetic parameters for a certain time are integrated into a single value which is the optimum for the entire period observed. The approximation of daily data integrated is carried out both separately for seasons and in general for the period of 1987–1993. Using statistical processing of data of average daily values of the intensity of solar radiation incident on the sea surface, slope of the photosynthesis – light curve, and maximum photosynthesis rate, the approximation is determined for the functional dependence of En opt on E0. The equation is applicable in the range of light intensity 3 to 75 mol quanta·m−2·day−1. It describes with high reliability a change of average daily value of photosynthesis light saturation in the Black Sea during different seasons of the year. The equation includes a parameter easily accessible for measurement. It can be used in analysis of physiological characteristics of phytoplankton and calculation of integrated phytoplankton productivity in euphotic layer with using both satellite and expedition data.