Problems of measuring and predicting influence of effluents on marine phytoplankton

The growth response of a number of cultured marine phytoplankton species are compared in treated sewage effluents from a variety of treatment plants in New England. Concentrations of the inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in the effluents are used as the basis for the comparison. The general response of a Rich nearshore community to effluent is one of enhanced growth. However, long-term effects result in a more subtle selection of species determined by species specific physiological requirements.