The composition of algae suggests that algal cells have about 16 moles of N for

Question

The composition of algae suggests that algal cells have about 16 moles of N for every mole of P.
A. The atomic weight of N is 14.01 g/mole and the atomic weight of P is 30.97 g/mole. As stated above, the molar ratio of N-to-P is 16 moles N per mole P. What is the weight ratio of N-to-P in algae (in mg N per mg P)?
B. Lake Superior typically has an average total N concentration of 0.35 mg/L and an average total P concentration of 0.0062 mg/L. Use your answer from Part A to determine if Lake Superior is nitrogen limited or phosphorus limited. What should be controlled in Lake Superior: N discharges or P discharges? Explain your answer.
C. The coastal ocean typically has an average total N concentration of 0.42 mg/L and an average total P concentration of 0.062 mg/L. Use your answer from Part A to determine if the coastal ocean is nitrogen limited or phosphorus limited. What should be controlled in the coastal ocean: N discharges or P discharges? Explain your answer

Explanation / Answer

W(nitrogen)/W(phosphorus)=(16*14.01)/(1*30.97)7.24

now in lake superior this weight ratio comes out to be 56.45 in 1 lt. of water which is very high in comparison to required ratio for algae. Hence, it is phosphorus regulated because if the concentration of phosphorus increases in the discharge then a stage may be arrived at , at which point favourable conditions for algae may be generated.

whereas in the coastal water the weight ratio comes out to be 6.77 in 1 lt. of water. We can say it is nitrogen regulated because of the earlier stated argument.

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