Chlorophyll content and fluorescence responses cannot be used to gauge reliably phytoplankton biomass, nutrient status or growth rate

To consider the relationship between chlorophyll a (ChI a) content and phytoplankton growth and nutrient status, four phytoplankton species were grown in nitrogen (N)-limited [and, for one species, phosphorus (P)-limited] culture and measurements were made of CNP biomass, in vivo and in vitro ChI a content, the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (F-V/F-M) and the performance index for photosynthesis, PIABS (a derivative of the O-J-I-P analysis of photosystem II functionality). Interspecies differences plus the development of intraspecies differences during nutrient stress produced c. 10-fold variations in ChI : C. Estimates of C from in vivo ChI content were better than those from extracted Chl content, as the decline in ChI : C during nutrient stress was offset in part by increased Chl fluorescence. F-V/F-M was not a robust indicator of nutrient status or relative growth rate. Responses of F-V/F-M in cells re- fed the limiting nutrient showed no consistent pattern with which to gauge nutrient status. PIABS showed some promise as an indicator of nutrient status and relative growth rate. ChI a content and fluorescence parameters do not deserve the unquestioned status they usually enjoy as indicators of biomass and physiological status.