Optical properties and light penetration in a deep, naturally acidic, iron rich lake: Lago Caviahue (Patagonia, Argentina)

Abstract

The optical properties and light climate in the deep and extremely acid Lake Caviahue have been studied in order to better understand its characteristics and the possible influence upon the phytoplankton community. The absorption coefficients for the dissolved fraction were maximal in the ultraviolet (UV) region and the water absorption spectra showed a shoulder around 300 nm, which was attributed to the concentration of Fe(III). No radiation was detected in the water column below 360 nm. The depth of the 1% incident radiation was dependent of wavelength, showing its maximum of 13.3 m at 565 nm, compared to 1.7 m and 4.8 m at 400 nm and 700 nm, respectively. Phytoplankton biomass was low and showed an almost constant profile with depth despite the relative darkness of the water column. Optical climate of Lake Caviahue is not typical of high elevation lakes but is more similar to low elevation shallow lakes of the Andean region. The chemical composition of the water, mainly Fe oxidation state and concentration, is the responsible for the high attenuation of the UV radiation (UVR). Living organisms are protected of UVR because Lake Caviahue waters are a shield against UV-B.