An ecological study of Penguin Pond, Green Lake and Harrison Lake at Cape Bird: measurement of water chemistry, water parameters and flora and fauna investigations

Three lakes were selected for ecological study at Cape Bird. Penguin Pond was sampled twice weekely and measurements were taken for light intensity, temperature, oxygen, pH, chlorinity, alkalinity, conductivity, primary productivity, chlorophyll and carotenoids. Samples of the algal felt and quantitative zooplankton and phytoplankton samples were also taken. In early January when the pond was about 30 cm deep, samples were taken from near the surface and near the bottom of the pond. The pond dried up altogether and samples of the dried algal felt were returned to NZ. Green Lake was sampled weekely at three depths in the lake. A diurnal study was undertaken with weekly sampling procedures at 4 hourly intervals over a 24 hour period. Harrison Lake was sampled weekly at two stations on this lake. A water sample from each of these lakes and from some other lakes around Cape Bird was frozen and sent back to Christchurch for detailed chemical analysis. Plankton and algal samples were examined live, diagrams drawn and the material identified as far as possible. Samples were preserved and returned to New Zealand. Many Philodina gregaria (Rotifer) were collected for experimental purposes investigating their survival and fecundity under different conditions. The behaviour of P. gregaria under natural conditions was investigated in the following season with experiments on survival and fecundity with individuals in separate containers, monitored and any offspring removed. Diurnal activities of the rotifer were investigated with sampling of the water column at Green Lake over a 24 hour period. The distribution of the rotifer in the Ross Sea areas was attempted with samples collected from Cape Royds, Cape Evans, the vicinity of Scott Base, ponds at Black Island, lakes near the Darwin Mountains and from some Taylor Valley lakes.