F4 BIOMASS

Biomass and population density of epipelic algae in the drying phase.
                               18 Dec. 1967          3 Jan. 1968          9 Jan. 1968
Biomass [mg (chlorophyll a)        15.5                 17.4                  56.5
Population density* [cm-2]           -                 900,000             6,500,000

* Blue-green algae almost 100%.
Source:Moss, B. (1979) Algae in Lake Chilwa and the waters of its catchment area. "Lake Chilwa" (ed. Kalk, M., McLachlan, A. J. & Howard-Williams, C.), pp. 93-103.

Approximate animal biomass (dry weight) in three main benthic habitats during the recovery phase.
                             Biomass
[mg m-2]   Area of habitat
[km2]Whole lake biomass
[kg]
Permanent swamp                     300                  600                180,000
Temporary swamp                    4,000                 80                 320,000
Mud of lake bed                    3,000                 100                300,000
Total                              7,300                 780                569,400

Source:McLachlan, A. J. (1979) Decline and recovery of the benthic invertebrate communities. "Lake Chilwa" (ed. Kalk, M., McLachlan,
A. J. & Howard-Williams, C.), pp. 143-160.