Active fluorescence methods were developed over 30 years ago to monitor and assess mechanisms of photosynthesis in phytoplankton and higher plants. Active fluorescence methods utilize the relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis to characterize phytoplankton ‘health’. Phytoplankton photosynthetic efficiency is one of the biological signals that rapidly reacts to changes in nutrient availability as well as naturally occurring or anthropogenically introduced contaminants. The results can be used as an indicator of system wide change or phytoplankton health.

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