Rates of epilithic N-2 fixation in the rocky littoral zones of Lake Malawi, determined by
in situ incubations and the acetylene reduction method, declined with depth, were highly
correlated to light intensity and heterocyst biovolume, and are among the highest observed
values for freshwater or marine systems. Daytime N-2 fixation rates were similar between
sites at similar depths, except at sediment and nutrient impacted sites, where rates were
lower and more variable. Daytime N-2 fixation rates were measurable in all transparent
chambers and were negligible in opaque chambers, which indicates that phototrophic diazotrophs
(organisms capable of utilizing atmospheric nitrogen) were responsible for all daytime N-2
fixation. Nocturnal N-2 fixation was similar to 60% of daytime fixation. A model that
integrated N-2 fixation over depth and time predicted that epilithic N-2 fixation may
contribute up to 35% of N inputs to the epilimnion of Lake Malawi.