Exploring the potential of the PROTECH model to investigate phytoplankton community theory

The phytoplankton community model, PROTECH, simulates algal growth and is s ensitive to numerous environmental variables (temperature, depth, light, da ylength, nutrient supply). This investigation examines the effects of alter ing, in turn, each of these variables upon the simulated algal growth. We c ompare these results with those predicted by a phytoplankton variation on G rime's C-S-R paradigm. Finally, it is concluded that PROTECH is a suitable tool for the exploration of community assembly in relation to the ecologica l theories of competition, succession and biodiversity.