A flexible multivariable model for phytoplankton growth.

We introduce a new multivariable model to be used to study the growth dynamics of phytoplankton as a function of both time and the concentration of nutrients. This model is applied to a set of experimental data which describes the rate of growth as a function of these two variables. The form of the model allows easy extension to additional variables. Thus, the model can be used to analyze experimental data regarding the effects of various factors on phytoplankton growth rate. Such a model will also be useful in analysis of the role of concentration of various nutrients or trace elements, temperature, and light intensity, or other important explanatory variables, or combinations of such variables, in analyzing phytoplankton growth dynamics.