Accurately measuring the abundance of benthic microalgae in spatially variable habitats

Grinham, Alistair R., Carruthers, Tim J. B., Fisher, Paul L., Udy, James W. and Dennison, William C. (2007) Accurately measuring the abundance of benthic microalgae in spatially variable habitats. Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, 5 : 119-125.

Author Grinham, Alistair R.
Carruthers, Tim J. B.
Fisher, Paul L.
Udy, James W.
Dennison, William C.
Title Accurately measuring the abundance of benthic microalgae in spatially variable habitats
Journal name Limnology and Oceanography: Methods  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2007-05
Sub-type Article
Year available 2007
Volume number 5
ISSN 1541-5856
Start page 119
End page 125
Total pages 7
Place of publication Waco, TX, U.S.A.
Publisher American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
Language eng
Subject 0405 Oceanography
Abstract Although many studies measure the abundance of benthic microalgae (BMA), at the meters squared scale, comparing these studies is difficult due to the variety of sampling, extraction, and analysis techniques. This difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that BMA abundance has high spatial and temporal variability, at all spatial scales. A suitable standard sampling regimen would reduce variation in estimates due to different sample collection and processing greatly facilitating comparisons between studies. This study examined the effect of varying the volume of extraction solvent, sampling core diameter, and sample replication on BMA biomass estimates. Key findings, applicable to all spatial scales, to accurately determine biomass were the use of a minimum sediment to extraction solvent ratio of 1:2 and use of a sampling core diameter of 19 mm. Across a wide range of sediment types, at the meters squared scale and using spectrophotometric techniques, a minimum replication number of 8 was found to be appropriate. We report the significant effect coring depth and units of expression have on BMA biomass estimates across a range of sediment types, highlighting the potential pitfalls when comparing studies.
Keyword Limnology
Oceanography
Chlorophyll-a
Liquid-chromatography
Estuarine Sediments
Surface Sediments
Microphytobenthos
Pigments
Biomass
Phytoplankton
Carotenoids
Patterns
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection
School of Civil Engineering Publications
 
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Created: Mon, 18 Feb 2008, 17:30:54 EST