Evaluation of the performance of HPLC–CHEMTAX analysis for determining phytoplankton biomass and composition in a turbid estuary (Schelde, Belgium)
Lionard, M.; Muylaert, K.; Tackx, M.; Vyverman, W. (2008). Evaluation of the performance of HPLC–CHEMTAX analysis for determining phytoplankton biomass and composition in a turbid estuary (Schelde, Belgium). Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 76(4): 809-817. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2007.08.003
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more
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| Keywords |
Bacillariophyceae [WoRMS]; Chlorophyta [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
CHEMTAX; chlorophytes; diatoms; detritus; Schelde estuary |
| Abstract |
In the upper Schelde estuary in 2002, phytoplankton biomass and community composition were studied using microscopic and pigment analyses. Chlorophyll a concentration was a good predictor of phytoplankton biomass estimated from cell counts and biovolume measurements. The phytoplankton carbon to chlorophyll a ratio, however, was often unrealistically low (<10). CHEMTAX was used to estimate the contribution of the major algal groups to total chlorophyll a. The dominant algal groups were diatoms and chlorophytes. While diatom equivalents in chlorophyll a predicted diatom biomass relatively well, chlorophyte equivalents in chlorophyll a were only weakly related to chlorophyte biomass. The pigment-based approach to study phytoplankton overestimated phytoplankton biomass in general and chlorophyte biomass in particular in late autumn and winter, when phytoplankton biomass was low. A possible explanation for this overestimation may be the presence of large amounts of vascular plant detritus in the upper Schelde estuary. Residual chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and lutein in this detritus may result in an overestimation of total phytoplankton and chlorophyte biomass when the contribution of phytoplankton to total particulate organic matter is low. |
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