B. D. Robbins, B. L. Boese
Macroalgal Volume: a Surrogate for Biomass in Some Green Algae
Filamentous (e.g., Chaetomorpha spp.) and flattened or tubular (e.g., Ulva spp. and Enteromorpha spp.) green algal morphotypes were collected from the intertidal mudflat within the Yaquina Bay Estuary (Newport, OR, USA) and used to compare an in situ volumetric biomass estimator to the traditional dry weight methodology. Immediately following collection, wet volumes of each sample by morphotype were determined in situ using a modified graduated cylinder and a plunger. Samples were returned to the laboratory, dried to a constant weight, and then weighed. Both biomass estimators were compared using a linear regression technique. We found that dry weight was linearly related to volume (r2 = 0.78 to 0.88) for both morphotypes indicating that volume was an accurate predictor of biomass. We suggest the use of this technique, when appropriate, will enable researchers to quickly estimate macroalgal biomass in situ with savings in both time and expense.
Botanica Marina, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 0006-8055
Volume: 45, 11/2002
Pages: 586 - 588
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