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Influence of the surface microlayer on nutrients, chlorophyll and algal diversity of a small eutrophic bog pond

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Abstract

Nutrients, chlorophyll, phaeophytin and algal abundances were investigated in the surface microlayer and at subsurface depths in a small eutrophic bog pond. Nutrient levels were consistently higher in the microlayer while algal abundance was sometimes higher but sometimes lower in the microlayer than at near subsurface depths. Algal diversity values were strongly influenced by the depth of flagellate blooms, and in contrast to previous studies, diversity in the microlayer was higher than at near subsurface depths. These results are discussed in terms of weather parameters, affinity of algal species for the surface and differences between microlayer ecology in shallow and deep water systems.

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  1. Kenneth W. Estep

    Present address: Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, 02882, Narragansett, Rhode Island, U.S.A.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Great Lakes Studies and Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin, 53201, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A.

    Kenneth W. Estep & Charles C. Remsen

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  1. Kenneth W. Estep
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  2. Charles C. Remsen
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Estep, K.W., Remsen, C.C. Influence of the surface microlayer on nutrients, chlorophyll and algal diversity of a small eutrophic bog pond. Hydrobiologia 121, 203–213 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00017544

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