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Distribution of microphytobenthic biomass in Martel Inlet, King George Island (Antarctica)

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Abstract

The spatial and temporal variation of microphytobenthic biomass in the nearshore zone of Martel Inlet (King George Island, Antarctica) was estimated at several sites and depths (10–60 m), during three summer periods (1996/1997, 1997/1998, 2004/2005). The mean values were inversely related to the bathymetric gradient: higher ones at 10–20 m depth (136.2 ± 112.5 mg Chl a m−2, 261.7 ± 455.9 mg Phaeo m−2), intermediate at 20–30 m (55.6 ± 39.5 mg Chl a m−2, 108.8 ± 73.0 mg Phaeo m−2) and lower ones at 40–60 m (22.7 ± 23.7 mg Chl a m−2, 58.3 ± 38.9 mg Phaeo m−2). There was also a reduction in the Chl a/Phaeo ratio with depth, from 3.2 ± 3.2 (10–20 m) to 0.7 ± 1.0 (40–60 m), showing a higher contribution of senescent phytoplankton and/or macroalgae debris at the deeper sites and the limited light flux reaching the bottom. Horizontal differences found in the biomass throughout the inlet could not be clearly related to hydrodynamics or proximity to glaciers, but with sediment characteristics. An inter-summer variation was observed: the first summer presented the highest microphytobenthic biomass apparently related to more hydrodynamic conditions, which causes the deposition of allochthonous material.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the staff of the Brazilian Antarctic Station “Comandante Ferraz” for the logistical support; the financial support provided by the Interministerial Secretary for the Sea Resources (SeCIRM), the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA), and the National Research Council (CNPq), under the scope of the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR). We extend our thanks to the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo; to São Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP) and CNPq for the provided scholarships. We are also grateful to the Geology Laboratories from the Oceanographic Institute of University of São Paulo, and from Santa Ursula University (Rio de Janeiro), for the sediment analysis, and to Dr. Sabine Schultes for the English review. Special thanks to Dr. Lucia Campos, coordinator of Benthos Project (GEAMB), for her helpful collaboration in the sampling of the monitoring program. We are grateful for two anonymous referees for their contribution in improving an early version of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Paula F. Gheller, Sandra Bromberg, Mônica A. V. Petti & Thaïs N. Corbisier

  2. Πr2 Consultoria Ambiental, Praia do Flamengo, 66/85B, 22210-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

    Rodrigo S. P. de Skowronski

  3. Centro Universitário Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 612, 05001-100, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Carlos J. David

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  1. Rodrigo S. P. de Skowronski
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Correspondence to Thaïs N. Corbisier.

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de Skowronski, R.S.P., Gheller, P.F., Bromberg, S. et al. Distribution of microphytobenthic biomass in Martel Inlet, King George Island (Antarctica). Polar Biol 32, 839–851 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-009-0584-7

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