We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Does Phaeocystis spp. contribute significantly to vertical export of organic carbon?
- Authors
Reigstad, Marit; Wassmann, Paul
- Abstract
Phaeocystis spp. cell and colony mass fluxes and their contribution to the vertical particulate organic carbon (POC) export from a wide range of stations were quantified by short-term sediment traps. The compilation of available data, ranging from polar to sub-arctic and boreal regions, revealed that Phaeocystis colonial and single cells frequently are observed in shallow sediment traps at 30–50 m depth (average of 7 ± 11% of POC export). A strong vertical export decline between 40 m and 100 m diminished the contribution of Phaeocystis spp. cell carbon to vertical export of POC to only 3 ± 2% at 100 m depth, with two exceptions (deeper mixed stations). Estimates of potential corresponding mucus contribution increased the average Phaeocystis spp. contribution to <5% of POC export. The vertical flux attenuation efficiency is higher for Phaeocystis spp. than for diatoms. The overall contribution of Phaeocystis spp. to vertical carbon export based on direct investigations of vertical organic carbon export is small.
- Subjects
PHYTOPLANKTON; MICROALGAE; CARBON cycle; PLANKTON -- Environmental aspects; BIOGEOCHEMISTRY; ALGAE &; the environment
- Publication
Biogeochemistry, 2007, Vol 83, Issue 1-3, p217
- ISSN
0168-2563
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10533-007-9093-3