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Spatial and temporal dynamics of epiphytic microalgae on the cordgrassSpartina alterniflora in North Inlet Estuary, South Carolina |
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| Authors: | Gabriella Jackson Richard Zingmark Alan J Lewitus Raphael G Tymowski Joyce Stuckey |
| Institution: | 1. Marine Science Program, University of South Carolina, 29208, Columbia, South Carolina 3. Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, Baruch Marine Laboratory, University of South Carolina, 29442, Georgetown, South Carolina 4. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Marine Resources Research Institute, 331 Fort Johnson Road, 29412, Charteston, South Carolina 5. South Carolina Honors College and Marine Science Program, 29208, Columbia, South Carolina |
| Abstract: | Epiphytic microbial biomass (as chlorophylla) was measured monthly in North Inlet Estuary, South Carolina, for 16 months on spatially distinct stem sections (bottom and middle) of dead and livingSpartina alterniflora growth forms (tall, medium, and short) exposed at low tide. The highest biomass was located on the bottom section of tall plants, presumably due to their relatively longer contact with creek water and associated phytoplankton, and their closer proximity to marsh sediments with associated benthic microalgae, both recruitment sources for epiphytes. Dead plants left standing from the previous year’s growth cycle had higher epiphytic biomass than living plants, which occurred mostly in late spring through fall. Epiphytic biomass was highest in the winter (mean of 1.77 mg chla (m2 marsh)−1) and lowest in the summer (mean of 0.34 mg chla (m2 marsh)−1). Because phytoplankton andSpartina production are lowest in the winter, the results emphasize the relative importance of epiphytes to growth of herbivores in this season. |
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