Combining dialysis and dilution techniques to estimate gross growth rate of phytoplankton and grazing by micro- and mesozooplankton in situ

Title
Combining dialysis and dilution techniques to estimate gross growth rate of phytoplankton and grazing by micro- and mesozooplankton in situ
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2006
Authors

Stibor H, Gelzleichter A, Hantzsche F, Sommer U, Striebel M, Vadstein O, Olsen Y

Journal
Archiv Fur Hydrobiologie
Volume
167
Pagination
403-419
ISBN Number
0003-9136
Keywords

dilution experiments, dialysis bags, gross growth rate, microzooplankton, grazing, mesozooplankton grazing, mesocosm, 5m3, Hopavagen, Norway

Abstract

Measurements of in situ phytoplankton growth and grazing by zooplankton normally involve different techniques. We show that a single dilution experiment based on dialysis bags can be used to do these estimates in situ. Dialysis bags allow an estimate of the in situ phytoplankton gross growth rate whereas the dilution gradient allows a simultaneous estimate of microzooplankton grazing. The comparison of the phytoplankton net growth rate outside dialysis bags and the estimated apparent growth rate of phytoplankton in undiluted samples within dialysis bags allows estimating additional loss processes such as mesozooplankton grazing. The method is especially useful in mesocosms experiments.

Date of Published
Sep
Accession Number
ISI:000241402800024
Type of Article
Alternate Journal