You are here:
A FIVE YEAR RECORD OF PHYTOPLANKTON PIGMENT PATTERNS IN ESCAMBIA/PENSACOLA BAY, FL
Citation:
Lores, E M., M C. Murrell, R S. Stanley, D T. Marcovich, AND L C. Harwell. A FIVE YEAR RECORD OF PHYTOPLANKTON PIGMENT PATTERNS IN ESCAMBIA/PENSACOLA BAY, FL. Presented at An Estuarine Odyssey, St. Pete Beach, FL, Nov. 4-8, 2001.
Description:
Phytoplankton pigments were monitored quarterly at over 50 stations in Escambia/Pensacola Bay System (Pensacola, FL) from spring of 1996 to fall 2000. HPLC accessory pigments were used to analyze the phytoplankton community structure. HPLC data suggest a dominance of blue-green algae throughout the summer, and diatoms dominant in fall and spring. In a more intensive monthly sampling of 5 stations during 2000, phytoplankton were size-fractionated into total, <20 micron, and <5 micron fractions prior to analysis of chlorophyll a. Results indicate that most of the phytoplankton in Escambia Bay are less that 5 micron in size. Taxonomic analysis with light microscopy (2 stations) shows a presence of diatoms throughout most of the year, however epifluorescent microscopy suggests a dominance of pico-cyanobacteria during summer and representing over 80% of the chlorophyll a. The taxonomic analysis shows peak abundances of diatoms (Thalassiosira) in May. This study is designed to provide insight into nutrient processing and effects on phytoplankton community structure in Escambia/Pensacola Bay.