Year: 1997
Type: article
Abstract: Total epiphyte load, epiphyte chlorophyll load, epiphyte autotrophic ~n d e x and seagrass short shoot size are compared with water column nutrient concentrations and the elemental composition of seagrass leaf tlssue The s p a t ~a l patterns ~n these parameters are described across a nutrlent ava~lability gradlent In Flonda Bay, Flor~da, USA Multivanate and un~variate statistical analyses were performed on these parameters to test for correlations with vanous measures of nutnent availab~lity Most of the vanation in Thalassia testudjnum short shoot size could be descnbed by p h o s p h o ~u s avail-ab111ty dissolved organic matter in the watei column and water column inorganic nltrogen concentrations Total epiphyte and epiphyte chlorophyll loads were significantly, but weakly, colrelated with phosphorus avallab~lity The measurement of total epiphyte loads and observat~ons of e p i p h y t ~c species composition along a transect adjacent to a p o ~n t source of nutnents revealed that the effect of nutrient e n r ~c h m e n t on epiphyte levels IS pronounced but very localized Epiphyte levels may not be as sensltive to moderate nutnent enrichment as othel seagrass parameters ( e g leaf tissue nutrient content)
Source: Marine Ecology Progress Series
DOI: 10.3354/meps159037
Authors: TA Frankovich, JW Fourqurean
Institution: Florida International University
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2043293240