Seasonal changes in structure of a submerged bluegreen algal/bacterial community from a geothermal hotspring

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Phycol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5686394

Fagerberg, W R; Arnott, H J

The species (cytospecies) structure and seasonal dynamics of a thermophilic bluegreen algal/bacterial community from Mimbres, New Mexico are described. Using stereological techniques, several common quantitative ecological parameters (biomass, density, distribution measurements, Species Diversity Indices, importance values) were described for the community growing ca. 1 m beneath the water surface on the inner walls of a concrete cistern. Temperature and pH were relatively constant while water flow rates, duration and intensity of light showed seasonal variation. The total volume of the mat occupied by living organsisms did not exceed 2% during the entire year. The remaining volume was occupied by gas and water bubble chambers, gelatinous matrix, empty tubes, mineral deposits, and water. The total biomass remained constant except during a period of severe, seasonal light reduction (November). Species Diversity Indices, density and importance values for the bluegreen algal and bacterial populations showed seasonal changes. The three dominant bluegreen algal cytospecies which represented the greatest amount of biomass alternated in their abundance on a seasonal basis while the three dominant bacterial cytospecies remained the same throughout the period of study. Although considerable season change occurred in the species structure of this community, the total living volume remainedrelatively constant with the major changes in the bluegreen algal populations. Many of the seasonal changes observed appear to correlate with seasonal changes in light intensity and duration.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Texas, Arlington
• OSTI ID: 5686394
• Journal Information: J. Phycol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phycol.; (United States) Vol. 15:4; ISSN JPYLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550100 -- Behavioral Biology
550700* -- Microbiology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ALGAE
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BACTERIA
ECOSYSTEMS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HABITAT
HOT SPRINGS
MICROORGANISMS
MINERAL SPRINGS
PHOTOSENSITIVITY
PLANTS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
RADIATIONS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SENSITIVITY
SPECIES DIVERSITY
STRESSES
THERMAL SPRINGS
THERMAL STRESSES
VARIATIONS
VISIBLE RADIATION