Phototrophic and apochlorotic components of picoplankton and nanoplankton in the North Atlantic: geographic, vertical, seasonal and diel distributions

Authors

Paul G. Davis, University of Rhode Island
David A. Caron
Paul W. Johnson, University of Rhode Island
John McN. Sieburth, University of Rhode Island

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1985

Department

Zoology

Abstract

Chloroplast-containing and apochlorotic cells of nanoplankton (2 to 20 μm), and chroococcoid cyanobacteria and total bacteria in the picoplankton (0.2 to 2.0 μm) were enumerated by epifluorescence microscopy from 39 estuarine and oceanic stations to assess numerical relations of apochlorotic nanoplankton with other components of the microbial plankton. Apparent relations between different plankton types were found over geographic separation as well as seasonal and diel-cycles. Population densities of apochlorotic, heterotrophic nanoplankton (Hnan) and chloroplast-containing, phototrophic nanoplankton (Pnano) were similar, ranging from 10⁴ cells ml^-1 in estuarine environments to 10² cells ml^-1 at oceanic stations. All microbial populations in the euphotic zone showed exponential decreases in concentration with increasing bottom depth. Vertical profiles showed decreasing abundance of all microbial populations with depth. Studies in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, indicated that Hnano, Pnano and total picoplankton (Tpico) followed trends similar to each other over winter/spring and summer blooms. Hnano were positively correlated with Tpico populations one week earlier, suggesting a predator/prey relationship. Diel studies at oceanic stations and in mesocosms in Narragansett Bay revealed positive correlations between Tpico and Hnano populations which may represent small interval temporal changes. These data suggest an abundant and dynamic Hnano population in the marine plankton which reflects changes observed in other components of the microbial plankton.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Davis, P. G., Caron, D. A., Johnson, P. W., & Sieburth, J. McN. (1985). Phototrophic and apochlorotic components of picoplankton and nanoplankton in the North Atlantic: geographic, vertical, seasonal and diel distributions. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 21, 15-26. Retrieved from https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps/21/m021p015.pdf

Available at: https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps/21/m021p015.pdf

Comment

Paul W. Johnson and John McN. Sieburth are affiliated with the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.

Paul G. Davis is affiliated with the Department of Zoology.