engleski

Biovolume calculation for planktonic algae by using 3 dimensional models

Biovolume is one of the most important characteristics of planktic organisms which basically influences their functional properties like sinking velocity or tolerance to grazing. Biovolume calculation of microalgae is based on the determination of the geometrical shapes that approximate best the shape of the algal cells. After measuring the necessary dimensions of the cells and using the formulas for the geometric shapes cell biovolumes can be calculated. However, this approach may have uncertainties in the case of complicated forms. Here we propose a new approach which uses 3D models to visualize algae, and calculates the volume and the surface of these virtual models. On the bases of these models, specific shape and surface area constants could be calculated. These species-specific constants can be stored in a database, and enable a quick and accurate surface area and volume computation even for the most complicated algal forms. Precise estimation of these metrics could help in the calculation of size-related metrics and traits like surface area/volume ratio or diameter of spherical equivalent, which allows more accurate data analysis and interpretation of the results in phytoplankton ecology.

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