Naslov
Spatial and temporal variability in abundance and biomass of oligotrich ciliates in Kaštela Bay (middle Adriatic Sea)

Autori
Bojanić, Natalia ; Vidjak, Olja ; Brautović, Igor

Izvornik
Acta Adriatica (0001-5113) 47 (2006), 2; 93-109

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Oligotrich ciliates; Abundance; Biomass; Size categories; Adriatic Sea

Sažetak
The nonloricate ciliate (NLC) community was investigated in Kaštela Bay from January 1998 until November 1999. Samples were collected at four sites characterized by different trophic states. Cell abundance, carbon content, and size categories of the oligotrich ciliates were investigated. NLC abundance was highest in spring with average values of 400-608 ind.l-1. Abundance during the second highest period, autumn-winter, was less pronounced. In the eutrophicated part of the bay, conditions were most favorable for NLC proliferation in summer, with the highest average density (1430&#177; 1348 ind.l-1) in August 1998. The size structure of the NLC populations changed with the trophic gradient. Organisms of <104 &#956; m3 were useful in distinguishing trophic conditions in the marine ecosystem. Eutrophication favored growth of organisms of <104 &#956; m3 while the succession of NLC categories changed without a clear seasonal pattern. Eutrophication also increased NLC biomass and affected seasonal fluctuations of biomass values. Average monthly biomass values ranged from 0.012&#177; 0.014 to 3.925&#177; 5.094 &#956; gC l-1. The high abundance and biomass in Kaštela Bay suggest that NLC play a critical role in the secondary production of the area.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija, Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA